NCAA President Expresses Concern Over Indiana's Religious Freedom Bill

The president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association [NCAA] expressed his concerns this week over a newly-signed Indiana bill that seeks to protect religious freedom.

Senate Bill 101 has received criticism from those who argue that it will allow small business owners to discriminate against homosexual customers based on their religious beliefs.

The piece of legislation, signed by Indiana Governor Mike Pence in private on Thursday, says that the state government cannot "substantially burdening" a person's religious freedoms unless it's able to show it has compelling interest to do so.

NCAA President Mark Emmert released a statement Thursday expressing his concern over the bill as Indianapolis prepares to the host the men's college basketball Final Four tournament on April 4.

"We are especially concerned about how this legislation could affect our student-athletes and employees," Emmert said in his statement Thursday afternoon.

Emmert went on to say that his organization will "work diligently" to make sure those participating in and attending the Final Four tournament are not "negatively impacted by this bill." Emmert added that the NCAA, which is based in Indianapolis, will "closely examine the implications of this bill and how it might affect future events as well as our workforce."

Gov. Pence has defended his choice to sign the bill into law, saying the argument that the bill will cause discrimination is a "misunderstanding."

"This bill is not about discrimination," Pence said, adding "and if I thought it legalized discrimination I would have vetoed it."