UAB IS Sounding Way Too Optimistic About Their Future

((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))

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...

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...

Morning Wrap: Report--UAB Football Could Easily Be Self Sufficient

((ht: sports.vice.com))

Interesting story that we came across this morning from the folks at Vice Sports. The story--written by Andy Schwarz, talks about the demise of UAB football and how the financial numbers were spun to make it look like the school was losing money.

And if you read the whole thing, it explains a lot.

Schwarz talks in detail about the CarrSports report, which UAB president Ray Watts used as his excuse/reason for dropping football.

The Carr report talked about cost and revenues going up, but as Schwarz rightly points out, it assumes a rise in costs that don't actually exist. Rather, those "increased" costs are primarily just the school charging itself for something that does not in the real world cost themselves anything. A school does not "bring in" money from a scholarship athlete, but there's no cost involved either because the student is there. If so, the billing is just "Charging themselves" for the classes said student attends.

Think about it for a second.

How can a school say they are losing money on something they don't actually pay for?

Yeah...exactly.

Read the full story from Vice Sports RIGHT HERE, it explains a lot.

Yes, we have done budgeting before and we fully understand that expenses are given and taken from different budgets. It's done for tax and accounting purposes. We know that. And we know the cost of buying equipment, building facilities and travel expenses add up. But in this case, the cost appears to be covered.

Numbers...or expenses/costs are amazing things, particularly for organizations or businesses that bring in large amounts of money. You can shuffle things around, charge yourself for things if you need to. And claim it as an expense.

It's a legitimate claim, businesses do it all the time.

Here's an example for you: We spent some time working at CNN in our past. CNN is a rather large organization with multiple show teams that all work for the same company. But the show teams, if they wanted a live shot or video from an affiliate, were billed for the cost of acquiring it.

Mind you the money came from the same place. But it was billed to the show team.

Yes, a separate budget.

Trust us when we say it is complicated. But it's all in how you spin it too.

The point here is much simpler. UAB, if they so chose, could easily justify the cost of football if that was in their best interest. The money that appears to be coming in is money they "Technically" is enough to cover what they "out of pocket" are spending.

Yes, we know, it's a different budget. But as Schwarz points out and rightfully so, UAB is looking to grow. Yet it cut it's highest profile PR arm. And that will lose them a very profitable conference affiliation. They will not be able to stay in Conference USA without football.

But the state Board of Trustees is willing to live with that. The reason: It ends the vendetta that certain members had against the Blazers. It gets rid of any potential competition from a school that had a chance at becoming just that.

It meant something had to give. And in this case it was the UAB Blazers football team.

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))

Morning Wrap: UAB Student Blackout Dominates Hoops Game

((ht: wiat.com))

The #FreeUAB movement in Birmingham continued Thursday night as students and the Football team were featured attractions at the mens basketball team beat Morehead State at Bartow Arena.

Chanting Free UAB and holding signs saying Fire Ray Watts, the students were very visible, dressed entirely in black.

The football players were overwhelmed with the support received and took to the court during the first half of the game to express their gratitude.

While the students said this is only the beginning, they plan continuing the protests as long as they are able.

The Blazers football team was dissolved just four days earlier in what the school termed a "Financial Decision". The team finished the season 6-6 and bowl eligible for the 1st time in 10-years though it appears they will not get a bowl opportunity. Conference USA has more teams that finished bowl eligible than bowl spots.

UAB's only chance would be as an at-large choice and no bowl game seems to be willing to take them on and the publicity that may go along with it.

More on Thursday night's protest from WIAT-TV in Birmingham:

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...

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...

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

Morning Wrap: More Fallout From The Death of UAB Football

---Sigh---

Late Tuesday afternoon, University of Alabama Birmingham president Ray Watts made official what everyone associated with the UAB football program feared was going to happen.

He killed the football program.

We've been following this story all week and are still shaking our heads over this. It makes little to no sense.

Before we begin editorializing though, check out this video of Watts meeting with the team to drop the big one:



There are varying reports explaining why the decision was made, though from what we understand and have been told, the decision was made long ago.

One item used by Watts to justify the decision was a consultant report by CarrSports. The report was done to quantify the cost of keeping or eliminating football.

It never looked into the possibility of dropping to the Football Championship Subdivision, a more cost effective route for smaller Division 1 level athletic programs.

It also makes apparent their was little or no effort put forth to try and justify keeping the program.

Al.com's Kevin Scarbinsky explains why the report was a sham RIGHT HERE

It's amazing to us in the Football crazed state of Alabama that you'd have the 1st Football Bowl Subdivision team to kill a football program since 1994.

There are multiple factors at play--and from what we understand a lot of them are political. The Alabama Board of Trustees (oversee colleges), a board run by mostly University of Alabama grads, are largely to blame here. No, they haven't been reported on but it's no secret they've been trying to do this for years.

Sure, President Watts did little to nothing to stand up for his schools program, but it just exposes him as a puppet. The Blazer program was not a "Profit" center like the Crimson Tide or like Auburn. But they are projected to break even this season for the 1st time in years.

Success helps with that. Bill Clark led the Blazers to a 6-6 record and bowl eligibility for the first time in many years. That helps with revenue.

Several members of the booster club had guarantees of over $5 million to upgrade and update the facilities. Yet they killed the program.

The fact of the matter is many smaller D-1 schools in Football don't make a lot of money. It's why cupcake games exist. The payday helps with the bottom line. A lot.

It's done for publicity. It's done for image. It's done to say you are a "Big Time" university.

If you ask us. The blame for what happened is squarely on Paul Bryant Jr and the rest of the trustees who considered the Blazers a threat. Why we don't know. But consider this:

About a decade ago, the offensive coordinator for LSU was looking for head coaching opportunities. And the UAB job was at the time open. The two sides met, hammered out a tentative deal only to have it scuttled by the board.

That offensive coordinator: FSU Head Coach Jimbo Fisher.

We wonder how much the world would be a different place had the board not stuck their noses in and interfered.

Alabama's 13 in Birmingham talked to UAB students after the announcement:

Alabamas13.com WVTM-TV Birmingham, AL

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...

UAB Fans and Students Rally for Football Program

((ht: alabamas13.com))

It may be a case of too little too late, but it didn't stop over 400 fans, alumni and students from rallying Sunday night on the University of Alabama-Birmingham campus.

They turned out to show support for the football program that according to multiple reports will be shut down this week by the highly politicized state Board of Regents.

For those unaware--the school has been losing money on the program, which has struggled for success the past few seasons.

However, this season, the Blazers, under head coach Bill Clark turned things around, going 6-6 and becoming eligible for a bowl game for the first time in 10-years.

But the board, which is filled with University of Alabama alumni who don't want to deal with UAB doesn't think having a program that is struggling to stay afloat financially is worth it. Reports have surfaced saying they've already fired Athletic Director Brian Mackin and the school has no games scheduled after the 2016 season.

There are multiple things at play here--the truth of the matter is a lot of smaller FBS (Div. 1) teams don't turn or barely turn a profit. But they still remain a part of their respective universities. UAB has lost several million dollars over the past few seasons, but they aren't even in the Top 5 of that category.

It's amazing that in football mad Alabama, a state with no professional sports (no, the Crimson Tide and Auburn don't count), College Football is the only thing most people there live for.

But like everything else southern, it's caught up in politics. And the board is mostly big, rich Alabama boosters who don't want to foot the bill for someone else.

But enough rambling, here's reaction from those who rallied Sunday night and are going to continue rallying on into the week.

Alabamas13.com WVTM-TV Birmingham, AL