Utah governor defends support for NBA minority scholarship

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah's governor has defended his position to support a minority scholarship program sponsored by the Utah Jazz despite criticism from some who have called the program racist.

FOX13 reported Monday that Republican Gov. Spencer Cox on a radio show last week was asked about an initiative started under Jazz owner Ryan Smith for the team to offer a four-year scholarship to an underrepresented or minority student for each of the team's wins this season.

Cox told a caller that he did not think the program was racist and later reinforced his comments on Twitter.

He was supported by retired NBA legend Dwyane Wade.