((HT: CBS Sports/Solomon))
Jon Solomon wrote another stellar piece on the future of the UAB Athletics program- and their thinking, through the CarrSports Report, is that they'll be fine. But there are a few issues with their report.
The biggest issue is the idea that they'll be retained by Conference USA- which would be a violation of the conference's own by-laws.
From the piece:
UAB is projected to lose roughly $2 million per year in NCAA and Conference USA revenue starting in 2015-16. That includes annual payouts of $900,000 in C-USA TV revenue, $800,000 from the College Football Playoff, and $40,000 in C-USA bowl money. Carr projected a flat $800,000 from the playoff each year even though it's expected the payouts will increase.
The financial projections assume UAB will remain a C-USA member -- a value the study shows is $657,000 annually as a non-football member -- but many people believe that's unlikely to happen since C-USA's current bylaws require playing football for membership. UAB projects $350,000 per year in NCAA men's basketball tournament units from C-USA, $260,000 a year from a C-USA revenue growth supplement, and $40,000 a year from the C-USA men's basketball tournament.
The school seems to be banking on the idea that they can broker the lost football games from 2015 and lessen their make-goods: which, frankly, is a misconceived idea. Any school that might be looking for a 2015 game probably already has a schedule mapped out. And any school that is REALLY looking for a game, probably, can handle their own negotiating.
Thanks for asking, though...
There's nothing in it for the seeker- except doing President Ray Watts a solid.
And that's got to be a small group of Presidents and Athletics Directors...
There is the further assumption that people will return (or new donors will emerge) with football gone. In the south, that would be a rarity indeed. A school that had football that now does not, but will be adding cross country and track and field doesn't seem like a fair swap for donor dollars.
For the record, Solomon says CarrSports got a little under $80,000 for their wisdom using VCU, Wichita State, and the American Athletic Conference as their benchmarks for thought when it comes to UAB's future.
The HQ would think that UAB is destined for a conference like the Atlantic Sun for their sports since they're more interested in saving dollars rather than investing. That latter notion would send them to the American, the Missouri Valley, or the Atlantic-10. But cost-cutting moves like wiping out the band don't give mid-major basketball conferences reasons to be all that enthusiastic about level of competitiveness.
Tommy Spina caught up with former UAB football booster Justin Craft about the demise of the program and what can be done from here- if anything
((HT: CW21/MYTV68 Birmingham))
Showing posts with label #FreeUAB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #FreeUAB. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Birmingham Econ Leaders Meet To Discuss UAB
((HT: ABC3340))
Looks like it was a luncheon or something...
But Birmingham civic and economic leaders met to discuss the future of UAB as an institution- wondering aloud a few things including whether or not the school should break away from the University of Alabama system
ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports
Not that a whole lot was accomplished- other than making sure other civic leaders remember where the situation stands at present- a detached president, a selfish Board of Regents, and a lot of athletes trying to fend for an education.
But the HQ hopes more UAB kids and coaches find jobs and can stick it to the current President of the university in more ways than one...
Looks like it was a luncheon or something...
But Birmingham civic and economic leaders met to discuss the future of UAB as an institution- wondering aloud a few things including whether or not the school should break away from the University of Alabama system
ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports
Not that a whole lot was accomplished- other than making sure other civic leaders remember where the situation stands at present- a detached president, a selfish Board of Regents, and a lot of athletes trying to fend for an education.
But the HQ hopes more UAB kids and coaches find jobs and can stick it to the current President of the university in more ways than one...
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Watts Silent At UAB Graduation
((HT: ABC3340))
It may have been a prudent move- considering the current atmosphere on his campus...
It may have been a silly move- considering the current atmosphere on campus...
It may have been a move of hubris- considering the current atmosphere on campus...
The HQ figures it was all three and a few more emotions wrapped in...
Yesterday was Graduation day on the UAB campus and President Ray Watts chose not to speak to his graduating class- choosing instead to have a prepared statement released to the media and all those attending.
Watts also hose not to shake hands with his graduates- although it would have been interesting to hear the conversations.
Here was the most contentious graduation ceremony in recent memory on any campus
ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports
President Watts did not attend the doctoral hooding ceremony that afternoon, either. He has also had to cancel a speaking engagement at a suburban Chamber meeting- by mutual consent.
Heavy sponsors for the athletic program are pulling out now as well...
Congratulations...
It may have been a prudent move- considering the current atmosphere on his campus...
It may have been a silly move- considering the current atmosphere on campus...
It may have been a move of hubris- considering the current atmosphere on campus...
The HQ figures it was all three and a few more emotions wrapped in...
Yesterday was Graduation day on the UAB campus and President Ray Watts chose not to speak to his graduating class- choosing instead to have a prepared statement released to the media and all those attending.
Watts also hose not to shake hands with his graduates- although it would have been interesting to hear the conversations.
Here was the most contentious graduation ceremony in recent memory on any campus
ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports
President Watts did not attend the doctoral hooding ceremony that afternoon, either. He has also had to cancel a speaking engagement at a suburban Chamber meeting- by mutual consent.
Heavy sponsors for the athletic program are pulling out now as well...
Congratulations...
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
DEVELOPING: UAB Faculty Senate Calls For No Confidence Vote On Watts
((HT: MyFoxAL))
The Faculty Senate at UAB has voted two different resolutions: one gives a vote of "no confidence" to President Ray Watts and the other is to restore athletics to its pre-blowing up status.
Watts, shockingly, did not attend the Senate meeting on campus. But he did issue a nebulous statement that wanted task forces and search committees to solve the problems.
Just what the school needs... to spend more money that you claim you don't have to solve the problems of athletics created by the university and CarrSports on Watts' behalf in the first place.
Here's the early view from campus
When microbiology professors are talking positives about the football program, you know things are way more messed up than we all thought from the outside.
Madison Underwood, over at AL.com, writes that 19 former Mr. and Ms. UAB scholarship recipients penned a letter to the university, the Senate, and the Board of Trustees claiming Watts' act won't go unnoticed:
"When we watched the video of President Ray Watts and how this news was delivered, we were appalled and saddened that any student would be treated that way, especially by the president of our university," the letter said. "Even the timing of the announcement during finals and just prior to graduation was insensitive at best."
In a section of the letter directed to Watts, the former scholarship recipients say, "we will not remain idle as you destroy our dear old UAB."
More when we know more...
The Faculty Senate at UAB has voted two different resolutions: one gives a vote of "no confidence" to President Ray Watts and the other is to restore athletics to its pre-blowing up status.
Watts, shockingly, did not attend the Senate meeting on campus. But he did issue a nebulous statement that wanted task forces and search committees to solve the problems.
Just what the school needs... to spend more money that you claim you don't have to solve the problems of athletics created by the university and CarrSports on Watts' behalf in the first place.
Here's the early view from campus
When microbiology professors are talking positives about the football program, you know things are way more messed up than we all thought from the outside.
Madison Underwood, over at AL.com, writes that 19 former Mr. and Ms. UAB scholarship recipients penned a letter to the university, the Senate, and the Board of Trustees claiming Watts' act won't go unnoticed:
"When we watched the video of President Ray Watts and how this news was delivered, we were appalled and saddened that any student would be treated that way, especially by the president of our university," the letter said. "Even the timing of the announcement during finals and just prior to graduation was insensitive at best."
In a section of the letter directed to Watts, the former scholarship recipients say, "we will not remain idle as you destroy our dear old UAB."
More when we know more...
Sunday, December 7, 2014
No Bowl For UAB, Bentley Gives Political Response
((HT: Montgomery Advertiser))
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley attempted to weigh in on the whole blowing up of the UAB program...
And, in true political fashion, we have this response...
The HQ thinks that the comparison he is TRYING to make has to do with the Lowder instance at Auburn. But Lowder acted independently of the rest of the Board of Trustees and, since Bentley is governor, he is naturally predisposed to getting the information that the BoT is going to do whatever it is going to do. So, whatever... And there's no bowl game in the deal for UAB as well... the Armed Forces Bowl seemed to be the only bowl with an open spot and they gave it to Pitt- which makes close to zero sense, but the HQ is quite aware that no bowl game will touch this situation. We only wished that Florida deferred in the Birmingham Bowl and gave them their spot... UAB and Middle Tennessee were the two teams bowl eligible in Conference USA So, here's the presser that killed three teams at once FOSG Trent Butler anchored coverage at the time ((HT: WIAT-TV))
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley attempted to weigh in on the whole blowing up of the UAB program...
And, in true political fashion, we have this response...
The HQ thinks that the comparison he is TRYING to make has to do with the Lowder instance at Auburn. But Lowder acted independently of the rest of the Board of Trustees and, since Bentley is governor, he is naturally predisposed to getting the information that the BoT is going to do whatever it is going to do. So, whatever... And there's no bowl game in the deal for UAB as well... the Armed Forces Bowl seemed to be the only bowl with an open spot and they gave it to Pitt- which makes close to zero sense, but the HQ is quite aware that no bowl game will touch this situation. We only wished that Florida deferred in the Birmingham Bowl and gave them their spot... UAB and Middle Tennessee were the two teams bowl eligible in Conference USA So, here's the presser that killed three teams at once FOSG Trent Butler anchored coverage at the time ((HT: WIAT-TV))
UAB Sends Out FAQ On The Numbers, Still Doesn't Add Up...
((HT: ESPN))
First and foremost, the four-letter addressed the dissolving of the football program at UAB over the weekend- and, pretty much, exposed President Ray Watts as getting caught in his word choice in his part of the interview.
Here's the piece from Gene Wojeciechowski
Hire, Craft, and Jimmy Filler have maintained all along they were never asked about contributing to save the program when they had pledges on hand to work forward in a solution to save the squad.
Yet UAB continues to poke the bear- on their own website:
WHAT ABOUT SATURDAY’S ESPN GAMEDAY STORY WHICH CONTENDED THAT UAB OFFICIALS NEVER MET WITH TOP DONORS AND REJECTED A $5 MILLION CERTIFIED CHECK? IS THAT ACCURATE?
We understand that some of our alumni are frustrated with this decision, but making false statements designed to further inflame the situation is extremely unfair to everyone, including the players. We met with our biggest donors before we made this decision, and also studied past and current giving. The financial support was simply not there. A $5 million certified check was not presented to us, let alone a commitment for the $50 million that would be required to sustain football over the next five years.
While they claim they met with their biggest donors, Hire, Craft, and Filler don't come forward and agree with that assessment. The $5-million was a pledge and not a check-in-hand so we see where the school is in that crafted remark.
The HQ would wholeheartedly disagree with the notion in this paragraph:
WHAT ROLE DID THE UA SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES PLAY IN THIS DECISION? DID ANYONE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ENCOURAGE OR PRESSURE UAB TO DO THIS?
This decision was UAB’s to make just as in all other parts of our university‐wide strategic planning process. This decision was the product of a campus wide strategic review, and involved months of research, data collection and analysis. We referred to current and future financial data. We consulted highly knowledgeable experts and advisors from CarrSports Consulting to inform our planning. All signs pointed to the same decision – football is not sustainable in a model that best protects the financial future and prominence of the athletics department.
What could be more prominent in the state of Alabama than a football program...???
Just asking...
Kevn Scarbinsky caught up with Filler who called out Watts on AL.com
Filler said Saturday that neither Watts nor anyone from his office contacted him after either announcement, and it's not as if Filler is a stranger to Watts. Filler said that shortly before Watts became the UAB president, the two men met to discuss a fund-raising project. Watts wanted Filler to help raise money for a $40 million heart rehabilitation center that would include coaches' offices, Filler said.
"They know who I am," Filler said. "They just wanted to kill the football program."
Here's CBS42's look at President Watts presser and his word choice
First and foremost, the four-letter addressed the dissolving of the football program at UAB over the weekend- and, pretty much, exposed President Ray Watts as getting caught in his word choice in his part of the interview.
Here's the piece from Gene Wojeciechowski
Hire, Craft, and Jimmy Filler have maintained all along they were never asked about contributing to save the program when they had pledges on hand to work forward in a solution to save the squad.
Yet UAB continues to poke the bear- on their own website:
WHAT ABOUT SATURDAY’S ESPN GAMEDAY STORY WHICH CONTENDED THAT UAB OFFICIALS NEVER MET WITH TOP DONORS AND REJECTED A $5 MILLION CERTIFIED CHECK? IS THAT ACCURATE?
We understand that some of our alumni are frustrated with this decision, but making false statements designed to further inflame the situation is extremely unfair to everyone, including the players. We met with our biggest donors before we made this decision, and also studied past and current giving. The financial support was simply not there. A $5 million certified check was not presented to us, let alone a commitment for the $50 million that would be required to sustain football over the next five years.
While they claim they met with their biggest donors, Hire, Craft, and Filler don't come forward and agree with that assessment. The $5-million was a pledge and not a check-in-hand so we see where the school is in that crafted remark.
The HQ would wholeheartedly disagree with the notion in this paragraph:
WHAT ROLE DID THE UA SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES PLAY IN THIS DECISION? DID ANYONE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ENCOURAGE OR PRESSURE UAB TO DO THIS?
This decision was UAB’s to make just as in all other parts of our university‐wide strategic planning process. This decision was the product of a campus wide strategic review, and involved months of research, data collection and analysis. We referred to current and future financial data. We consulted highly knowledgeable experts and advisors from CarrSports Consulting to inform our planning. All signs pointed to the same decision – football is not sustainable in a model that best protects the financial future and prominence of the athletics department.
What could be more prominent in the state of Alabama than a football program...???
Just asking...
Kevn Scarbinsky caught up with Filler who called out Watts on AL.com
Filler said Saturday that neither Watts nor anyone from his office contacted him after either announcement, and it's not as if Filler is a stranger to Watts. Filler said that shortly before Watts became the UAB president, the two men met to discuss a fund-raising project. Watts wanted Filler to help raise money for a $40 million heart rehabilitation center that would include coaches' offices, Filler said.
"They know who I am," Filler said. "They just wanted to kill the football program."
Here's CBS42's look at President Watts presser and his word choice
Saturday, December 6, 2014
UAB Bowling Found Out They Were Gone That Morning
((HT: WVTM-TV Birmingham))
The HQ has been chronicling all the asinine maneuvers that the Alabama Board of Trustees has put over on the Alabama-Birmingham Athletic Department- with the help of UAB President Ray Watts.
Sadly, at the Friday on campus rally, head bowling coach Michelle Crews thinks she might have done herself in when she responded to the Carr Sports report.
These are her first comments since the dissolving of her program
Alabamas13.com WVTM-TV Birmingham, AL
The HQ would recommend seeing the team practice at home or catching a tourney in their time left to show your support for them as well...
We hope the all find homes and can represent schools that will support properly.
The HQ has been chronicling all the asinine maneuvers that the Alabama Board of Trustees has put over on the Alabama-Birmingham Athletic Department- with the help of UAB President Ray Watts.
Sadly, at the Friday on campus rally, head bowling coach Michelle Crews thinks she might have done herself in when she responded to the Carr Sports report.
These are her first comments since the dissolving of her program
Alabamas13.com WVTM-TV Birmingham, AL
The HQ would recommend seeing the team practice at home or catching a tourney in their time left to show your support for them as well...
We hope the all find homes and can represent schools that will support properly.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Another Round Of Examples Of What UAB Is Leaving Behind Without Football
((HT: MyFoxAL/Britton Lynn))
You have already seen our coverage of the protests last night at Bartow Arena where the University of Alabama-Birmingham student body made the first of, what the HQ hopes is, a zillion points showing the stupidity of the Alabama Board of Trustees in disbanding the football, rifle, and bowling teams on campus.
But we found a cool feature by Britton Lynn over at MyFoxAlabama showcasing one of the team captains- a junior linebacker who is going to go from linebacker to defender of our freedoms.
Here's the story of Cadet Derek Slaughter
And you may have noticed an athlete in a wheelchair who has been front and center of all the protests on campus.
It is UAB tight end Timothy Alexander- and, yes, we said "athlete in a wheelchair."
His story reminds us all of what really is important- just like Cadet Slaughter's story...
((HT: CBS Sports))
A third example is a must read from AL.com's Alex McDaniel as she introduces us to the heartbreak of Birmingham local Brandon Prince- caring for his hospitalized dad when he heard the news.
These are the kind of athletes and persons UAB is getting rid of...
Good job...
You have already seen our coverage of the protests last night at Bartow Arena where the University of Alabama-Birmingham student body made the first of, what the HQ hopes is, a zillion points showing the stupidity of the Alabama Board of Trustees in disbanding the football, rifle, and bowling teams on campus.
But we found a cool feature by Britton Lynn over at MyFoxAlabama showcasing one of the team captains- a junior linebacker who is going to go from linebacker to defender of our freedoms.
Here's the story of Cadet Derek Slaughter
And you may have noticed an athlete in a wheelchair who has been front and center of all the protests on campus.
It is UAB tight end Timothy Alexander- and, yes, we said "athlete in a wheelchair."
His story reminds us all of what really is important- just like Cadet Slaughter's story...
((HT: CBS Sports))
A third example is a must read from AL.com's Alex McDaniel as she introduces us to the heartbreak of Birmingham local Brandon Prince- caring for his hospitalized dad when he heard the news.
These are the kind of athletes and persons UAB is getting rid of...
Good job...
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
More Reaction From The Room When Ray Watts Spoke To UAB Football
((HT: BlazerTVdotcom))
We're posting this for a better angle of what we have seen before...
Here's another angle of the Ray Watts explanation and Tristan Henderson's rebuttal...
The HQ is doing this for the sake of reinforcement of how much of a crock this is...
We're posting this for a better angle of what we have seen before...
Here's another angle of the Ray Watts explanation and Tristan Henderson's rebuttal...
The HQ is doing this for the sake of reinforcement of how much of a crock this is...
UAB Has To Add Sports To Stay Division I; More Premeditation Evidence Coming Forward...???
((HT: MyFoxAL/WBRC-TV))
The NCAA requires 14 Division I sports teams (with at least six men's sports) to stay eligible for Division I status. With the football program dissolved, UAB is down to five men's sports. The CarrSports Consulting folks recommended men's cross country and track as the sports to add to stay up on that level.
Staying in Conference USA will remain an uphill fight since their by-laws mandate football for membership.
From the press release that UAB put out with the announcement:
In eliminating football, UAB will be better positioned to invest in programs where the institution can be sustainably competitive on a conference and even national level. Funds from discontinued programs will be redirected to more fully support UAB's priority sports and build those into championship programs.
“We are not looking to reduce the athletic budget, but instead to reallocate our resources to remaining athletic programs,” Watts said. “This strategic plan will give us our best chance to win championships and national prominence. Many of our programs have been on the cusp, and funds redirected from football can propel them to the next level. The best days for UAB Athletics are yet to come.”
The HQ would LOVE to know what sports are a priority on campus in President Watts' view IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA OTHER THAN FOOTBALL!!!
Alan Collins was in front of a group of angry students protesting in front of the admininstration building for another day
John Archibald, in his Al.com column, brings forth more evidence that some combination of the CarrSports folks, the Board of Trustees, and President Watts were in on this for a long time and it had to do with the contract with Legion Field:
The contract in 2010 ran for four years, until the end of UAB's 2013 football season.
But this spring, UAB asked for a different deal. And though it irked some city workers, UAB got what it wanted. A one-year contract to play at Legion Field.
"This Agreement shall have effect for a period of one (1) year beginning at the start of UAB's 2014 football season (July 21, 2014) and ending at the conclusion of UAB's 2014 football season (December 15, 2014)."
Draw your own conclusion there...
And Birmingham Mayor William Bell was told by Watts last week that there was nothing to worry about...
So much for that idea...
The NCAA requires 14 Division I sports teams (with at least six men's sports) to stay eligible for Division I status. With the football program dissolved, UAB is down to five men's sports. The CarrSports Consulting folks recommended men's cross country and track as the sports to add to stay up on that level.
Staying in Conference USA will remain an uphill fight since their by-laws mandate football for membership.
From the press release that UAB put out with the announcement:
In eliminating football, UAB will be better positioned to invest in programs where the institution can be sustainably competitive on a conference and even national level. Funds from discontinued programs will be redirected to more fully support UAB's priority sports and build those into championship programs.
“We are not looking to reduce the athletic budget, but instead to reallocate our resources to remaining athletic programs,” Watts said. “This strategic plan will give us our best chance to win championships and national prominence. Many of our programs have been on the cusp, and funds redirected from football can propel them to the next level. The best days for UAB Athletics are yet to come.”
The HQ would LOVE to know what sports are a priority on campus in President Watts' view IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA OTHER THAN FOOTBALL!!!
Alan Collins was in front of a group of angry students protesting in front of the admininstration building for another day
John Archibald, in his Al.com column, brings forth more evidence that some combination of the CarrSports folks, the Board of Trustees, and President Watts were in on this for a long time and it had to do with the contract with Legion Field:
The contract in 2010 ran for four years, until the end of UAB's 2013 football season.
But this spring, UAB asked for a different deal. And though it irked some city workers, UAB got what it wanted. A one-year contract to play at Legion Field.
"This Agreement shall have effect for a period of one (1) year beginning at the start of UAB's 2014 football season (July 21, 2014) and ending at the conclusion of UAB's 2014 football season (December 15, 2014)."
Draw your own conclusion there...
And Birmingham Mayor William Bell was told by Watts last week that there was nothing to worry about...
So much for that idea...
UAB Football: Tristan Henderson Speaks Publicly
((HT: OTL on ESPN))
The most emotionally raw video that came out of UAB when President Ray Watts announced the dissolving of the football program was the confrontation among the players and Watts himself.
Tristan Henderson's voice was the loudest...
The 26-year-old Iraq vet was a tight end for the team and made a point to go after Watts- personifying the anger of the squad.
His is the voice we remember the most and he was a guest on "Outside The Lines" to talk about the dissolving of the program
Henderson's voice will always be the voice the HQ remembers the most- and we hope it always will be
The most emotionally raw video that came out of UAB when President Ray Watts announced the dissolving of the football program was the confrontation among the players and Watts himself.
Tristan Henderson's voice was the loudest...
The 26-year-old Iraq vet was a tight end for the team and made a point to go after Watts- personifying the anger of the squad.
His is the voice we remember the most and he was a guest on "Outside The Lines" to talk about the dissolving of the program
Henderson's voice will always be the voice the HQ remembers the most- and we hope it always will be
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Long Live UAB Football: President Kills Program- The Press Conference
((HT: MyFoxAlabama/WBRC-TV))
So, as it turns out, it wasn't JUST football...
To satisfy Title IX guidelines, it is football, rifle, and bowling that are going away at Alabama-Birmingham.
President Ray Watts came in through a back door and had this press conference
Players were involved in a heated discussion with President Watts and UAB VP of Finance G. Allen Bolton, Jr. and Watts was cussed at when he exited the fieldhouse where they gave their dissertation.
Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky released a statement:
“We are aware of the study but disappointed with the decision to discontinue the sport of football at UAB, particularly because of its effect on the lives of the student-athletes and coaches that have worked so hard to restore the quality of the program. We don't fully understand the decision, nor agree with it, but do respect it and the authority of the UAB Administration to make it.
As a conference, we will move forward in our pursuit of excellence in athletics and academics, with the primary goal of providing a positive educational experience for all of our 5,000 student-athletes. Our universities have invested in athletics, and in facilities to support athletics, and are focused on their student-athletes and the contribution college athletics makes on their campuses and in their communities.
UAB has been a contributing member to the Conference since its inception and has expressed a strong interest in remaining a member, a topic that the Conference's Board of Directors will take up in the months ahead. The Conference's current bylaws require all members to sponsor football.”
Head coach Bill Clark released a written statement:
"This is one of the most difficult days that I have had to endure in my personal as well as my coaching career.
I am absolutely heartbroken for my players and my assistant coaches. These coaches and players have done a tremendous job and have worked extremely hard for this university, to achieve six wins and be bowl eligible.
I want to pay a special tribute to our many loyal fans for all the support hey have given us this season and especially, during these last few challenging weeks.
Sometimes we as people do not understand why certain things happen; however my faith tells me that God has a plan for the lives of our players, my coaching staff, and for me and my family.
I am grateful for the opportunity I have had here at UAB and making so many new relationships during my time here.
There is no doubt in my mind that we were in the process of building something special at UAB. This goes further than our football program, the athletics department, or the university as a whole. This team is Birmingham - we represent Birmingham and this community.
It is unfortunate that it has come to this. But again, it is a decision that has been reached and I must respect it and will move forward.
Thank you Birmingham and the UAB Community for everything you have done for our players, this coaching staff and me personally."
The issue now for UAB is to find a conference that will accept them without football- and that will be an interesting quest.
More when we know more...
So, as it turns out, it wasn't JUST football...
To satisfy Title IX guidelines, it is football, rifle, and bowling that are going away at Alabama-Birmingham.
President Ray Watts came in through a back door and had this press conference
Players were involved in a heated discussion with President Watts and UAB VP of Finance G. Allen Bolton, Jr. and Watts was cussed at when he exited the fieldhouse where they gave their dissertation.
Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky released a statement:
“We are aware of the study but disappointed with the decision to discontinue the sport of football at UAB, particularly because of its effect on the lives of the student-athletes and coaches that have worked so hard to restore the quality of the program. We don't fully understand the decision, nor agree with it, but do respect it and the authority of the UAB Administration to make it.
As a conference, we will move forward in our pursuit of excellence in athletics and academics, with the primary goal of providing a positive educational experience for all of our 5,000 student-athletes. Our universities have invested in athletics, and in facilities to support athletics, and are focused on their student-athletes and the contribution college athletics makes on their campuses and in their communities.
UAB has been a contributing member to the Conference since its inception and has expressed a strong interest in remaining a member, a topic that the Conference's Board of Directors will take up in the months ahead. The Conference's current bylaws require all members to sponsor football.”
Head coach Bill Clark released a written statement:
"This is one of the most difficult days that I have had to endure in my personal as well as my coaching career.
I am absolutely heartbroken for my players and my assistant coaches. These coaches and players have done a tremendous job and have worked extremely hard for this university, to achieve six wins and be bowl eligible.
I want to pay a special tribute to our many loyal fans for all the support hey have given us this season and especially, during these last few challenging weeks.
Sometimes we as people do not understand why certain things happen; however my faith tells me that God has a plan for the lives of our players, my coaching staff, and for me and my family.
I am grateful for the opportunity I have had here at UAB and making so many new relationships during my time here.
There is no doubt in my mind that we were in the process of building something special at UAB. This goes further than our football program, the athletics department, or the university as a whole. This team is Birmingham - we represent Birmingham and this community.
It is unfortunate that it has come to this. But again, it is a decision that has been reached and I must respect it and will move forward.
Thank you Birmingham and the UAB Community for everything you have done for our players, this coaching staff and me personally."
The issue now for UAB is to find a conference that will accept them without football- and that will be an interesting quest.
More when we know more...
DEVELOPING: UAB To Announce The End Of Football Today
((HT: Al.com/Scarbinsky))
At some point today, it is expected that UAB President Ray Watts will announce the end of the football program.
Funny thing is, according to AL.com's John Talty, is that the football program looks like it was a proftable one.
The football program posted a slim positive margin of $24,222 in a time frame of Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Education's Equity in Athletics data
Yes, it's heavily subsidized. The HQ knows that...
But in an interview with Barnett Wright, former university President and founder of the football program, Scotty McCallum, said it shouldn't be a Board of Trustees decision to make:
"This is not the Board of Trustees' decision," said McCallum, who was instrumental in the first UAB football team taking the field in 1991. "The decision should be made by the (UAB) president and the faculty members at the university. It's ridiculous for the Board of Trustees to even think about dropping it."
At the same time, what the HQ- and a lot of you out there- already think was publicly divulged by Talty in an interview with UAB Football booster Jimmy Filler. Filler is the head of the UAB Football Foundation. The Foundation is set to donate $5-million to the efforts of keeping football around, but Filler claims to Talty that no one ever called him to discuss the matter once he came to the fore and the idea is two decades old to blow up the program:
Filler doesn't believe the study will have any impact on whether the program folds or not. Instead, he says, its fate was sealed as far back as 1991 when former UAB coach and athletic director Gene Bartow advised the NCAA to investigate Alabama's basketball program. In the letter to the NCAA, published by The Los Angeles Times in 1993, Bartow wrote that several former Alabama football coaches had been penalized by the NCAA and that they were "trained" by legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant.
Filler believes Paul Bryant Jr., the son of Bear Bryant and a member of the Board of Trustees, has been trying to kill UAB's program for years as a "vendetta" for Bartow's letter. Filler has battled Bryant Jr. and the rest of the board for years to try to get UAB a new football stadium with little success.
"Coach Bartow was a dear, close friend of mine. He said this (would) happen," Filler said. "He said it two weeks before he passed that they wanted to kill UAB athletics. My good friend and dear man was 100 percent right."
There is talk that President Watts will make a public announcement of the university's intentions when it happens...
May his God help him if he does with the reaction he will receive on campus...
Here was the look this morning from campus as students were set to march again:
((HT: MyFoxAL.com))
At some point today, it is expected that UAB President Ray Watts will announce the end of the football program.
Funny thing is, according to AL.com's John Talty, is that the football program looks like it was a proftable one.
The football program posted a slim positive margin of $24,222 in a time frame of Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Education's Equity in Athletics data
Yes, it's heavily subsidized. The HQ knows that...
But in an interview with Barnett Wright, former university President and founder of the football program, Scotty McCallum, said it shouldn't be a Board of Trustees decision to make:
"This is not the Board of Trustees' decision," said McCallum, who was instrumental in the first UAB football team taking the field in 1991. "The decision should be made by the (UAB) president and the faculty members at the university. It's ridiculous for the Board of Trustees to even think about dropping it."
At the same time, what the HQ- and a lot of you out there- already think was publicly divulged by Talty in an interview with UAB Football booster Jimmy Filler. Filler is the head of the UAB Football Foundation. The Foundation is set to donate $5-million to the efforts of keeping football around, but Filler claims to Talty that no one ever called him to discuss the matter once he came to the fore and the idea is two decades old to blow up the program:
Filler doesn't believe the study will have any impact on whether the program folds or not. Instead, he says, its fate was sealed as far back as 1991 when former UAB coach and athletic director Gene Bartow advised the NCAA to investigate Alabama's basketball program. In the letter to the NCAA, published by The Los Angeles Times in 1993, Bartow wrote that several former Alabama football coaches had been penalized by the NCAA and that they were "trained" by legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant.
Filler believes Paul Bryant Jr., the son of Bear Bryant and a member of the Board of Trustees, has been trying to kill UAB's program for years as a "vendetta" for Bartow's letter. Filler has battled Bryant Jr. and the rest of the board for years to try to get UAB a new football stadium with little success.
"Coach Bartow was a dear, close friend of mine. He said this (would) happen," Filler said. "He said it two weeks before he passed that they wanted to kill UAB athletics. My good friend and dear man was 100 percent right."
There is talk that President Watts will make a public announcement of the university's intentions when it happens...
May his God help him if he does with the reaction he will receive on campus...
Here was the look this morning from campus as students were set to march again:
((HT: MyFoxAL.com))
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