NCAA Ban on Tournaments In South Carolina Is Targeted

A Confederate heritage group plans to challenge the NCAA's ban on championship events in South Carolina as long as the Confederate flag flies on the grounds of the state capitol.

In 2001, the NCAA barred any of its predetermined postseason tournaments from South Carolina. The organization is considering a request from the Black Coaches Association to extend the ban to sports where teams earn a chance to host playoff games, such as baseball or football.

The NCAA has "no business getting involved in the politics of this or any other state," Randy Burbage, commander of the South Carolina division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, said yesterday. "The NCAA should stick to sports -- something they should know something about -- and stay out of politics in South Carolina."

Added Gene Hogan, one of the group's leaders, "March Madness has turned into malicious meddling."

Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans are male descendants of veterans who served in the Confederate forces during the Civil War.

NCAA spokesman Bob Williams said his organization wants to "ensure that our championships are free from any type of symbolism that might make someone uncomfortable based on their race."

· BASEBALL: Former Arizona Diamondbacks owner Jerry Colangelo would be interested in buying the Chicago Cubs if the Tribune Co. puts his hometown franchise up for sale.

Colangelo, chairman of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and former controlling owner of both the Suns and Diamondbacks, said he has held "preliminary discussion" with unspecified individuals who share his interest in buying the Cubs.

He declined to say whether he had spoken to the Tribune Co. or the Cubs about his interest, but said, "You can speculate that."

"If in fact the Cubs become available, and that's a big if, I've stated that I would have great interest," he told the Associated Press. "I'm just trying to keep my options open at this point, that's all."

Tribune, under pressure from large shareholders disappointed with its sagging stock price, has said it hopes to decide by year's end on a strategic overhaul that could include selling the entire company or certain assets. Those assets also include 11 newspapers and 25 television stations.