While University of Alabama at Birmingham President Ray Watts stated earlier in the season that, “killing football was not what we set out to do,” that’s exactly what the administration did on Tuesday. After running the numbers, Watts deemed the football program nonessential and shut down all football operations.
The UAB community has come to bat for the 7-7 squad, but the most stirring appeal comes from speeches given by several UAB Blazers to President Watts.
WATCH:
That was tough to watch. As a former college athlete, I know what it’s like to have to watch your career end, but I can’t even imagine having to deal with having the rug pulled out from under me so suddenly.
The last player to speak was senior tight end Tristan Henderson, and his testimonial is especially powerful. Before attending UAB, the 26-year-old Henderson served as an Army MP in Iraq, and his primary concern is how shutting down the program will affect his family, both his brothers on the field and his wife and 3-year-old son.
“What am I supposed to tell my son? All of these guys, they know my son. He’s been to every game, no matter the distance. … How am I supposed to look him in the eyes and tell him? And you’re going to tell me it’s how the numbers look?”
I am one hundred percent behind the Blazers. This discussion should be about more than just the bottom line. Even after shutting down the program, UAB will still owe other schools $2.5 million in lost revenue for canceling its 2015 games.
#UAB cuts football for financial reasons, but now owes several schools nearly $2.5 million for canceling future games.
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 3, 2014
UAB coaches & players ‘heartbroken’ at the shutdown of the football program (VIDEO) #FreeUAB http://t.co/2eICc4WIzt … pic.twitter.com/RgL0eJi7qx
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 3, 2014
Clark: It’s hard not to be hurt. #FreeUAB pic.twitter.com/7B1x56oRvs
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 2, 2014
Sad day. Players showing lots of emotion. #FreeUAB pic.twitter.com/HbfWx6yhOa
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 2, 2014
#UAB players leaving meeting #FreeUAB pic.twitter.com/8OLzfT9YmM
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 2, 2014
#UAB students received an email ending football program..read to crowd. #freeuab. pic.twitter.com/lAVIfPBIRD
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 2, 2014
Bill Clark and #UAB players walking through crowd for meeting #FreeUAB pic.twitter.com/jnktIYz2az
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 2, 2014
#UAB students and players gathered outside athletic faculty #FreeUAB pic.twitter.com/DLPKHZqwbQ
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 2, 2014
The UAB program is a cornerstone of not only these young men’s lives, but of the greater Birmingham community. At the end of the day sports are about more than just winning. Sports allow us to unite behind a single banner — regardless of age, race or political affiliation — and build lasting relationships and memories.
I strongly believe that killing the program was a mistake, and I hope the university will seriously reconsider reinstating Blazer football.
#FreeUAB