In a stunning reversal of a controversial decision, the regents of the University of Alabama system have resolved to reinstate the UAB Blazers Football program (along with bowling and rifle). The official statement by UAB President Ray L. Watts states: “Given the broad base of support never before seen, as of today, we are taking steps to reinstate the football, rifle and bowling programs. I am forwarding documents to Conference USA and the NCAA notifying them that UAB plans to remain an FBS program and a full member of C-USA.”
UAB Football Rises Like a Phoenix
RELEASE: UAB announces planned return of football, bowling and rifle teams. Read the full release here: http://t.co/WbjSktwOmk
— UAB Athletics (@UABathletics) June 1, 2015
The turnaround was abetted, in part, by a concerted social media effort on the part of people nationwide who bemoaned the dismantling of a successful program (UAB finished 6-6 and earned a bowl bid in 2014). The #FreeUAB social media phenomenon continued unabated since the announcement that the program would be discontinued late last year. Today’s announcement was met with jubilation by many who have pushed hard for the program to return to the field of play.
#FreeUAB worked – FOOTBALL IS BACK – http://t.co/diCwA0T0iJ pic.twitter.com/VUzRJRnGhK
— NFL Draft Diamonds (@DraftDiamonds) June 1, 2015
Well-known national media couldn’t help but weigh in on today’s developments as well.
PODCAST: #FreeUAB worked! Did a social media movement force UAB to reinstate the football program? Listen: http://t.co/AkkGSh76B7
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) June 1, 2015
All of this said, many are still skeptical that today’s announcement marks a lasting victory for UAB and her athletic programs.
UAB football is back, but Rays Watts is still here, too, and today he showed again why he needs to go. http://t.co/q0IbcY8CGP #FreeUAB
— Kyle Whitmire (@WarOnDumb) June 1, 2015
For now, this is good news, and the players and coaches at UAB should be congratulated. Good luck, Blazers.
