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

(03-03-2015 03:42 PM)kdblazer Wrote:  

(03-03-2015 03:34 PM)TPBlaze84 Wrote:  I'm beginning to think that one of the biggest impetuses of the death of football was the darkening economic situation for the state government with the deficit issue and all. I would be very interested to see figures (I'm certain they have been floated around here and I've glossed over them) about how much state money went into football.

It shouldn't surprise anyone that we would occupy the unlucky position of first on the chopping block. It certainly should give thought to any Blazer fan about raising taxes.

I don't think our situation has anything to do with the state budget woes. The truth is that the BOT has/had a different view of what UAB is and should be than the people in this community and state. They dropped the hammer to stop the momentum not because of lack of funds.

That is certainly true, but can those two developments not combine for the result we got? That's kind of what I was getting at.

That would imply that the BOT is operating above board and in good faith for all three campuses. Now do you believe that?

The state budget was not an impetus, but it would have made for a great opportunity to make an excuse when people started asking hard questions - following the tired old money argument (it's not about money).

They were not playing that chess. The whole thing looks a lot more like checkers to me (see pretty much everything about it except for navigating the SACS visit). The state budget shortfall would have made a great smokescreen to throw up. Unfortunately for them, Watts said this was not about money ... the athletic budget is being redistributed, not cut. Also, supposedly the BOT had nothing to do with it, right?

Red herring... move along.

(03-03-2015 03:43 PM)the Dragon Wrote:  

(03-03-2015 03:42 PM)kdblazer Wrote:  

(03-03-2015 03:34 PM)TPBlaze84 Wrote:  I'm beginning to think that one of the biggest impetuses of the death of football was the darkening economic situation for the state government with the deficit issue and all. I would be very interested to see figures (I'm certain they have been floated around here and I've glossed over them) about how much state money went into football.

It shouldn't surprise anyone that we would occupy the unlucky position of first on the chopping block. It certainly should give thought to any Blazer fan about raising taxes.

I don't think our situation has anything to do with the state budget woes. The truth is that the BOT has/had a different view of what UAB is and should be than the people in this community and state. They dropped the hammer to stop the momentum not because of lack of funds.

I have to agree with that.

Ditto.

I totally agree that the state budget situation had nothing to do with the football decision.

All I did was point out the irony of the fiscal conservatism of a huge block of people here who also want UAB, an institution whose entire existence and size is predicated on extracting as many federal and state dollars as possible, to bring back the football team that on a purely dollars and cents basis doesn't cover its own costs but instead requires the university to kick in some money. Money that I wholeheartedly agree is well spent as it helps fund education for 80-odd players, serves a marketing role for the university, and enhances the undergraduate student life experience.

You guys grab a hold of something someone says and just run until you can't breathe anymore. Sometimes, Forrest, you shouldn't run.

(03-03-2015 03:58 PM)mixduptransistor Wrote:  All I did was point out the irony of the fiscal conservatism of a huge block of people here

So you scored points. Congratulations.

Now as far as our actual cause:

Among the sacrifices as yet unnoted is that of John Rogers. He has kept his mouth shut. I have known John for over 30 years. John Rogers has never kept his mouth shut for three months about anything. Let us honor his noble sacrifice by shutting the hell up about petty distractions.

I wonder if John Rogers has been working on this behind the scenes? He had to be infuriated by what Watts/BOT's did.

It was mentioned on facebook that Clay & Rick were both at the legislative opening session today.

(03-03-2015 05:09 PM)Bham Blazer Wrote:  I wonder if John Rogers has been working on this behind the scenes? He had to be infuriated by what Watts/BOT's did.

I'm sure he has. He often acts like an idiot in public, but he's a true pro when it comes to legislative manuever.

That is good to hear. I have always liked him.

He, if I tell ya' a rooster dips snuff, you better look under his wing.

(03-03-2015 05:09 PM)Bham Blazer Wrote:  I wonder if John Rogers has been working on this behind the scenes? He had to be infuriated by what Watts/BOT's did.

I ran into him about 2 weeks before the assassination. He was then...

(03-03-2015 05:34 PM)ATTALLABLAZE Wrote:  He, if I tell ya' a rooster dips snuff, you better look under his wing.

The first week of the session is in the books. Hopefully Jack's bills have now been filed and are in committee?

Nope, neither Williams' or Roger's bill.
According to the state website.

Public speaking is not John Rogers' forte. Hallway arm-twisting is.

Jack wants to get co sponsors for the bills if possible. Anyone know if others are willing to be co sponsors? You would think at least some others of the Jefferson Co delegation would be willing.

(03-07-2015 08:02 AM)Blazer85 Wrote:  Jack wants to get co sponsors for the bills if possible. Anyone know if others are willing to be co sponsors? You would think at least some others of the Jefferson Co delegation would be willing.

So you mean to tell me that no one from Huntesville will co-sponsor his bill? This state is full of crap

(03-07-2015 09:54 AM)rook360 Wrote:  

(03-07-2015 08:02 AM)Blazer85 Wrote:  Jack wants to get co sponsors for the bills if possible. Anyone know if others are willing to be co sponsors? You would think at least some others of the Jefferson Co delegation would be willing.

So you mean to tell me that no one from Huntesville will co-sponsor his bill? This state is full of crap

No idea. I'm not suggesting that anyone has refused. I just haven't heard anything yet in terms of co sponsors.

(03-05-2015 06:07 PM)hooverblazer Wrote:  The first week of the session is in the books. Hopefully Jack's bills have now been filed and are in committee?

(03-07-2015 08:02 AM)Blazer85 Wrote:  Jack wants to get co sponsors for the bills if possible. Anyone know if others are willing to be co sponsors? You would think at least some others of the Jefferson Co delegation would be willing.

In my days of limited lobbying - the sooner the better. The harder and more power (majority/unanimous consent) that is needed to push a bill the further along in the session. Heck what do I know - maybe we waiting for the last minuet - so the BOT cannot counter attack and pressure people to switch back to the dark side