There may not be a future for UAB football, but perhaps there is a tiny ounce of hope something can change. It may not be likely for UAB football to be revived at this point after the university shut the program down and the program was not invited to a bowl game, but the faculty at UAB have gone as far as it can go in making a statement of its own.
As reported by NBC affiliate WVTM in Birmingham, a faculty senate at UAB came up with resolutions on Tuesday to show support for the athletics department and require transparency in the reassessment of all athletic programs at the university. the faculty senate also drafted a resolution of “no confidence” in university president Dr. Ray Watts after the way he handled the decision to shut down the football program, in addition to the bowling and rifle programs last week.
“For a faculty senate, a vote of no confidence is one of the most powerful statements that can be made with regards to how the faculty feel,” said Dr. Chad Epps, chair of the UAB faculty senate.
“There’s a lack of trust and respect for Dr. Watts at this stage throughout the campus. The possibility of him leading this university is pretty much nonexistent,” microbiology professor Chuck Turnbough said.
There are obviously some serious issues going on at UAB, and football really should take a backseat to the push for establishing trustworthy leadership at UAB. Without it, who knows what could crumble next at the university. But does this leave any hope for the possible return of UAB football? Never say never, although this is far from a decision and movement that will overturn what has already been decided and executed.
Tennessee was scheduled to open the 2015 season against UAB. The Vols have already replaced the Blazers with Bowling Green on the 2015 schedule.