BAMANBLAZERFAN
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
(12-07-2014 07:14 PM)BlazintheATL Wrote: **Let me start by saying its not my money so this is only my opinion.**** I disagree with the "I won't give another dime" to UAB athletics mentality. We lost our football, rifle, and bowling teams but we still have several other teams that need and deserve our support. Ceasing all donations and attendance to other events basically ensures that they will go the way of basketball and if that happens we are at least partially responsible, whether that's the ultimate plan by the BOT or not. Having said that there needs to be a guarantee that the money that is being donated is being used properly and there needs to be accountability, whether from Watts or the next President. If this ******* or the next guy refuses donations or if they meddle with the other programs the way they did with football then the plot needs to continue to be exposed.
Of the remaining sports, ONLY Basketball stands a chance of bringing in much revenue, and that assumes it will not suffer when/if we must change conference affiliation. When we are used to playing the likes of UNC, Butler, and such, it may be difficult to get used to the new competition with the likes of Austin Peay, ETSU, Furman and Presbyterian as equals. We await the determination of our conference standing as we speak with the C-USA meetings coming up next month. NOTE: We will probably be told well in advance since C-USA is probably more honest than our own leadership.
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12-07-2014 07:28 PM |
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BlazintheATL
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
I agree it wont be easy. If we can somehow go back to truly being a "basketbal school" the way that we were and the way that VCU and Wichita State are then I think there is still a reason to be excited about the future. The unfortunate thing is that unlike Wichita State and VCU, we are in the football-centric south and we're not surrounded by other basketball minded schools. I think MB said it best a few nights ago, if we do get booted out of CUSA I just hope that we can somehow manage to land in a conference where schools and fans actually care about basketball. Honestly, that's not current CUSA but it still may be the best we can hope for.
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12-07-2014 07:42 PM |
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the_blazerman
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
I would settle for a break off now. They can go away & leave us alone.
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12-07-2014 07:46 PM |
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BlazintheATL
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
Yeah I think the Big 12 is about to poach a couple of teams and it was rumored even before the playoff announcement today that they were looking at Cinci and Memphis. Who knows how all of this shakes out but it happens so frequently now that it's hard to even care anymore.
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12-07-2014 08:00 PM |
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biglizard
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
And now my rant.
They broke it. They own it.
I started in 1981 in UAB coming from Tennessee. It truly was a commuter school back then. I'm not one of those "football only" people and I started out going to basketball games as soon as I got there and continued through last year. I had season tickets when I lived in Bham. In the last 30 years I've earned 3 degrees from UAB including my MD. I've promoted UAB, defended UAB, given to UAB and just about done everything I can do for UAB. I helped start the club football program, taught it's students and generally watched it grow from a giant parking lot with classrooms to what we have today. This week pulled the last bit of love I have for UAB out of my chest.
It's true those student athletes that remain deserve love and respect (now more than ever). I just can't muster any. If things keep on the current trajectory it'll be cloudy and 1981 all year long in Bham again. I'm too old and too hurt to try and rebuild what I know UAB can be. For that reason my time, expertise and resources will go to places not associated with the UA system. Period. There are too many good causes that won't turn around and shoot you in the face after 30 years of work. The UA board and lackey Watts have their vision of UAB and I'll be damned if I'm going to help subsidize it with money that could do some good.
I'll continue to work for administrative and board changes. I can do that through personal contacts and contributing to candidates (hey Walt hope you're reading this) that share a vision for UAB and the entire state. There are good people here in Alabama and they deserve more than they get from the current bunch of losers.
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12-07-2014 08:12 PM |
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New2UAB
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
Anyone hearing about lawyers lining up (a fraud case) to represent 2014 recruits?
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12-07-2014 08:13 PM |
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BlazintheATL
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
Good post Lizard. I'm glad that you will continue to work to make a change. That's what matters most.
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12-07-2014 08:16 PM |
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the_blazerman
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
Has the corruption gone to a lower level than the president?
Have people been put in their places, relieved of their jobs, other people put in place, etc?
Just wondering how deep the corruption goes. (we know Mackin was paid off)
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12-07-2014 08:18 PM |
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notnow
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
As long as Watts is in place - no investment by me.
I may resume investing after we determine our conference fate.
I really don't have the energy to attend current SunBelt/ SoCon/Asun games.
I don't think I can get anyone to go with me.
I hated the seasons when I had to attend by myself.
Proof will be in the results.
Watts must go. NOW.
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12-07-2014 08:37 PM |
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USAFBlazerFan
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
(12-07-2014 12:32 PM)Memphis Blazer Wrote: (12-07-2014 12:26 PM)nicknitro19 Wrote: (12-07-2014 12:01 PM)Doktyr X Wrote: Let them rattle on. This is a national level PR nightmare. They continue to do the job for us. Every word or justification makes fighting this easier; it gets harder if they clam up and go silent. Media relations programs will use this as bad example in classrooms.
They are producing - wait for it - "Knowledge that will change your world". Of course, it may be knowledge that changes things for the worse; not all change is good.
It's never a good idea to keep calling UAB's donors liars especially to the press.
Because, why. They'll stop donating. And that's what he wants. For donations to the rest of the athletic department to dry up.
Just like the "not red dime" or whatever crowd. Playing right into his hands.
That is partially true. If the media is involved, and the lack of donation(s) is broadcast WITH the reason explained, then it places the blame solely on Watts (and secondarily, the BoT). That makes it a PR nightmare. If the donor calls a news conference, produces a huge check and then says, "Well, I WAS going to give this, BUT..."
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12-07-2014 08:42 PM |
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LABlazer
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
Food for thought.....
What if all of the remaining athletic programs which are set to receive the "reallocated" funds from football, rifle and bowling REFUSED to use these funds?
What would happen to these funds over the course of 5 years? Would that amount of money, and the statement it sends from the other programs, be enough for the NEW president to reinstate all three programs?
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12-07-2014 11:13 PM |
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blazerjay
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
(12-07-2014 07:17 PM)Memphis Blazer Wrote: (12-07-2014 07:14 PM)BlazintheATL Wrote: **Let me start by saying its not my money so this is only my opinion.**** I disagree with the "I won't give another dime" to UAB athletics mentality. We lost our football, rifle, and bowling teams but we still have several other teams that need and deserve our support. Ceasing all donations and attendance to other events basically ensures that they will go the way of basketball and if that happens we are at least partially responsible, whether that's the ultimate plan by the BOT or not. Having said that there needs to be a guarantee that the money that is being donated is being used properly and there needs to be accountability, whether from Watts or the next President. If this ******* or the next guy refuses donations or if they meddle with the other programs the way they did with football then the plot needs to continue to be exposed.
I agree. The "not one red dime" crowd is just as damaging to the future of UAB athletics as Ray Watts himself.
I think the "never gives a dime" crowd is far worse. They seem to be the first to give advice and/or complain about anything and everything, yet have the least invested.
(This post was last modified: 12-07-2014 11:46 PM by blazerjay.)
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12-07-2014 11:45 PM |
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mixduptransistor
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
(12-07-2014 11:13 PM)LABlazer Wrote: Food for thought.....
What if all of the remaining athletic programs which are set to receive the "reallocated" funds from football, rifle and bowling REFUSED to use these funds?
What would happen to these funds over the course of 5 years? Would that amount of money, and the statement it sends from the other programs, be enough for the NEW president to reinstate all three programs?
What are you talking about? These programs aren't independent agencies that get to make up their own rules.
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12-07-2014 11:58 PM |
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HSV_BLAZER
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
(12-07-2014 08:37 PM)notnow Wrote: As long as Watts is in place - no investment by me.
This is where I am right now.
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12-08-2014 12:14 AM |
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ranger1386b
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
(12-07-2014 12:48 PM)Doktyr X Wrote: My guess as to Watts basic plans for UAB:
1. Get rid of pesky football team - done.
2. Get rid of pesky football donors and fans - done.
3. Get rid of more sports, blame pesky donors for not supporting sports - next.
4. Get rid of Athletics, blame lying donors and lack of support by pesky fans - soon.
5. Get rid of "elitist" Honors program, blame failing income from pesky donors not giving money - soon.
6. Get rid of some basic Undergrad programs, blame lack of quality, high level student recruits - in time.
7. Get rid of most Undergrad programs, blame everyone for lack of money and support - goal.
8. Reset clocks to 1983 - this is a commuter school, not a University. Note to self - bring in paper, put out the cat.
Ding. Winner. This is close to reality. I think Clarks unexpected success may have forced them to pull the trigger a year sooner than expected, though. That would provide some degree of explanation for why Watts has looked so unprpeared and buffoonish. He has to be more intelligent than he has shown so far. I see a man who is drowning in mistruths, with inadequate lie preservers. Pun intended.
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12-08-2014 01:34 AM |
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ranger1386b
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
(12-07-2014 07:42 PM)BlazintheATL Wrote: I agree it wont be easy. If we can somehow go back to truly being a "basketbal school" the way that we were and the way that VCU and Wichita State are then I think there is still a reason to be excited about the future. The unfortunate thing is that unlike Wichita State and VCU, we are in the football-centric south and we're not surrounded by other basketball minded schools. I think MB said it best a few nights ago, if we do get booted out of CUSA I just hope that we can somehow manage to land in a conference where schools and fans actually care about basketball. Honestly, that's not current CUSA but it still may be the best we can hope for.
Friends, do you really think the BOT has completed their attack on UAB? Do you really think they will stand by and allow UAB to be Wichita State or Butler in bball? Think again. There will be $10M anonymous donations if necessary to keep us out of an upgraded bball conference. We are dealing with unstable, insecure, petulant, rich children of some of the most corrupt families in Alabama. For this BOT the only acceptable future for UAB athletics, if any, is in some hopelessly inferior role.
(This post was last modified: 12-08-2014 01:48 AM by ranger1386b.)
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12-08-2014 01:45 AM |
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Doktyr X
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
This is only one round in what may be a multiyear campaign. They have the first victory and the first objective has been taken from us. But, it appears that they have and continue to take damage.
The BOT, by my guess, wants to wipe out the Athletics department.
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12-08-2014 03:15 AM |
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Matrix
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
(12-08-2014 12:14 AM)HSV_BLAZER Wrote: (12-07-2014 08:37 PM)notnow Wrote: As long as Watts is in place - no investment by me.
This is where I am right now.
This is "cause and effect" personified, I'm not happy with the stance I've chosen to take, but, if the bastage hadn't done what he did, none of us would be here now.
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12-08-2014 12:13 PM |
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BlazerPhil
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RE: UAB Athletics Strategic Plan Announcement
(12-08-2014 03:15 AM)Doktyr X Wrote: This is only one round in what may be a multiyear campaign. They have the first victory and the first objective has been taken from us. But, it appears that they have and continue to take damage.
The BOT, by my guess, wants to wipe out the Athletics department.
Which is why I think we are quickly getting pinned to the nuclear option. Their missiles have fired. We have limited time for response, or there won't be a UaB Athletic Department as we know it, to defend.
(This post was last modified: 12-08-2014 12:39 PM by BlazerPhil.)
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12-08-2014 12:38 PM |
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