It looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel for UAB ahtletics, as the defunked football team might be making a comeback.
SI reported Friday that a task force at Univserity at Alabama-Birmingham has pledged nearly $6 million in an attempt to bring back the program which was dropped last winter.
Task force fundraising leader Justin Craft told AL.com:
“I’m overwhelmed at the support. This is really something people want. I think Birmingham wants this program to return.”
With some 154 pledges, we think so too.
It has been an odd road for UAB athletics since it cut the football, bowling and rifle programs stating that the three entities were costing the school more than they were retaining. The heat was turned up on school president Ray Watts when a consulting firm uncovered that the school’s claims were false and that football was raking in plenty of money.
Of course the situation gained more national attention when linebacker Derek Slaughter brought his football helmet to UAB’s graduation, then snubbed Watts as he received his diploma and walked across the stage. (Campus Sports discussed the event back in April.)
The saga surrounding the school and the football program a far from over. But at least, for the time being, it appears that the people wil get their Saturday football back.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
