SPORTS

Mullen, Freeze among coaches opposed to flag

Michael Bonner, and Hugh Kellenberger

The biggest names on the campuses of Mississippi State and Ole Miss, including Dan Mullen, Ben Howland, Hugh Freeze and Andy Kennedy, are in favor of changing the state flag, a spokesperson from each school told The Clarion-Ledger on Friday.

But both schools declined requests to make any of their coaches available for direct comment regarding the issue of the state flag.

Ole Miss spokesperson Joey Jones said both Freeze and Kennedy support the statement issued by acting Chancellor Morris H. Stocks to change the flag.

"The University of Mississippi community came to the realization years ago that the Confederate battle flag did not represent many of our core values such as civility and respect for others," Stocks said in a statement. "Since that time, we have become a stronger and better university. We join other leaders in our state who are calling for a change in the state flag."

Bill Martin said Mississippi State's coaches stand by the statement released by university President Mark Keenum on Thursday that also supported a new flag. Athletic Director Scott Stricklin also declined comment referring to the statement.

"Flags should unite us and bring us together, not divide us. The tragic events in South Carolina and the evolving national debate over the state flag is a debate that should take place today in Mississippi," said Keenum in a released statement. "In 2001, the Mississippi State University Faculty Senate voted overwhelmingly in support of changing the state flag of Mississippi prior to the failed statewide voter referendum on that question. I have seen no indication that attitudes have changed on that question on our campus."

Keenum said the topic is of paramount importance to MSU. Mississippi State has the highest percentage of African-American enrollment in the SEC as well as its history regarding sports and civil rights.

"Since 1963 and the 'Game of Change' with Loyola in the NCAA basketball tournament, MSU has been unequivocal in our support for fair and inclusive competition," Keenum said.

Keenum also expressed Mississippi State's desire to host upcoming NCAA Championships. Both schools have suitable facilities to host some events.

Despite not being available Friday, both Mullen and Freeze will likely be asked to address the issue of Mississippi's state flag during SEC Media Days next week. Mullen will be in Hoover, Alabama on Tuesday, while Freeze will be at the annual preseason event on Thursday.