Emmert indicates RFRA could lead to significant changes for NCAA, Indiana

NCAA President Mark Emmert is confident his organization can put on a terrific Final Four this weekend in Indianapolis despite the controversy related to the state legislature's passing last week of the 'religious freedom' bill.

However, Emmert didn't deny it could lead to significant changes in the NCAA's relationship with Indianapolis and the state of Indiana beyond this weekend.

"For us personally in the NCAA, this is a big deal. We're proud of our inclusive environment in our office," said Emmert, talking with Andy Katz on ESPNU on Monday afternoon. "We're proud of the environment we've created and we don't want to lose that, and we don't want it put at risk."

The NCAA is based in Indianapolis and hosts numerous events here.

Michigan State plays Duke and Wisconsin faces Kentucky on Saturday night in Lucas Oil Stadium, with the national championship to be contested next Monday. The weekend's festivities include several concerts, highlighted by Imagine Dragons, Rhianna and the Zac Brown Band.

The women's Final Four is scheduled for Indianapolis next year.

The bill, signed by Gov. Mike Pence, is scheduled to take effect in July. The governor has said lawmakers will consider legislation clarifying the measure but Emmert said he was disappointed with those efforts so far.

Emmert -- who said he has spoken with Pence, House Leader Brian Bosma, R-Carmel, and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard -- wants to see those clarifications before determining what the legislation means to the NCAA.

"We hold lots and lots of events here, our national convention here, our office is here," said Emmert. "We have to say, what are we going to do if this law goes into effect in July and what's our relationship with the state of Indiana going to be?"

The president didn't say he would move the women's Final Four or the organization's headquarters from Indy, but he also didn't rule it out.

"I'm not sure about that," he said. "We'd have to consider it and discuss it. We'd do it deliberately and thoughtfully. You don't want to disrupt an event that's been in the making so long it'll change the experience for the student-athletes, but if we have to move events, we'll do it and do it in a way that provides student-athletes the experience they deserve and have worked for."