Mississippi State RB Kylin Hill says he won't represent 'this State anymore' if flag not changed

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State senior running back Kylin Hill indicated on Monday he would not continue to play football for the university unless the state flag is changed.

"Either change the flag or I won't be representing this State anymore," Hill tweeted. He also added "I meant that .. I'm tired." 

Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach told the Clarion Ledger he supports his Hill in speaking out.

"The biggest thing is that Kylin is entitled to his opinion just like everybody is," Leach said. "If Kylin chooses to express his opinion, I think he should if he wants to. I think he definitely should because all opinions on all issues should be heard. 

"I think that's where we run into trouble in particular – the dialogue isn't quite what it should be. Not everybody is listening to one another, and I think we have to get to that point. I applaud Kylin's right to express his opinion really on any subject." 

Hill's tweet was in response to Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves' explanation of why he believes creating a second state flag would not be appropriate. Reeves said having two state flags would "divide our state more."

In a tweet responding to his original one, Hill said he was born in Mississippi and knows too well what that symbol stands for. 

Last Thursday, Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey released a statement saying the state of Mississippi will not be able to host conference championship events until the flag is changed.

The NCAA followed up Friday by saying regional events, such as baseball regionals and NCAA women's basketball tournament first- and second round-games, cannot occur in the state of Mississippi as long as the Confederate emblem is still on the state's flag. 

Hill is expected to be a huge factor in Leach's offense. The Columbus, Mississippi, native led the SEC in rushing last year with 1,350 yards. He had 10 touchdowns on the ground and added 180 receiving yards and one touchdown through the air.