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ACC moves baseball tourney out of S.C.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

(Updated 3:01 pm)

By Jeff Mills
Staff Writer

GREENSBORO — The Confederate battle flag has cost Myrtle Beach the ACC baseball tournament. The league changed course Monday, announcing it would not play in the South Carolina city from 2011-13 and instead awarded those dates to Greensboro and Durham.

Greensboro will have the tournament at NewBridge Bank Park in 2012, and Durham Bulls Athletic Park — which held this year's event — will play host in 2011 and 2013. Greensboro had previously been awarded the 2010 tournament.

"It's a great day for us and a great day for the city to have those championships right here in our back yard," said Donald Moore, president and general manager of the South Atlantic League's Greensboro Grasshoppers. "It's one of the best — if not the best — baseball leagues in the country, and to get the championships here, well, that's pretty special."

In early May, the ACC chose Myrtle Beach's three-year bid over Greensboro's proposal to host the conference tournament. That decision broke with an NCAA policy set in 2001 against awarding championship events to South Carolina while the Confederate battle flag still flies on the State House grounds in Columbia, S.C.

The ACC's decision was immediately criticized by South Carolina's state chapter of the NAACP, which reportedly planned to stage protests at the baseball tournament. At the time, Myrtle Beach's lead organizer -- North Johnson, general manager of the Carolina League's Myrtle Beach Pelicans — said the local chapter of the NAACP, the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn all supported the bid. Clyburn, a Democrat, is the highest ranking African American in Congress.

Johnson did not return phone messages left Monday afternoon.

"Our baseball committee and institutional administrators awarded the championships to Myrtle Beach with the understanding that the event had the blessings of all parties within the state of South Carolina," ACC Commissioner John Swofford said in a statement released Monday afternoon. "It has become clear this was not the case."

The ACC's last neutral-site championship event in South Carolina was its 2000 baseball tournament, held just south of Charlotte in Fort Mill, S.C.

That same year, the NAACP pressed for a ban. At that time, the Confederate battle flag flew atop the South Carolina State Capitol building. The flag was later moved to a Confederate memorial on State House grounds.

The ACC has a member school in South Carolina — Clemson — and in 2005 the conference decided it would consider awarding league championships to South Carolina venues on a case-by-case basis. The key stipulation: "the host-site proposal include a plan to work with the NAACP at the local and state levels to ensure a proper environment."

Myrtle Beach's bid included the local NAACP, but not the state group.

"It's unfortunate that this miscommunication occurred," Swofford said, "and since the original announcement, we have had productive conversations with members of the NAACP. In the end, given the conference's commitment to diversity, equality and human rights, our institutions have determined that this change should be made."

Myrtle Beach's loss is North Carolina's gain.

In all, 39,639 fans attended the 13 games of the tournament in Durham this year. That's the ninth-best total in ACC history, and it happened with two of the state's teams — Wake Forest and N.C. State — not qualifying for the eight-team event. Now the Bulls' park gets two more shots.

And Greensboro?

"We're thrilled about it," Moore said. "Back when we first submitted the bid, we had bid on all three years and were disappointed when we didn't get it. But we had conversations recently about sharing it with Durham. It's good for us, good for Durham and good for the league because we're right in the middle of the ACC footprint."

Moore has often pitched NewBridge Bank Park as a potential site for the tournament. He said Grasshoppers officials did their homework at Durham this year.

"It's a lot of work," Moore said. "This is an event we want more for Greensboro and the people who live here rather than as a money-maker. It's something we want to bring to our city."

Contact Jeff Mills at 373-7024 or jeff.mills@news-record.com

Accompanying Photos

File photo (News & Record)

Photo Caption: NewBridge Bank Park in Greensboro.

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tell it

July 7, 2009 - 7:09 am EDT

Now only if Black Bikers would boycott Myrtle Beach we could get back Harley Bike week.

bigwill

July 7, 2009 - 8:08 am EDT

Both bike weeks are still there, its just that Myrtle Beach doesn't officially sponsor them anymore nor should they. There were too many citizens and vacationers of Myrtle Beach that complained. Its not the government that you have to win over its the citizens and families that vacation there that you have to preach to, but I seriously doubt you could prove a positive point. There are too many negatives to the bike weeks.

tell it

July 7, 2009 - 4:35 pm EDT

bigwill people like you know it all's have absolutely no idea of what you speak ,you accept the propaganda spewed forth from the media of Myrtle Beach,first of all I never said the city sponsored bike week, they were not going to sponsor the ACC tourney either, second there are few if any vacationers there during the middle of May when the Harley rally takes place,you know school is still in session,I bet you could not name 1 negative that happens during the Harley rally that doesn't happen ,let's say during the Fourth of July.Myrtle Beach is and has always been nothing but a tourist trap, redneck beach,you cannot buy class,I include my self in the redneck category.The ONE and ONLY reason Myrtle Beach put restrictions on the Harley Rally is because of the BLACK BIKE WEEK.urinating in the streets,sex in public,walking out of restaurants without paying,vandalism,and no respect for their surroundings,that my friend is why there is no more Harley Rally.By the way check out reports in the Winston-Salem Journal and you will see where teenagers from the Triad were arrested in Myrtle Beach for being involved of filming homosexual sex by the pier in Myrtle Beach,yea that's the family atmosphere I am looking for.

bigwill

July 7, 2009 - 5:18 pm EDT

Well tell it, considering I have family that manages businesses at Myrtle Beach and others who also own rental condos at the beach I would say that I know alot more of the Bike Week aspect than you think. Although it is very true the points you give about the the Black Bike week, there are also other things you don't think about. The negative aspects I am talking about are not necessarily criminal things, although there are some wild ones during Harley week too, so don't make it seem like nothing happens then either. Also, if you even knew what you were talking about you would know that black bike week was not the "ONE and ONLY" reason why the Harley week is no longer a recognized event by Myrtle Beach. The city was receiving complaints of the noise issues with the exhaust from the bikes along with some business economy complaints. You see only certain businesses benefit from these events and the majority of businesses that cater to all types of people were losing money due to the lack of visitors and citizens. Most people do not want to be around that and therefor some people endure a profit loss during this period. There is your 1 negative, but lets get back to my original comment. You originally stated that the Black Bikers could boycott Myrtle Beach so you could get back your Harley Bike week. Then I stated that the Bike weeks were still being held, its just that Myrtle Beach does not sponsor, endorse, recognize, affiliate, host, or whatever other word you would like to use, any longer at this time. You of course jump the gun, thinking criminal negatives instead of what the actual issues were. Although, some safety issues were part of the concern, again the main issue was the complaints from the lack of economy. Know your facts next time before you reply to me.

tell it

July 7, 2009 - 8:02 pm EDT

Oh bigwill I can tell you know much about everything by reading your other post.I too have friends and family in the food service and property management in MB.They are concerned that a bunch of blinded prudes( mainly transplants that chose to move to MB) can force out certain elements of their clientele,that spend "mucho deniro". I do not deny that bikers are all Puritans when they visit the "Red Neck Rivera",but the good out of 200,000 people that do show up and act responsible,more than out weigh the bad. I too think that residents property should be respected,but hey you live in a tourist trap town deal with it,don't tell me that traffic during the Fourth of July week is any better than Bike week .To address my taking your "Myrtle Beach sponsored" statement out of context,I do not know how to understand it any other way,I am not clairvoyant .as far as business's being hurt just ask the owners of Damon's what they think of the NAACP,after they were forced to pay thousands of dollars after they made a business decision to close during Black Bike Week.So bigwill know both sides of the story before reply to me.Smart A$$

bigwill

July 8, 2009 - 9:43 am EDT

Hmmm, that's funny, I don't ever remember saying anything about that I lived in MB as you just stated. Anyways, what point are you trying to make here? My original comment to you was that bike week is still at MB and after chatting with many friends that attended this year, it was an even bigger turn out than last year. Maybe you should lower your ego since I can't help that my knowledge and facts is greater than yours. So how about we get back to the subject and maybe you could actually post something that has to do with this article. I just simply corrected you earlier that the bike weeks were still there, they haven't left. Obviously, you are the one that doesn't know anything here or else you would be able to understand and comprehend that statement. I would rather be a "Smart A$$" than a D.A. Know your role, prick.

Paul J

July 7, 2009 - 9:11 am EDT

Good for Myrtle Beach. At least some places have leadership instead of cowards running anytime a colored complains about something. We need these leaders in Greensboro.

bigwill

July 7, 2009 - 11:44 am EDT

I believe you read this story totally wrong, Paul J. The ACC backed down to the NAACP because the NAACP was complaining about the state flag which has absolutely nothing to do with playing the game of baseball. They are cowards because they moved the games from South Carolina to N.C. because they were afraid of the NAACP boycott. Why would we need these leaders in Greensboro, we already have the biggest bigot on the council who if I'm not mistaken, is head of the local NAACP. Oh well, this just shows the NAACP of South Carolina's ignorance, immaturity, and lack of judgement. They allowed their pride & prejudice to overcome their brains and in result hurt the struggling economy of South Carolina. Although thanks to them, North Carolina, Greensboro, and Durham will have a boost in local and state revenues and businesses. During these periods of tournament play, although they maybe temporary, there will be numerous employment opportunities available. Hotels, restaraunts, bars, and shopping centers will be booming from all of the visitors. To the NAACP of South Carolina, you should be ashamed of your actions, for you should have used this as an opportunity to show how times have changed and the diversity of players that are on each team that would have entered the stadium. That would have shown that the S.C. flag only flies as a piece of history and not for which you claim its offense it causes. Your actions have caused even more hardship to your state as your lack of common sense has forced out much needed revenues and job opportunities for your state. Thanks NAACP of South Carolina, I will be thinking of you while I gladly pay for my North Carolina hot dogs, sodas, parking pass, and entry fee to enjoy the great game of baseball.

Paul J

July 7, 2009 - 12:59 pm EDT

Anyone who belongs to or supports the naacp is a racist. Again hats off to SC leaders. We need more of them.

jeepdriver

July 7, 2009 - 11:44 am EDT

Thats right. Hats off to the SC chapter of the NAACP. What a boost this will be for not only Greensboro but Durham as well. Just glad that SC does not back down from flying the colors of the south. How many times do you see blacks wearing the flag of Afrca on shirts, bumper stickers, vanity plates, etc. and we are called "racist" to display the flag of our heritage. BTW it was a war between the states and NOT a Civil War as so many sheeple are lead to believe.

countryboy

July 7, 2009 - 12:27 pm EDT

The confederate flag flew over the institution of slavery for 4 years. Just out of curiosity, how many years did the stars and stripes fly over slavery? Are we going to boycott the states that fly the stars and stripes because that flag flew over a nation that endorsed slavery much longer than the confederate flag. This argument is all about style...not substance.

jackhartjj

July 7, 2009 - 12:32 pm EDT

Shame the ACC chickened out to the race profiting scumbags!

bigwill

July 7, 2009 - 1:44 pm EDT

Oh and by the way N&R, the Confederate battle flag did not cost Myrtle Beach the ACC tournament. It was the ignorance and immaturity of the NAACP of S.C. that caused a loss to Myrtle Beach and the state. I seriously doubt that the flag would have even been a factor nor would it have ever been a thought in any of the ACC team's minds while they were playing in the tournament. Again, an issue will never die due to the fact of certain individuals that are still wanting to live in the past. A simple flag flying on a flag pole can't cause a problem, only a person's interpretation and prejudice can be the problem. In conclusion, a group of individuals are the problem, not the flag, therefor the wording in your first line should be revised to show the truth and fact of the issue. If this flag is such an offense to them, then why do they still live in South Carolina and how is it harming them?

claysmth

July 7, 2009 - 5:21 pm EDT

Concerning your humorous statement, "...an issue will never die due to the fact of certain individuals that are still wanting to live in the past." Did you know that the so-called former Confederate States of America were soundly defeated by the United States of America in April of 1865?? Obviously, nobody told you. General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General U.S. Grant up in Virginia. The Civil War is over. Y'all lost. Look it up!!

bigwill

July 7, 2009 - 5:33 pm EDT

claysmth, what the heck are you rambling about? Who are you refering to when you say "Y'all lost"? I wasn't even here when this war took place and neither were the people of the NAACP who are complaining about a flag. So you just prove my point on how ignorant and immature people are about this entire ordeal. If it happened so long ago and "Y'all lost", then why is a flag flying on a flag pole, so offensive? Again, because people keep bringing up the past. Please raise your intelligence to my level before you comment again since it seems you can't comprehend.

claysmth

July 7, 2009 - 6:30 pm EDT

BigWill, YOU are the one complaining about "living in the past." This entire ban by the NCAA (not by the NAACP...the NAACP does not sponsor college athletic championships) is about the racist confederate flag. You know that, BigWill.

If you actually believed in diversity, equality and human rights, you would be supporting this ban by the NCAA and support the removal of the racist "SYMBOL OF THE PAST" from government property in South Carolina.

bigwill

July 8, 2009 - 9:59 am EDT

The only people that make it a racist symbol are the people who want it to represent a racist symbol. As stated before, you obviously have no idea what you are talking about and I see you only can read parts of a story. Yes, the NCAA did ban championships but, as stated later the ACC makes events in SC on a case by case basis. Then, if you keep reading it states that the local NAACP approved the event, but the state level was the ones complaining. If you knew your history claysmth, other than what you have been made to believe, you would know that the only thing that flag did was seperate the states and was used as a battle flag. If you want to get technical about it, the US Flag was also flying at the same time during slavery periods, so why isn't that offensive?
A flag flying on a flag pole is not racist. Someone can only make it racist. Can you please explain to me how this flag affects a South Carolina resident or someone who is playing or watching a baseball game? Grow up claysmth, your just as ignorant and immature as the rest of the people on the SC state NAACP. I think you need to go back to school and re-learn your US History.

claysmth

July 7, 2009 - 5:05 pm EDT

Thank you, Atlantic Coast Conference, for have the guts to stand up to ignorance, racism and bigotry. We are happy that you corrected a wrong decision and didn't buckle under the misdirected pressure of a few bigots, such as some of these on this message board. Again, thank you.

bigwill

July 7, 2009 - 5:23 pm EDT

Hey claysmth, what story are you reading? They did back down to ignorance. They were planning to have the ACC tourney in Myrtle Beach, but backed out because a group of people were going to boycott something that had nothing to do with the tournament at all. Please explain to me how they corrected a wrong decision, you must have only read the first paragraph and stopped there.

claysmth

July 7, 2009 - 6:20 pm EDT

Obviously, this is the part of the article that you did NOT read: "...(ACC Commissiner John) Swofford said, "and since the original announcement, we have had productive conversations with members of the NAACP. In the end, given the conference's commitment to diversity, equality and human rights, our institutions have determined that this change should be made."

That was in the 12th paragraph, BigWill.

Simply put, the confederate flag does not stand for "diversity, equality and human rights." The state of South Carolina honors this racist symbol, thus the ACC decided not to honor the state of South Carolina with it's baseball tournament.

The reversal was the correct decision. Enjoy your day!!

bigwill

July 8, 2009 - 10:18 am EDT

If you truly believe that the NAACP did not effect the outcome to this decision, then you are living a sheltered life. First no one had a problem with this, even the local NAACP. Then when the state level steps in, its all of the sudden a race issue. Finally, this statment comes out from the ACC. Who do you think had the leverage in that meeting? You are blind claysmth, its people like you and this NAACP why racism will never go away. You assume things instead of looking at the facts. Your pride & prejudice will not allow you to understand what the true history is of the Confederate Battle flag. Please tell me where this single flag is located and how it would have affected this tournament? Also, tell me why, if this issue is so racist, blacks are still living and moving to South Carolina? I see your ignorance is still showing.