The unofficial online home for fans of the UAB Blazers. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

Justin Craft and Don Hire were interviewed. Don Hire stated we was not contacted about donations and he had previously stated he had donated millions to the program.

The focus was on the "hit man" (Watts) and the Crimson Mafioso who hired him were never mentioned. If the "Body of Work" over the past 20 years is left out, one could reach a conclusion that the only thing that matters is the financial problems the administration hides behind == which probably 80% of D1 schools have.

In my point of view, the one thing UAB did wrong was show it could finally win and would do even better with increased support and attendance. I noted that the BOT was very quiet while UAB was only winning 2 or 3 games per year. They only became hostile on the occasions that UAB appeared to be improving in spite of their opposition.

#1-"Black Friday" preceded the Saturday NFL draft of Thomas and Freeman in the first two rounds. Coincidence? I think NOT!
#2-UAB goes to a bowl game and when Watson Brown leaves, the BOT crammed Callaway down our throats.
#3-Now FBHC Clark wins 6 and the BOT sees the future and moves to block it by demanding - and getting - a "death penalty" from their "hit man". Like any seasoned "Mafioso", they make sure their "fingerprints" can't be found on the murder weapon.

Actually not focusing on the BOT was responsible journalism (from ESPN, I know). There is no tangible proof that the BOT is behind this, especially that you could present in a short segment. So instead they exposed watts as a liar about the financial contributions by interviewing a donor contradicting Watts. They managed to get the link to the BOT in at the end by having Corso hint at it at the end.

(12-06-2014 11:05 AM)GreenGiant67 Wrote:  Justin Craft and Don Hire were interviewed. Don Hire stated we was not contacted about donations and he had previously stated he had donated millions to the program.

Don and Marsha are exceptional supporters of UAB and have been for a long time.

This looks like it could be the opening shot in an investigative piece. Setting the situation, delineating the good guys vs the bad, hinting at evil doing behind the scenes....

(12-06-2014 11:36 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  Actually not focusing on the BOT was responsible journalism (from ESPN, I know). There is no tangible proof that the BOT is behind this, especially that you could present in a short segment. So instead they exposed watts as a liar about the financial contributions by interviewing a donor contradicting Watts. They managed to get the link to the BOT in at the end by having Corso hint at it at the end.

I think you have nailed it here. Without actual, verifiable proof of interference, it's dangerous for ESPN to specifically claim it happened. Corso was pretty ballsy to even hint at it.

(12-06-2014 11:40 AM)CourtsideBlazer Wrote:  This looks like it could be the opening shot in an investigative piece. Setting the situation, delineating the good guys vs the bad, hinting at evil doing behind the scenes....

Watts statement was very incriminating as well. He states that he went to donors and "no additional funding" was pledged. Really? No additional money was pledged? What about the UAB football foundation's pledge which is a matter of public record from WEEKS ago. Also adds fuel to the fire by Don Hire saying he was never asked, but if asked would have given money.

What "the donors" asked was a firm commitment that the FB program would be supported by the administration and this was never given. Then the administration said there were no firm financial commitments, only promises.

It reminds me of the time in B'ham in the early 60s when the Civil Rights activists asked for "parade permits" for their planned demonstrations and were denied them by the City Commission. Then when they marched anyway, they were arrested for "parading without a permit".

(12-06-2014 12:08 PM)BAMANBLAZERFAN Wrote:  What "the donors" asked was a firm commitment that the FB program would be supported by the administration and this was never given. Then the administration said there were no firm financial commitments, only promises.

It reminds me of the time in B'ham in the early 60s when the Civil Rights activists asked for "parade permits" for their planned demonstrations and were denied them by the City Commission. Then when they marched anyway, they were arrested for "parading without a permit".

Of course it does.

(12-06-2014 11:36 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  Actually not focusing on the BOT was responsible journalism (from ESPN, I know). There is no tangible proof that the BOT is behind this, especially that you could present in a short segment. So instead they exposed watts as a liar about the financial contributions by interviewing a donor contradicting Watts. They managed to get the link to the BOT in at the end by having Corso hint at it at the end.

Like I pointed out, "seasoned Mafioso" make sure their fingerprints are not found on the murder weapon. These multimillionaires did not become that by carelessly leaving traceable evidence of their misdeeds lying around. What you pointed out is the truth that the BOT has been very successful in doing what they did while keeping "that (OZ) curtain" around them for those who didn't want to see.