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...

Rutgers Can't Get Out Of Their Own Way (UPDATED: LeGrand Speaks After All)

((HT: NJ.com/Duggan))

This is really classy... and the HQ hopes you can sense the sarcasm dripping from the text...

Condoleezza Rice was set to give a commencement address on campus, but that idea was getting blowback. SO the school does an amazing thing- comes up with the idea of Eric LeGrand to give the speech...

Fantastic idea... unbelievable kid...

So, what does the university do...??? Cancel LeGrand telling him that they "decided to go in another direction for political reasons."

What in the blue hell does that mean...???

"I just want an explanation," LeGrand told NJ.com in a phone interview. "I wish somebody would have given me a call tonight and explained to me why. Then I can understand, but don't just leave me hanging."

Athletics Director Julie Hermann calls and tells him that Governor Tom Kean was selected instead...

Great going, Rutgers...
You had an issue with this...
((HT: ESPN))


PM UPDATE: This release came from the university this afternoon... an amazing backpedal...

Eric LeGrand will speak at our Commencement and personally receive his degree from me as a representative of the Class of 2014.

It was never our intention that Eric would be the only speaker. We have resolved that miscommunication and are delighted to have him participate.

Eric holds a special place in the hearts of the Class of 2014 and the entire university community. We are thrilled that he will be joining us on stage to make this special occasion even more memorable.

Unbelievable... but not...

Give 'em hell, Eric...