Mississippi State Flag May Cost SEC Tournament

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Jackson, Mississippi wants to host the 2012 Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament. However, there's concern that the state's flag may keep them out of the running.

Depending on who you ask in the state of Mississippi, the confederate flag has a completely different meaning.

"The rebel sign was like a form of hatred for black Americans," said Mississippi resident Jasmine Collins.

"Everybody has their own opinions… I just think it's alright," countered fellow resident Tracy Cayer.

While it might sound like a black and white issue, it's Mississippi's state flag that might be throwing a curve ball over the SEC's home plate.

Over the last several years the SEC Baseball Tournament has been played in the Birmingham, Alabama suburb of Hoover. But now the SEC is offering bids to several southern cities, including Jackson, Mississippi, to host the 2012 Tournament.

Craig Mattox with the SEC said while they're looking at bids, Mississippi's state flag is something the conference is looking at very seriously.

"We will present all of the bids to the athletic directors next week," said Mattox. "We'll take the state flag of Mississippi into consideration, again it's not a deal breaker but it just would be something we would consider."

Not trying to offend anyone with a tournament that draws big crowds and is seen on national television, Mattox said the SEC is looking out without causing controversy.

"The confederate flag is offensive to some people and we want it to be a positive experience for everybody," Mattox said.

As the SEC continues to look at their options for the 2012 Tournament, those who live in Mississippi said while the flag might be a part of the state's past they don't want it to affect the state's financial future.

"There's a lot of stuff that's going to be turned down in Mississippi because of the flag," concluded Collins.

Mississippi State Senator Merle Flowers said in 2001, voters elected to keep the state flag the way it is by a 2 - 1 margin.