Sports

Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act: USC AD Pat Haden Boycotting CFP Meeting in Indianapolis

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University of Southern California (USC) athletic director Pat Haden will not make an upcoming trip to Indianapolis in protest of the state's controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

According to USA Today, the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee is set for a routine meeting Wednesday and Thursday in Indianapolis. Mentioning he has a son who is gay, Haden's only comment on his skipping the meeting was through a post on his official Twitter account.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the RFRA into law last week amid concerns over the bill's language, that it seemed to allow businesses the freedom to discriminate against homosexuals in the name of religious beliefs. Pence since stated he is seeking to have the RFRA "clarified" and "fixed" so it "does not give businesses the right to deny services to anyone," the Washington Post quoted him saying at a press conference.

Since the bill's release the NCAA, which is based in Indianapolis, and several college presidents within the state have joined several critics of RFRA in openly expressing concern over the RFRA, or in some cases opposing it outright. The NCAA has a number of sporting events planned to take place in Indianapolis, including this year's men's basketball Final Four.

"I certainly understand and respect Pat's position," CFP Executive Director Bill Hancock told USA Today. "Everyone has the right to express their personal opinion and Pat, to his credit, has expressed his. As a father and also a human being, I respect him for that. I will also express my personal opinion: I think they need to fix this.

Hancock said the upcoming meeting will mostly concern "nuts and bolts" as well some minor alterations for the upcoming football season.

"But my focus is on sports. Other people who are more knowledgeable that I am are better positioned to address this matter," he said. "Our group's focus will remain on sports."

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