TRENTON, N.J., Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The NCAA said it will move five collegiate championships out of New Jersey in response to the state's push to legalize sports betting.
The NCAA, the governing body for collegiate sports, said the affected events are: Division I men's and women's swimming and diving meets; early-round games in the Division I women's basketball tournament; Division III men's volleyball; and Division II and III women's lacrosse.
New Jersey lawmakers have passed legislation legalizing sports betting in 2013, though the NCAA and professional sports leagues are expected to challenge the matter in court, The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger reported Tuesday.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie had harsh words for the NCAA in a statement after the organization announced it is moving the championships.
"The NCAA wants to penalize New Jersey for legalizing what occurs illegally every day in every state and often with the participation of organized crime," Christie said. "But the NCAA looks the other way for that? Ludicrous and hypocritical."
