It truly is a sad day for Blazer fans in Birmingham. It was confirmed today that the University of Alabama-Birmingham will not reinstate its football program. The decision to do away with the program was made in early December of last year.
Rep. Jack Williams says the email will be issued at 7pm Friday. #freeuab football program will NOT be reinstated. pic.twitter.com/dCAKy1VQWV
— Valerie Vining (@ValerieVining) May 21, 2015
Alabama state representative Jack Williams told AL.com, “This could lead to irreparable damage at UAB in its relationship with the community.” Despite the team never having much success, football was a community-wide event that everyone counted on.
The program began in 1989 and during its 25-year span, they never had much success. The team only had a winning season five times and made one bowl appearance, a 59-40 loss to Hawaii in the 2004 Hawaii Bowl. The team’s best record was 9-2 in 1993. Due to the team being a Division 1-AA Independent, they were not eligible to make the postseason.
The Blazers have seen some success in sending players to the NFL. Atlanta Falcon wide receiver Roddy White had 1,452 yards receiving with fourteen touchdowns his senior year at UAB. That led to him being a first round selection for the Falcons in 2005.
UAB may not be remembered for its huge success in football, but one thing is for sure. The football gods are crying for Birmingham today.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
