Not totally sure if it is due to their religious idealogy or perceived athletic attributes. Does seem to be the former, since they have nice facilities, their own TV network, and good fan support. I don't see the difference between taking them vs. ORU. I'd take ORU in a second. I'd take Notre Dame or BYU in a second as well. While the latter won't happen, it is looking like Liberty is a pretty strong possibility.

(04-03-2013 05:12 PM)mjs Wrote:  Not totally sure if it is due to their religious idealogy or perceived athletic attributes. Does seem to be the former, since they have nice facilities, their own TV network, and good fan support. I don't see the difference between taking them vs. ORU. I'd take ORU in a second. I'd take Notre Dame or BYU in a second as well. While the latter won't happen, it is looking like Liberty is a pretty strong possibility.

Benson said this on ESPN radio today-

Benson: "Everyone thinks that Liberty is next in line, but that is Far far far from the case."

Sounded quite definitive until somone posted this from last June:

bmurphy@idahostatesman.com

The Sun Belt Conference closed the door on a potential landing spot for the University of Idaho's football program or athletic department Wednesday.


"We are not pursuing additional members at this time. To squelch the speculation of a football championship game, it is not high on our radar screen and priority list," Commissioner Karl Benson said. "... We wanted to be fair (to the schools that have contacted us). At this juncture, the Sun Belt shouldn't be considered a landing spot whether it's an FCS member or an existing FBS member."

Benson, the former commissioner of the WAC, said he spoke with Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear about the "direction the Sun Belt was headed." Benson said the Sun Belt's announcement "allows both Idaho and New Mexico State to know the direction the Sun Belt is headed. Personally, I wish the best for the University of Idaho and New Mexico State."

I don't think you can trust the guy further than you can throw him.

Benson said this on ESPN radio today-

Benson: "Everyone thinks that Liberty is next in line, but that is Far far far from the case."


That's 3 fars. Only conclusion I can draw is that we are inviting Hawaii.

(04-03-2013 06:49 PM)mjs Wrote:  I don't think you can trust the guy further than you can throw him.

In fairness a lot changed since he made that statement. At the time I would think that the Sun Belt had no intention of adding them.

Liberty should be judged by their readiness for FBS football, not their politics. I'm not sure they are ready for the FBS football, but who knows.

Folks on the academic side don't want Liberty because you have to certify you believe in young earth creation to teach there. Their LGBT policy is obviously not popular in academia. They nearly ran into accreditation and Federal funds eligibility problems when they banned the Young Democrats from having a club and rather than permit it, they revoked recognition of all political groups.

Some object to the fact they have 60,000 online students to skim money off of to fund athletics.

On the flip side they have a lot of money and used it to hire Turner Gill as football coach so having money and using it effectively aren't the same thing. :)

As to the Idaho comment it was made at a time when the Sun Belt had rejected the idea of going to 12 in football and had 10 members in football

(04-03-2013 08:48 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  As to the Idaho comment it was made at a time when the Sun Belt had rejected the idea of going to 12 in football and had 10 members in football

So arkstfan, where are things as to JMU?

Folks on the academic side don't want Liberty because you have to certify you believe in young earth creation to teach there. Their LGBT policy is obviously not popular in academia. They nearly ran into accreditation and Federal funds eligibility problems when they banned the Young Democrats from having a club and rather than permit it, they revoked recognition of all political groups.


Okay, that helps explain some of it. If they actively discriminate against any group of people or preach "hate" (which is suggested by some on the Sun Belt board) that would certainly concern me. But, they are a private institution and have a right to practice their religion- obviously no one is forcing any student to go there. Still not sure they are markedly different than ORU or BYU who have strict policies that are religiously based.

(04-03-2013 09:25 PM)mjs Wrote:  Folks on the academic side don't want Liberty because you have to certify you believe in young earth creation to teach there. Their LGBT policy is obviously not popular in academia. They nearly ran into accreditation and Federal funds eligibility problems when they banned the Young Democrats from having a club and rather than permit it, they revoked recognition of all political groups.


Okay, that helps explain some of it. If they actively discriminate against any group of people or preach "hate" (which is suggested by some on the Sun Belt board) that would certainly concern me. But, they are a private institution and have a right to practice their religion- obviously no one is forcing any student to go there. Still not sure they are markedly different than ORU or BYU who have strict policies that are religiously based.

Trust me. They are very different from ND, BYU, or ORU. Intolerant and bigoted is the standard at Liberty.

(04-03-2013 09:31 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(04-03-2013 09:25 PM)mjs Wrote:  Folks on the academic side don't want Liberty because you have to certify you believe in young earth creation to teach there. Their LGBT policy is obviously not popular in academia. They nearly ran into accreditation and Federal funds eligibility problems when they banned the Young Democrats from having a club and rather than permit it, they revoked recognition of all political groups.


Okay, that helps explain some of it. If they actively discriminate against any group of people or preach "hate" (which is suggested by some on the Sun Belt board) that would certainly concern me. But, they are a private institution and have a right to practice their religion- obviously no one is forcing any student to go there. Still not sure they are markedly different than ORU or BYU who have strict policies that are religiously based.

Trust me. They are very different from ND, BYU, or ORU. Intolerant and bigoted is the standard at Liberty.

Thanks. I do trust your opinion.

Guys I didn't go to Liberty, just a fan and season ticket holder. But back in the 80's the preacher that founded the school boldly spoke out against same sex marriage. They still have a set of rules about drinking and partying on campus. It's not for everyone, but kids like Tim Tebow love it. I think card carrying members of LGBT organizations get up every morning and do Google searches for Liberty and then start spewing out-dated talking points and hate. It gets old. Being a Bible believe Christian isn't vogue these days, but fads come and go so maybe we will be popular again in 30 years. Notice the talking points always starts with the same 3 or 4 posters.

Liberty is on the move and has a bright future. I predict someday every conf in America will want this school just like everyone wants Notre Dame today. The Religious doctrine the schools honors are nearly exact. So don't get suckered by misinformation.

(04-04-2013 07:12 AM)Liberty Fan Wrote:  Guys I didn't go to Liberty, just a fan and season ticket holder. But back in the 80's the preacher that founded the school boldly spoke out against same sex marriage. They still have a set of rules about drinking and partying on campus. It's not for everyone, but kids like Tim Tebow love it. I think card carrying members of LGBT organizations get up every morning and do Google searches for Liberty and then start spewing out-dated talking points and hate. It gets old. Being a Bible believe Christian isn't vogue these days, but fads come and go so maybe we will be popular again in 30 years. Notice the talking points always starts with the same 3 or 4 posters.

Liberty is on the move and has a bright future. I predict someday every conf in America will want this school just like everyone wants Notre Dame today. The Religious doctrine the schools honor are nearly exact. So don't get suckered by misinformation.

Good post +1

(04-04-2013 07:12 AM)Liberty Fan Wrote:  Guys I didn't go to Liberty, just a fan and season ticket holder. But back in the 80's the preacher that founded the school boldly spoke out against same sex marriage. They still have a set of rules about drinking and partying on campus. It's not for everyone, but kids like Tim Tebow love it. I think card carrying members of LGBT organizations get up every morning and do Google searches for Liberty and then start spewing out-dated talking points and hate. It gets old. Being a Bible believe Christian isn't vogue these days, but fads come and go so maybe we will be popular again in 30 years. Notice the talking points always starts with the same 3 or 4 posters.

Liberty is on the move and has a bright future. I predict someday every conf in America will want this school just like everyone wants Notre Dame today. The Religious doctrine the schools honor are nearly exact. So don't get suckered by misinformation.

Thanks for your post. All the Liberty posters on the Sun Belt seem to be reasonable, intelligent, and open-minded folks. I was rather embarrassed by the venom spewed at them by some of the other posters. Intolerance and hatred can go both ways. I certainly don't agree with many of the viewpoints espoused by your school's founder, but I'm still open to the possibility of you joining us on the sports field.

The stimulation of anti Liberty sentiment on this board is just a microcosm of how fans will be stoked when LU plays SB teams. Consider the situation in the the near future when LU has a very strong team, wins conference games and gets that marquee quality, non-conference win. What other SB team could generate the high profile press that will follow? App is a great example with their Michigan victory. What if LU had beaten Michigan? The press would have been even greater. If we get bogged down, like the consistent 3-5 posters here who spew the same rhetoric of why morally LU should not belong, we're only letting our threatened egos blind us to the bigger picture. You don't have to support the school or their position. You can hate, voice your dislike, enlist as many as you can to share your position. The lightning bolt that LU is to many, who look outside the lines and not between the lines, that is expressed here and elsewhere, over and over in post after post, is the same exact energy that will help LU, and everyone else benefit by them being a member of the SB, and being very good. No one has been physically hurt, shot, injured or suffered pain by being a member of a conference. The dumb things that have been said and unwise positions taken by LU officials in the past cannot be undone. What is now, and will only grow in the future is the lightning rod LU is and the the publicity LU will generate. And yes, when LU wins there will be pro and con acknowledgement but it will be much more publicity. Here's a stretch for the anti LU faction, your conference highest upgrade could be for LU and App State to be very good. Those two sites only 3+ hours apart will likely become the marquee game when both are good in the future. With the resources of LU and the success of App, that is a good mix for the two teams, the league and the individual members. Let the anti LU rebuttal begin. And as you type your reply with your moral hanky waving for all to read, just think how you'll feel when LU comes to your town. You'll be stoked. Hey. It's what college football is about, isn't it?

I knew where Liberty Univ. was located and that it was a religious type school. The negative posts on this board caused me to check it out on Wikipedia. Don't see how anyone would not be impressed by what they have done in a short period of time. And I definitely do not believe they did all that with fees from online students. In fact, seems to me online courses have not been around all that long. Imagine, an institution that actually defends it's core beliefs. Easy to see that there would be a lot of envy and jealousy specially among the folks of the far left political persuasion.

(04-04-2013 07:15 PM)DollarBill Wrote:  I knew where Liberty Univ. was located and that it was a religious type school. The negative posts on this board caused me to check it out on Wikipedia. Don't see how anyone would not be impressed by what they have done in a short period of time. And I definitely do not believe they did all that with fees from online students. In fact, seems to me online courses have not been around all that long. Imagine, an institution that actually defends it's core beliefs. Easy to see that there would be a lot of envy and jealousy specially among the folks of the far left political persuasion.

I was born in Lynchburg and attended those first football games played at ancient Lynchburg City Stadium. Graduated from App State in '75. I've seen the development, from literally zero, a school with now terrific facilities, and ongoing new construction and improvements. There is an upside to LU as a FBS member that often gets losts, or never discussed due to those who wear their emotions and are unable to for see the potential benefit. Collegiate football is about money. The smoke screen lip service said by those who spout high educational values is a restate by the school power brokers who want the masses to believe it's about quality and equality and education and what is best for the student athlete. I don't think so as the actions of most all SB to CUSA, CUSA to Big East, Big East to ACC, is about money. And on the FCS to FBS, it's about the money. This is not brain surgery. It's simple common sense that is easy to see with a broader view of what's going on versus the tunnel vision we want to see or or being told. Fact is LU will benefit the conference and the teams with their income potential. BTW, I did not go to LU, do not support most of their stances or views, have been embarrassed as a former Lynchburg residence by the past stupid things said, and have shaken my head in amazement like most by many of their past actions. But, I am a fan and have enjoyed games at LU's Williams Stadium, their Vines Center BB facility, and hockey games. I can overlook their past miscues and enjoy the sports as many thousands do.

(04-04-2013 07:37 PM)Newetimes Wrote:  

(04-04-2013 07:15 PM)DollarBill Wrote:  I knew where Liberty Univ. was located and that it was a religious type school. The negative posts on this board caused me to check it out on Wikipedia. Don't see how anyone would not be impressed by what they have done in a short period of time. And I definitely do not believe they did all that with fees from online students. In fact, seems to me online courses have not been around all that long. Imagine, an institution that actually defends it's core beliefs. Easy to see that there would be a lot of envy and jealousy specially among the folks of the far left political persuasion.

I was born in Lynchburg and attended those first football games played at ancient Lynchburg City Stadium. Graduated from App State in '75. I've seen the development, from literally zero, a school with now terrific facilities, and ongoing new construction and improvements. There is an upside to LU as a FBS member that often gets losts, or never discussed due to those who wear their emotions and are unable to for see the potential benefit. Collegiate football is about money. The smoke screen lip service said by those who spout high educational values is a restate by the school power brokers who want the masses to believe it's about quality and equality and education and what is best for the student athlete. I don't think so as the actions of most all SB to CUSA, CUSA to Big East, Big East to ACC, is about money. And on the FCS to FBS, it's about the money. This is not brain surgery. It's simple common sense that is easy to see with a broader view of what's going on versus the tunnel vision we want to see or or being told. Fact is LU will benefit the conference and the teams with their income potential. BTW, I did not go to LU, do not support most of their stances or views, have been embarrassed as a former Lynchburg residence by the past stupid things said, and have shaken my head in amazement like most by many of their past actions. But, I am a fan and have enjoyed games at LU's Williams Stadium, their Vines Center BB facility, and hockey games. I can overlook their past miscues and enjoy the sports as many thousands do.

My first post on this issue was that I felt sports and religion (or politics) should be separate. Like the Iranian wrestler who was told by his goverment to forfeit rather than fight an Israeli wrestler in the Olympics. Just stupid and assinine.

(04-04-2013 07:50 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(04-04-2013 07:37 PM)Newetimes Wrote:  

(04-04-2013 07:15 PM)DollarBill Wrote:  I knew where Liberty Univ. was located and that it was a religious type school. The negative posts on this board caused me to check it out on Wikipedia. Don't see how anyone would not be impressed by what they have done in a short period of time. And I definitely do not believe they did all that with fees from online students. In fact, seems to me online courses have not been around all that long. Imagine, an institution that actually defends it's core beliefs. Easy to see that there would be a lot of envy and jealousy specially among the folks of the far left political persuasion.

I was born in Lynchburg and attended those first football games played at ancient Lynchburg City Stadium. Graduated from App State in '75. I've seen the development, from literally zero, a school with now terrific facilities, and ongoing new construction and improvements. There is an upside to LU as a FBS member that often gets losts, or never discussed due to those who wear their emotions and are unable to for see the potential benefit. Collegiate football is about money. The smoke screen lip service said by those who spout high educational values is a restate by the school power brokers who want the masses to believe it's about quality and equality and education and what is best for the student athlete. I don't think so as the actions of most all SB to CUSA, CUSA to Big East, Big East to ACC, is about money. And on the FCS to FBS, it's about the money. This is not brain surgery. It's simple common sense that is easy to see with a broader view of what's going on versus the tunnel vision we want to see or or being told. Fact is LU will benefit the conference and the teams with their income potential. BTW, I did not go to LU, do not support most of their stances or views, have been embarrassed as a former Lynchburg residence by the past stupid things said, and have shaken my head in amazement like most by many of their past actions. But, I am a fan and have enjoyed games at LU's Williams Stadium, their Vines Center BB facility, and hockey games. I can overlook their past miscues and enjoy the sports as many thousands do.

My first post on this issue was that I felt sports and religion (or politics) should be separate. Like the Iranian wrestler who was told by his goverment to forfeit rather than fight an Israeli wrestler in the Olympics. Just stupid and assinine.

And your point is.........

(04-04-2013 07:37 PM)Newetimes Wrote:  

(04-04-2013 07:15 PM)DollarBill Wrote:  I knew where Liberty Univ. was located and that it was a religious type school. The negative posts on this board caused me to check it out on Wikipedia. Don't see how anyone would not be impressed by what they have done in a short period of time. And I definitely do not believe they did all that with fees from online students. In fact, seems to me online courses have not been around all that long. Imagine, an institution that actually defends it's core beliefs. Easy to see that there would be a lot of envy and jealousy specially among the folks of the far left political persuasion.

I was born in Lynchburg and attended those first football games played at ancient Lynchburg City Stadium. Graduated from App State in '75. I've seen the development, from literally zero, a school with now terrific facilities, and ongoing new construction and improvements. There is an upside to LU as a FBS member that often gets losts, or never discussed due to those who wear their emotions and are unable to for see the potential benefit. Collegiate football is about money. The smoke screen lip service said by those who spout high educational values is a restate by the school power brokers who want the masses to believe it's about quality and equality and education and what is best for the student athlete. I don't think so as the actions of most all SB to CUSA, CUSA to Big East, Big East to ACC, is about money. And on the FCS to FBS, it's about the money. This is not brain surgery. It's simple common sense that is easy to see with a broader view of what's going on versus the tunnel vision we want to see or or being told. Fact is LU will benefit the conference and the teams with their income potential. BTW, I did not go to LU, do not support most of their stances or views, have been embarrassed as a former Lynchburg residence by the past stupid things said, and have shaken my head in amazement like most by many of their past actions. But, I am a fan and have enjoyed games at LU's Williams Stadium, their Vines Center BB facility, and hockey games. I can overlook their past miscues and enjoy the sports as many thousands do.

You guys can talk up Liberty all you want. It doesn't change the intolerant and very narrow minded views that the place stands for. Of course Liberty is entitled to run a narrow minded intolerant place if that's what they choose to do. However, it doesn't mean that other Universities with more progressive views on society, education, and tolerance will choose to associate with Liberty University.

(04-04-2013 07:52 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(04-04-2013 07:37 PM)Newetimes Wrote:  

(04-04-2013 07:15 PM)DollarBill Wrote:  I knew where Liberty Univ. was located and that it was a religious type school. The negative posts on this board caused me to check it out on Wikipedia. Don't see how anyone would not be impressed by what they have done in a short period of time. And I definitely do not believe they did all that with fees from online students. In fact, seems to me online courses have not been around all that long. Imagine, an institution that actually defends it's core beliefs. Easy to see that there would be a lot of envy and jealousy specially among the folks of the far left political persuasion.

I was born in Lynchburg and attended those first football games played at ancient Lynchburg City Stadium. Graduated from App State in '75. I've seen the development, from literally zero, a school with now terrific facilities, and ongoing new construction and improvements. There is an upside to LU as a FBS member that often gets losts, or never discussed due to those who wear their emotions and are unable to for see the potential benefit. Collegiate football is about money. The smoke screen lip service said by those who spout high educational values is a restate by the school power brokers who want the masses to believe it's about quality and equality and education and what is best for the student athlete. I don't think so as the actions of most all SB to CUSA, CUSA to Big East, Big East to ACC, is about money. And on the FCS to FBS, it's about the money. This is not brain surgery. It's simple common sense that is easy to see with a broader view of what's going on versus the tunnel vision we want to see or or being told. Fact is LU will benefit the conference and the teams with their income potential. BTW, I did not go to LU, do not support most of their stances or views, have been embarrassed as a former Lynchburg residence by the past stupid things said, and have shaken my head in amazement like most by many of their past actions. But, I am a fan and have enjoyed games at LU's Williams Stadium, their Vines Center BB facility, and hockey games. I can overlook their past miscues and enjoy the sports as many thousands do.

You guys can talk up Liberty all you want. It doesn't change the intolerant and very narrow minded views that the place stands for. Of course Liberty is entitled to run a narrow minded intolerant place if that's what they choose to do. However, it doesn't mean that other Universities with more progressive views on society, education, and tolerance will choose to associate with Liberty University.

So within these two lengthy posts that I have made, discussing the business and economics of collegiate, and how member schools can have an influence, seems to gone overhead. Either your fixed, unyielding views are prejudicial or you cannot, or will not allow yourself to even consider the possibility. Sad commentary either way.