UConn Coach Kevin Ollie to Boycott Final Four in Light of Indiana Travel Ban

UConn men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie is boycotting the Final Four in Indianapolis in light of an executive order banning all state-sponsored travel to Indiana.

Gov. Dannel Malloy's decision came after Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed into law a measure that critics say makes discrimination legal on the grounds of religious protection.

Ollie, who last year led his team to a national title, and other top staff members were slated to attend the conference of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, which coincides with the Final Four in Indianapolis.

But UConn President Susan Herbst said in a news release Tuesday evening those plans have changed.

"In support of Governor Malloy's travel ban to the state of Indiana, Kevin Ollie and other members of the UConn men's basketball staff will not travel to Indianapolis for the NCAA Final Four and events surrounding it," Herbst said in a statement. "UConn is a community that values all of our members and treats each person with the same degree of respect, regardless of their background and beliefs and we will not tolerate any other behavior."

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal encouraged UConn coaches to send a loud message to Indiana by declining to attend the NABC conference.

"I wouldn’t presume to give advice but if I were in their shoes I would stay away," said Blumenthal, a Democrat. "I think they can send a very powerful message as all of us can."

Malloy said during a press conference Tuesday the decision was ultimately up to UConn.

Contact Us