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(11-21-2014 04:02 PM)Doktyr X Wrote:  I just sent this:

Gentlemen:

This continuing uncertainty over the course of the UAB Football program is becoming a great distraction to all. Where do you both stand? Is Coach Clark going to get an actual contract now that the VP for Financial Affairs is in place? Has that been the hold up? You need to do your best for this man; he has given up a lot to be here and he deserves better treatment from his bosses. This needs to happen quickly.

Has the fate of the football program been decided? Why will no one come out and say "Don't worry, the football program is part of our future." The only thing I seek is reassurance that there will be UAB football in the future. That is all I need to hear. If neither of you speak up now, how can anyone ever trust either of you with any of UAB's assets in the future? Slowly, but surely, you are destroying your administrative reputations with your silence.

It appears that the UABOT might be sticking it's nose into matters that do not concern it. The UABOT should not be anywhere near you on this. It not should be involved in any decision regarding internal matters within any department, such as Business, Athletics, etc. (say, for instance, ordering that the Collat School of Business building not be built or shut down UAB football). If it is, it is conducting violations that could lead to a complaint to SACS being filed. I do not want to see that happen to my university.

There is an easy way to make this mess go away: let everyone know where you stand on Bill Clark and UAB Football. Say something; it does no one, including yourselves, any good to remain quiet and invisible at this point. Thanks for your time.

"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice." - Neil Peart

Bravo!

(11-21-2014 01:04 PM)the Dragon Wrote:  

(11-21-2014 12:53 PM)uabhack Wrote:  I think we should also express our concerns about possible SACS violations by the BoT after the Gov's comments.

Express ALL your displeasure about possibly losing our program! The fight is on. Don't let up now!!

Agreed. Our backs are to the wall now, what else is left to lose, especially if they drop the axe on our team? Do not go quietly into the night...

I posted this in the line above, but I want it on record here too

Subject: Stunning lack of Responsiveness

Dear Dr. Watts and AD Mackin
I appreciate the form letter I got when I sent you my email stating my concerns about our University. While I live out of town, I have a great love for my hometown and UAB. I sent my daughter to school there until her military service in the wake of 9/11 interfered in her plans. I attended UAB’s first D1 football game and have been there for many of the high points of our program. I am astounded that on AD Mackin’s watch with the aid of the UA Trustees our football program has declined from beating Baylor and TCU (both currently top 10 programs) like a rented mule to the nadir of the Calloway and McGee years. Our basketball program has declined from the sustained excellence of Coach Gene Bartow and Mike Anderson to the laughable state Mike Davis left us in.

Perhaps more importantly Dr. Watts, during the time YOU were responsible for the medical side of the campus our standing in both research dollars and quality has gone into the toilet. Your reward-President of UAB. I’ve gotta say where UAB was once a beacon of light in a dark culture of cronyism and ineptitude, it seems that since I moved to Virginia, we have lost our way.

Those of us who love UAB-not just the hospital and medical school, but the entire University deserve better than what you are giving us. It is time you decide that you are going to do whatever it takes to make us a great University. Academics, Student Activities, and Athletics are the three pillars that grow modern university success. The Campaign for UAB is a good start, but your activities in recent weeks have the potential to scuttle this massive effort. Student activities and football are enhanced by the support of the City of Birmingham. What happens if the next time you want to build a building or close a road, the city tells you to forget it? Their recent support for football could indicate a rocky road for future cooperation if you kill the program.

Here’s what we need to start our journey.

1. A Commitment to work with the City, County and UAB Football Foundation to build a great football program with great facilities. The fact that these folks have come forward at this point is an indicator that Mr. Mackin has failed in his job and should be replaced yesterday.

2. A Commitment to making the Colllat School of Business the finest school of business in the south. Birmingham is not only the medical capital of the south, but has a history as a major financial center. We need to be giving them the kind of support and programming that builds a public/private partnership to build business infrastructure and a venture capital base that can make a difference in the lives of every Alabamian.

In both of these areas it is pretty clear from Governor/Trustee Bentley’s public comments that both of these things are in danger due to meddling from the Board of Trustees. My fear is that in seeing the cabal from the Bryant Bank’s activities, SACS will judge that the trustees are playing an inappropriate role in the day to day operation of the University and drop the hammer on UAB. I have a suspicion this would lead to an immediate cancellation of all research contracts with NIH and the Federal Government. If you think the medical schools ratings have dropped, wait until you see what that will do.

It’s time to lead UAB to the promised land. If you can’t do the job, quit.

Sincerely
Rev. Jim Johnson

I seriously doubt he even reads them. There is a strong possibility that his secretary opens his mail, including email, and sorted as to importance. Emails in support of the athletic program are probably responded to by his secretary in form letters and he never even sees them. Think about it. Do you really think that Dr. Watts is going to take time out to read a thousand emails on the subject? It would be like any of you sitting there reading a thousand comments from a particular article. Way too time consuming.

(11-21-2014 06:00 PM)TheGORILLA Wrote:  I seriously doubt he even reads them. There is a strong possibility that his secretary opens his mail, including email, and sorted as to importance. Emails in support of the athletic program are probably responded to by his secretary in form letters and he never even sees them. Think about it. Do you really think that Dr. Watts is going to take time out to read a thousand emails on the subject? It would be like any of you sitting there reading a thousand comments from a particular article. Way too time consuming.

Watts probably spends most of his time listening to PBJ tell him what to do next. It has become increasingly apparent he isn't his own man. He is owned.

This isn't just about football. It's about the future of UAB and Birmingham. For UAB to have to answer to a UAT dominated BOT, which is ultimately controlled by PBJ, is just insane. The make up of the UA BOT has to change and it has to pay the price for this recent threat to UAB. This just can't go unanswered!

When I talked to Kim in the president's office, she indicated they would be doing a summary of the letters for Dr. Watts and the BOT. While he may not read them the summary may be useful to our purposes

Knowing the he doesn't even read my mail to him is infuriating. I have had enough of this jerk. What a grand legacy he is weaving.

(11-21-2014 01:50 PM)Rocket City Blazer Wrote:  Dr. Ray Watts, President
Mr. Brian Mackin, Athletic Director
University of Alabama at Birmingham
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35294

Re: Leadership at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Dear Dr. Watts & Mr. Mackin,

We continue to wait for a “real” response from the both of you regarding the future of UAB Football. I am stunned at the lack of leadership on both your parts regarding this issue. Please remember that this is not an issue that only affects the members and fans of UAB Football. The loss of UAB Football will affect the number of scholarships available for women’s sports, band members, graduate assistants, and countless other current and future students and employees. It is become clear to me and thousands of UAB fans, alumni, students and the general public that the two of you do not have UAB’s best interest at heart.

If the football program is killed, I will be withdrawing all future donations and participation with UAB (You can tell Paul Bryant, Jr it will not be going to UAT). Further, I will be sending you both packages with nearly twenty years of items, keepsakes, clothes, and memorabilia that I have collected. Give them to the poor, burn them, trash them, I won’t care at that point.

In closing, I am ashamed of the leadership of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I expect this behavior from the Board of Trustees who the majority of shown contempt and thumbed their nose at the two campuses not in Tuscaloosa. Even after all the press you have received as representatives of the University, neither of you have truly come out and responded with solid answers. You need only to answer one question. Is UAB Football endangered of becoming axed or degraded? Until you answer the question have the University stop calling me or mailing me asking for a donation.

Bravo!

Dr. Watts,

As a long time supporter of UAB and a season ticket holder in both football and basketball for years, I am writing to express my displeasure and impatience with what I see happening to our athletic program. I am just a small-time donor of no great influence, but I've been around a long time, and I am going to speak a few plain truths. I intend no offense. I just think you need to hear a few things that are not wrapped in bureaucratic politesse.

I understand that I have no idea what is actually happening, who initiated it, what their motivations were, and who is twisting whose arm in a back room (although I can make several well informed guesses). I understand that politics is a game of reward your friends and punish your enemies.

What I do know is this: There are a lot of angry people regarding football, and they are getting impatient. The only "leadership" we have seen from the president and AD's offices is a pair of mush-mouthed statements that don't say much. This is insufficient. Either get out there and lead, or find yourself a spot on the sidewalk. The biggest game of the season is coming up and our players, coach, and fans are left uncertain about our program's future. Fix this. Make a statement that you support UAB Football and are willing to go to the mat for it, and then back it up. The fans are energized, the Mayor and the City Council are throwing their influence into this fight. Please be proactive and a part of the solution. These are important days for UAB and Birmingham.

So far as the portion of the fan base I have talked to recently is concerned, both yourself and Brian Mackin have seriously damaged your reputation and standing. Long time local media who know exactly what the history is have begun to take sides loudly and publicly. If you do not choose your position wisely you are going to see more much uproar and a further decrease in donations, and it will not be pleasant for any concerned.

Thank you for your time, sir. I hope to see you at the Marshall game.


Very Sincerely Yours,

(11-21-2014 05:23 PM)linus Wrote:  I posted this in the line above, but I want it on record here too

Subject: Stunning lack of Responsiveness

Dear Dr. Watts and AD Mackin
I appreciate the form letter I got when I sent you my email stating my concerns about our University. While I live out of town, I have a great love for my hometown and UAB. I sent my daughter to school there until her military service in the wake of 9/11 interfered in her plans. I attended UAB’s first D1 football game and have been there for many of the high points of our program. I am astounded that on AD Mackin’s watch with the aid of the UA Trustees our football program has declined from beating Baylor and TCU (both currently top 10 programs) like a rented mule to the nadir of the Calloway and McGee years. Our basketball program has declined from the sustained excellence of Coach Gene Bartow and Mike Anderson to the laughable state Mike Davis left us in.

Perhaps more importantly Dr. Watts, during the time YOU were responsible for the medical side of the campus our standing in both research dollars and quality has gone into the toilet. Your reward-President of UAB. I’ve gotta say where UAB was once a beacon of light in a dark culture of cronyism and ineptitude, it seems that since I moved to Virginia, we have lost our way.

Those of us who love UAB-not just the hospital and medical school, but the entire University deserve better than what you are giving us. It is time you decide that you are going to do whatever it takes to make us a great University. Academics, Student Activities, and Athletics are the three pillars that grow modern university success. The Campaign for UAB is a good start, but your activities in recent weeks have the potential to scuttle this massive effort. Student activities and football are enhanced by the support of the City of Birmingham. What happens if the next time you want to build a building or close a road, the city tells you to forget it? Their recent support for football could indicate a rocky road for future cooperation if you kill the program.

Here’s what we need to start our journey.

1. A Commitment to work with the City, County and UAB Football Foundation to build a great football program with great facilities. The fact that these folks have come forward at this point is an indicator that Mr. Mackin has failed in his job and should be replaced yesterday.

2. A Commitment to making the Colllat School of Business the finest school of business in the south. Birmingham is not only the medical capital of the south, but has a history as a major financial center. We need to be giving them the kind of support and programming that builds a public/private partnership to build business infrastructure and a venture capital base that can make a difference in the lives of every Alabamian.

In both of these areas it is pretty clear from Governor/Trustee Bentley’s public comments that both of these things are in danger due to meddling from the Board of Trustees. My fear is that in seeing the cabal from the Bryant Bank’s activities, SACS will judge that the trustees are playing an inappropriate role in the day to day operation of the University and drop the hammer on UAB. I have a suspicion this would lead to an immediate cancellation of all research contracts with NIH and the Federal Government. If you think the medical schools ratings have dropped, wait until you see what that will do.

It’s time to lead UAB to the promised land. If you can’t do the job, quit.

Sincerely
Rev. Jim Johnson

And the People said..."Amen!" Excellent letter, Reverend!

In their bureaucratic myopia, their zeal in trying to dig a grave for UAB may also be preparing a plot for "Updyke U" as well if SACS gets involved. Why would they, if they involve themselves, come down on UAB? These bastards are misusing their power to torment and hinder us, why would they punish UAB and not UA instead? Now, that would be poetic (bleeping) justice!

I think everyone should drop Mackin and Watts another email about how much fun the game was today. Let them know this what UAB is capable of even with our all handicaps.

& let them know they are our handicaps.

I think now is the time to blow up the emails and phones of both the AD and President.

“@BrianMackin: I am in Memphis for a leadership conference called CALS .Everyone I meet is excited about UAB FB.@UABathletics @UAB_Football”