Heated meeting as University of Alabama-Birmingham scuttles football program

[Recursion]

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/university-alabama-birmingham-ends-football-program/

When you mention college football, millions think, "Alabama." The top-ranked Crimson Tide are going after another national title. But now, a school that plays in Alabama's shadow is going the other way, reports CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano.

Despite finishing with a .500 record this season, University of Alabama-Birmingham officials announced the school is terminating its football program, citing "a lack of financial support." The president of the university spoke with coaches and players on Tuesday in a heated meeting that was all caught on camera.

"There's 18-year-olds in here, 17-year-olds, what are they supposed to do?" tight end Tristan Henderson said.

The 26-year-old Henderson is an Iraq war veteran and spoke passionately during the meeting.

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. The state is in deep shock....be gentle and wery wery quiet.

Football is EVERYTHING down here.
The school may find this was a fool hardy decision, ending in reduced enrollment.

Me, I am not at all interested in football, but it would be foolish to ignore such a major part of culture down here.

[Recursion]

2. I'm from MS... several of my friends are Blazers

I'm also a Boston University alum, and I think they should have asked BU what this does to giving. Hint: it's not good.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. 50% chance of a change of mind, I bet. n/t

[getting old in mke]

4. Up North

I certainly think of UAB as a basketball team. But that probably has to do with living in Marquette-land and being in the same conference, Great Midwest, then Conference USA from '92 to '05.

[yallerdawg]

5. UAB had a football team?

I did not know that!

[Rhinodawg]

6. LOL...Dont laugh.

If it wasn't for UA , you might have to root for UAB or be singing War Eagle.