There’s always some memorable quotes to come out of SEC Media Days, but they usually at least loosely relate to football. On Thursday, Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze ventured into the world of politics and said the state flag of Mississippi should be changed.

“Being a Mississippian I have a great appreciation for the Mississippi people and the pride we have in the heritage,” Freeze said. “Unfortunately that symbol has been hijacked by some groups that mean ill-will towards some people.”

“While I’m not a political figure I strongly believe it is time we move in a different direction and change the flag. Hopefully that’ll happen.”

Freeze is referencing the image of the Confederate battle flag in the top left corner of the Mississippi state flag. It is the only state that currently features the symbol.

There has been a huge backlash against the Confederate flag and rebel symbol ever since the June 17 mass shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. The shooter (who doesn’t deserve to be named) was a white supremacist who affiliated closely with the Confederate flag.

Freeze is absolutely correct that it’s the right time to finally distance ourselves from the most polarizing and discernible symbol of the Old South. While I usually feel it’s best for sports figures to keep their noses out of politics, at least until they’re out of sports, I have no problem with Freeze using his fame, ability, and platform to get an important message out to the public.

Seth Lassen is a writer for RantSports. ‘Like’ him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @Seth_Lassen.