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

Unless I missed it, Ray Watts is not a Blazer Booster. Should that be considered strange?

(01-22-2015 02:33 PM)UABslant Wrote:  2014 Blazer Boosters, if anyone has questions who we are: 2014 Blazer Boosters Membership List

*FYI, this is public information

Wow had no idea there were that many

They had a push a while back to bump up the numbers.

Ray Watts isn't on that list. Neither is Wes Smith. I'm sure some BlazerTalkers aren't on the list either, so you can't judge loyalty or fandom simply by that.

Fun fact, Stephen A. Smith is a Blazer Booster.

I'm on there and I requested not to be published (for the football guide or whatever it is) so guess this is the complete list. There are duplicates in the list and I only count 1,078 with duplicates. I believe that number will soar upwards once football is restored.

(01-22-2015 04:09 PM)blzrclub80 Wrote:  I'm on there and I requested not to be published (for the football guide or whatever it is) so guess this is the complete list. There are duplicates in the list and I only count 1,078 with duplicates. I believe that number will soar upwards once football is restored.

I signed up 4-5 years ago when they were trying to reach 1000 donors and had the flame tracker tracking how many donors we had but I didn't think it ever got past 800.

Interestingly, my Credit Union from back home (Lawrence County/Courtland, AL) was listed as a booster. Sure never knew that.

(01-21-2015 07:33 PM)blazinrunner Wrote:  

(01-21-2015 07:04 PM)Matrix Wrote:  

(01-21-2015 06:52 PM)blazertke Wrote:  I got mine and responded. Brad is a stand up guy and I have a feeling he is just as frustrated as we are. So why is asking questions as to why major donors weren't contacted before the decision relevant to the process?

I have been wondering about that one myself, but, I promise, what we can't ask, SACS sure as hell can, and probably will if they have step up in here!

I think it's because the committee is only allowed to review the numbers of the report. And that's it. Like basically, you can only ask why they projected X # in the report and not Y. Nothing substantive, just reviewing the calculations. My assumption anyway

The language from Hire and other committee members today was they can do what they want. Look at old numbers, but also look at new 2014-15 data, assumptions not used, form sub-committees, bring in consultants, etc. It will be thorough.

(01-22-2015 02:33 PM)UABslant Wrote:  2014 Blazer Boosters, if anyone has questions who we are: 2014 Blazer Boosters Membership List

*FYI, this is public information

What? No Ray & Nancy Watts on there? I'm shocked !

Hmmmm...My name's still on there, and I sent them a letter terminating my membership and gave them their Gold Card back. Still, that's a hell of a lot of names on this list.

Surprise name on the list: trustee james wilson.

(01-22-2015 02:44 PM)the_blazerman Wrote:  Unless I missed it, Ray Watts is not a Blazer Booster. Should that be considered strange?

Considering who we're talking about here? Nah.

(01-22-2015 06:02 PM)Matrix Wrote:  Hmmmm...My name's still on there, and I sent them a letter terminating my membership and gave them their Gold Card back. Still, that's a hell of a lot of names on this list.

This is the 2014 list... My name was on there and I informed them in December that I would not be renewing due the football fiasco and would not renew until Watts was gone and/or football was back.

I sent mine in to Brad last night, he responded with his thanks and that they would be passed on to Don Hire. We've traded emails several times throughout the day. I've always thought that's he's been a great asset to UAB and the athletic department, not to mention a good guy.

If asked why would you provide input? The branch was extended, so I am thankful to provide my input to the process. I don't want to waste any opportunity to have my voice heard and restore our programs that were taken away.

Two things are certain:
1. No one will ever get everything they want. Life is about making compromises.
2. We cannot be divided in this fight. Everyone needs to be on the same page as to the end game.

Will we get everything we want? Absolutely not, see #1. Compromises will be made by all involved to restore our programs, preserve the undergraduate programs and make changes to the BoT or at least their governance within the system. We will see change as long as we're united in our efforts. Political pressure and support in Montgomery are the next steps.

I still chuckle that they thought that this would blow over in a few days. Stay united, that is what is driving them bonkers right now. We're not going away...instead we're gaining traction.

(01-22-2015 09:55 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:46 AM)PTBlazer Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:40 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  That's my biggest concern too. If they are only allowed to go over the Carr report and attempt to fill in deficits, we are screwed. That report is so jacked up that it needs to be ripped apart and done again. If they can't find some numbers of their own, I don't see how this gets fixed.

Also, watts have never stated that he would reinstate football to my knowledge, simply that it would be reevaluated. Since we all know this wasn't his decision, I don't believe a damn thing will come of this, even if we hand him a check for $100 million.

It doesn't have to be $100 million, but it damn sure better be between $5 and 10 million. And it needs to be in the Bank. Where is the UAB Football Foundation?

And you know this how? your posts lately have made me think you don't give a damn about UAB, and I know for a fact that we have had money turned down for our program. Hard to have that money in hand if you won't accept it, no?

You can join the ranks of others if you think I'm a double naught spy. I am confident that I care about UAB, and have worked and contributed for twenty plus years to the school. You're correct in that money was turned down at the 11th hour (after the decision had been made and more or less gotten out to the UAB insiders), but I do know, or have been told by someone who I trust does know, that the BOT will reinstate football when there is money in the bank from the City and outside contributors. That does not mean pledges or anything else. It means tangible money in bank accounts in some entity's name earmarked for UAB football. The BOT is simply not going to invest in the program if it loses money, or if there are not outside funds available to support it for a defined (3-5 year) period of time.

That's high level rumor, but again, I think credible. Time will tell if it plays out that way.

(01-22-2015 08:12 PM)PTBlazer Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:55 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:46 AM)PTBlazer Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:40 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  That's my biggest concern too. If they are only allowed to go over the Carr report and attempt to fill in deficits, we are screwed. That report is so jacked up that it needs to be ripped apart and done again. If they can't find some numbers of their own, I don't see how this gets fixed.

Also, watts have never stated that he would reinstate football to my knowledge, simply that it would be reevaluated. Since we all know this wasn't his decision, I don't believe a damn thing will come of this, even if we hand him a check for $100 million.

It doesn't have to be $100 million, but it damn sure better be between $5 and 10 million. And it needs to be in the Bank. Where is the UAB Football Foundation?

And you know this how? your posts lately have made me think you don't give a damn about UAB, and I know for a fact that we have had money turned down for our program. Hard to have that money in hand if you won't accept it, no?

You can join the ranks of others if you think I'm a double naught spy. I am confident that I care about UAB, and have worked and contributed for twenty plus years to the school. You're correct in that money was turned down at the 11th hour (after the decision had been made and more or less gotten out to the UAB insiders), but I do know, or have been told by someone who I trust does know, that the BOT will reinstate football when there is money in the bank from the City and outside contributors. That does not mean pledges or anything else. It means tangible money in bank accounts in some entity's name earmarked for UAB football. The BOT is simply not going to invest in the program if it loses money, or if there are not outside funds available to support it for a defined (3-5 year) period of time.

That's high level rumor, but again, I think credible. Time will tell if it plays out that way.

I have also been told by a person close to someone who is talked about much on this board that the BOT supports UAB Football & not interested in it being killed without legitimate merit. Taking it for what its worth.

My opinion is that the best avenue right now is letting the Athletic Task Force finish its job and get this process going as quickly as possible and we will have our decision/reversal by the April 2nd deadline - just in time for the April 11th Spring Game. We should all support this Task Force and interact with it to give your input and hear what they say. They want us to be interactive with them so that they do not miss anything. There's a lot of talk on here, but I only counted about 10-12 Alumni at the meeting yesterday - granted it was a last minute announcement. I hope support for the Task Force doesn't mirror the support at recent Basketball games.

(01-22-2015 08:12 PM)PTBlazer Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:55 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:46 AM)PTBlazer Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:40 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  That's my biggest concern too. If they are only allowed to go over the Carr report and attempt to fill in deficits, we are screwed. That report is so jacked up that it needs to be ripped apart and done again. If they can't find some numbers of their own, I don't see how this gets fixed.

Also, watts have never stated that he would reinstate football to my knowledge, simply that it would be reevaluated. Since we all know this wasn't his decision, I don't believe a damn thing will come of this, even if we hand him a check for $100 million.

It doesn't have to be $100 million, but it damn sure better be between $5 and 10 million. And it needs to be in the Bank. Where is the UAB Football Foundation?

And you know this how? your posts lately have made me think you don't give a damn about UAB, and I know for a fact that we have had money turned down for our program. Hard to have that money in hand if you won't accept it, no?

You can join the ranks of others if you think I'm a double naught spy. I am confident that I care about UAB, and have worked and contributed for twenty plus years to the school. You're correct in that money was turned down at the 11th hour (after the decision had been made and more or less gotten out to the UAB insiders), but I do know, or have been told by someone who I trust does know, that the BOT will reinstate football when there is money in the bank from the City and outside contributors. That does not mean pledges or anything else. It means tangible money in bank accounts in some entity's name earmarked for UAB football. The BOT is simply not going to invest in the program if it loses money, or if there are not outside funds available to support it for a defined (3-5 year) period of time.

That's high level rumor, but again, I think credible. Time will tell if it plays out that way.

A college football program was no created to be a mother ******* business venture. I don't know why this is lost. Oh UAB has a football program that loses money. College programs everywhere lose money. Does a student center make money? A student recreation center? A softball team? A track team? A soccer team? A frat house?

If they are willing to reinstate the program, why didn't they allow the program to ask for help before shooting it in the middle of the night? It's all bull**** and I can't believe you are buying into it.

UAB had money in hand last ******* year. Did you not read the article about the turf being denied? I'm sure your sources will go along with those that denied the report, right?

How many meetings have there been to try to cover? When it is called at short notice on the afternoon of a work day, you get lower turnout. People have jobs. We're also starting to get into meeting and protest fatigue. Many people had already emailed their questions in as well. It was also billed as the USGA meeting, it was not clear to me that it was a committee meeting until quite late in things.

As to what "someone close to someone on the BoT" says, do you really expect them to say "We're been trying to kill UAB football for years'? Of course they'll deny that. It also depends on which someone you are talking about.

& if it is Humphrey, of course she supports UAB Football she just can't do anything about it because it would hurt their income.

(01-23-2015 11:49 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 08:12 PM)PTBlazer Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:55 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:46 AM)PTBlazer Wrote:  

(01-22-2015 09:40 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  That's my biggest concern too. If they are only allowed to go over the Carr report and attempt to fill in deficits, we are screwed. That report is so jacked up that it needs to be ripped apart and done again. If they can't find some numbers of their own, I don't see how this gets fixed.

Also, watts have never stated that he would reinstate football to my knowledge, simply that it would be reevaluated. Since we all know this wasn't his decision, I don't believe a damn thing will come of this, even if we hand him a check for $100 million.

It doesn't have to be $100 million, but it damn sure better be between $5 and 10 million. And it needs to be in the Bank. Where is the UAB Football Foundation?

And you know this how? your posts lately have made me think you don't give a damn about UAB, and I know for a fact that we have had money turned down for our program. Hard to have that money in hand if you won't accept it, no?

You can join the ranks of others if you think I'm a double naught spy. I am confident that I care about UAB, and have worked and contributed for twenty plus years to the school. You're correct in that money was turned down at the 11th hour (after the decision had been made and more or less gotten out to the UAB insiders), but I do know, or have been told by someone who I trust does know, that the BOT will reinstate football when there is money in the bank from the City and outside contributors. That does not mean pledges or anything else. It means tangible money in bank accounts in some entity's name earmarked for UAB football. The BOT is simply not going to invest in the program if it loses money, or if there are not outside funds available to support it for a defined (3-5 year) period of time.

That's high level rumor, but again, I think credible. Time will tell if it plays out that way.

A college football program was no created to be a mother ******* business venture. I don't know why this is lost. Oh UAB has a football program that loses money. College programs everywhere lose money. Does a student center make money? A student recreation center? A softball team? A track team? A soccer team? A frat house?

If they are willing to reinstate the program, why didn't they allow the program to ask for help before shooting it in the middle of the night? It's all bull**** and I can't believe you are buying into it.

UAB had money in hand last ******* year. Did you not read the article about the turf being denied? I'm sure your sources will go along with those that denied the report, right?

OK, this is what I have been told about the history of the decision. The decision to think about shutting it down began as early as the firing of Coach Callaway. And gathered real momentum when Coach McGee left. You are very correct, that a football team is not a money making venture, but at the time Coach Callaway left, the team was uncompetitive to the extreme, attendance was often less than 10,000 a game, among the lowest in the nation, and the program was bleeding dollars. The City was not being accommodating about Legion Field upgrade maintenance and it was going to take several million dollars to do so. There was at the time significant concerns about liability related to Legion Field (remember the deck falling off?). On the way out the door Coach Callaway told Paul Jr. (they are tight) it would take an eight to ten million dollar investment to be competitive in Conference USA, outside of an OCS. There was at the time very little financial support for the program, relative to the needs. They were not going to commit to an OCS with the notion of possibly punting the program.

When Coach McGee left in the middle of the night, the talk picked up steam and there began to be a plan formulated. That is why the turf donation was refused, the Legion field lease was for one year, and the contract with Coach Clark got handled as it did. Of course, word leaked as words do, Coach Clark did a hell of a job, and the BOT found out this University will fight for what it believes in. So that is where we are now. There is a deal in the works to get football restarted at some level, but given the performance for the five of the past six years, the BOT wants seed capital, and 3-5 years of support available in the Bank. The has been some talk of tying performance of booster financial support, season ticket sales, etc, to an OCS down the road, but I don't think that has gotten very far.

I am not saying this is the truth, or even part of it. Again, it has been told to me by someone who has a very close relationship with someone involved (a BOT member and not BH). So take it as a lie, a rumor, or an interesting work of fiction. I won't confirm or deny the truth of it, but I put it out there so you will understand my comment about $5-10MM.

Don't shoot the messenger.

Plus this, President Watts is staying. The BOT admits they have put him in a no win situation, and are 100% committed to supporting him.

Again, just what I've been told.