CSNbbs

"Once a firm is chosen, Smith and Ryan will work with them as they conduct the review. "

We're boned.

I wonder where the meeting tomorrow at 1 will take place.

Yep. Watts bought himself 3 months in the process when he should have been torched after the 15th.

Statements from Watts seem to indicate that sources of support will not include any monies from UAB...

"If our efforts reveal that there are sustainable financial resources available in the public and private sector that are not currently available to UAB to support the return of these programs at a level of excellence that the UAB family deserves, then the decision previously reached may change," Watts wrote.

A subcommittee could measure the financial support that is available "to support UAB football and sufficient to fund the return of the UAB football, rifle and bowling programs," Watts wrote.

Hmmm. Guess who gets to determine what is "sustainable" and "sufficient"...

(01-21-2015 02:54 PM)jcduncan13 Wrote: [ -> ]I wonder where the meeting tomorrow at 1 will take place.

Fantasy Island.

(01-21-2015 02:52 PM)58-56 Wrote: [ -> ]"Once a firm is chosen, Smith and Ryan will work with them as they conduct the review. "

We're boned.

Exactly what I thought when I read that line. Two Tide Pride (and likely Red Elephant) members leading the committee. This kind of **** only happens at UAB.

So how much will be required annually to sustain the football program. Based on the numbers the football team received $2 million dollars in subsidy from the university. That's not a lot even the higher profile schools in the state subsidy level was higher than that.

I think this is actually encouraging. First statement where Watts suggests that he could reverse his decision, pending enough support is presented. Now how genuine he is, certainly you can question. But the fact he acknowledges a reversal is possible suggests he may be starting to modify his language in a way to make reinstatement of football a real possibility.

(01-21-2015 03:01 PM)Blazer85 Wrote: [ -> ]I think this is actually encouraging. First statement where Watts suggests that he could reverse his decision, pending enough support is presented. Now how genuine he is, certainly you can question. But the fact he acknowledges a reversal is possible suggests he may be starting to modify his language in a way to make reinstatement of football a real possibility.

I thought that while reading it also.

This whole thing is just another charade.

(01-21-2015 03:01 PM)Blazer85 Wrote: [ -> ]I think this is actually encouraging. First statement where Watts suggests that he could reverse his decision, pending enough support is presented. Now how genuine he is, certainly you can question. But the fact he acknowledges a reversal is possible suggests he may be starting to modify his language in a way to make reinstatement of football a real possibility.

I agree and this provides him cover if it does come down to him reversing course.
I'll never be able to take him at his word but if the programs are reinstated that's a big first step.

Why didn't Watts do this or have a committee spear head this prior to the decision? This **** is backwards!

It would be nice if Auburn would commit to scheduling a series in the future if the team returns. Would be a real F U to the BOT.

I would still submit to Frank Messina & Don Hire that they include Sports Economist Andy Schwarz on a subcommitte or use his alayses that he has already performed.

@andyhre on Twitter

http://www.oskr.com/who-we-are/andy-schwarz-partner/

Check out also his postings on: http://sportsgeekonomics.tumblr.com/

Reinstatement of football would be a start, but it doesn't clear Watts of his wrongdoing in this. Having said that, we'll see how it all plays out. This may be the beginning of Watts toning down his language and preparing to retreat from his prior decision. Naturally, we know that we've endured tremendous damage in the process. But I think we all must embrace the effort of the Review Committee, provide our input, demonstrate commitment to giving $$, etc.

I don't know Wes Smith but everything I have read and heard about him means I don't trust him as far as I can throw him.

The ENTIRE committee needs to have oversight. Not two guys hand-picked by Watts. I'd also argue that it should be open to public scrutiny.

(01-19-2015 03:53 PM)dblaze Wrote: [ -> ]With Wes Smith leading this thing what guarantees do we have that he wont take charge of the process, communicate with the firm, and make sure the numbers are skewed in the wrong direction.

(01-21-2015 02:52 PM)58-56 Wrote: [ -> ]"Once a firm is chosen, Smith and Ryan will work with them as they conduct the review. "

We're boned.

I voiced my concern with Wes Smith being appointed the head of the committee earlier this week. He didn't vote the way that the Alumni wanted him to when he given the opportunity. Now we find out that Wes Smith and a lawyer with strong UA ties are going to be directly communicating with the new consulting firm...

The pro-UAB committee members need to ensure that it is written in the contract that no communication can be unilaterally initiated by Wes Smith or the UAB attorney to the review agency without committee's approval and all communications of this kind should ultimately become public record. Hopefully this will keep later changes to the report from skewing the results in favor for what Watts and the board want.

Also, the numbers from the 2014-2015 season needs to be taken into consideration.

Quote:"The results must be understandable and able to withstand public scrutiny," Smith said.

Imagine that.

Quote:"I am encouraged by the passion of the UAB family and believe that we will be better tomorrow than we were yesterday," Watts wrote.

I doubt it.

Yep, the line about Smith and Ryan isn't good. The people on the committee need to be raising hell.

NO NON-DISCLOSURE(or similar) AGREEMENTS!!!!! Emphasize WRITTEN communication...