UAB dropping football

[ST_Lawson]

It'd been rumored for a while, but yesterday, UAB (University of Alabama - Birmingham) announced they were shutting down their football program: http://espn.go.com/college-football/sto ... ll-program
To balance out scholarships, they're also dropping their bowling and rifle teams.

From everything I've read, the Alabama BOT essentially "starved" the program for a while, not allowing them to build an on-campus stadium, preventing them from hiring a good coach, even blocking donors from contributing directly to help UAB's football program. Most of the BOT are University of Alabama (the main one) people, and it sounds like they're trying to make sure all the money flows directly to the Tide. Also, "Bear" Bryant's son is on the BOT and apparently holds a grudge against UAB because their coach once called out his father for cheating.

UAB is currently in Conference USA, but it sounds like they may have to move, since CUSA requires that it's members sponsor football. They've said that they'll be focusing on basketball as the "primary" sport now.
This likely won't affect Western much, but there are a few things that could affect parts of the college sports landscape.

1. If not CUSA, then where does UAB go without football? Atlantic Sun? The already "all over the map" WAC? The Summit League? UAB isn't all that close to much in the way of non-football conferences, but those are the three closest. Sun Belt does have 2 non-football members, but I don't know that they'd be eager to add a third. Similar situation with the Ohio Valley...they do have 2 non-football members, and one that plays in the Pioneer League, but I don't know that they'd want to add another non-football member.
2. Provided UAB leaves CUSA, does CUSA add anyone else to replace them? Do they pull someone from the Sun Belt...then the Sun Belt pulls an FCS member up? One name that's been tossed around that's been eyeing an FBS move is Missouri State, which would affect Western, by way of the MVFC.
3. Likely shorter-term...what about all of the players. I can't remember offhand if they get an exemption from the "sit out 1 year" rule if the football team they are on completely shuts down. I know that any of them transferring to FCS schools would be able to play immediately next year. Think we'll see an influx of former UAB players at schools like Missouri State, Southern Illinois, or some Ohio Valley teams?

Anyway, it's a tough situation, especially for the coaches and players that got caught up in the situation and now have to reevaluate what their future plans might be.

[sealhall74]

My only worry would be is that it makes it easier for others to follow suit. Many schools are fielding football programs that cost more to operate than they bring in.

[wiu712]

UAB's football program started off in Division III.

The rise of the new "Power Five" conferences could cause more programs to drop in level as money will become a major problem.

[BobLovely]

Scott is correct. The University of Alabama does not want UAB to have a football program. The 800 lb. Gorilla has exercised his power. The program was starved for funds. No wonder the "numbers did not look good." The announcement to the players was poorly executed. I hope they get invited to a bowl game at 6-6.

All UAB players can transfer without having to sit out a year...

Bob