After a brief hiatus, UAB is ready to head back to the football field. (Getty)
UAB is set to announce they will be reinstating their football program. You can stream the press conference at 4 PM CT today at AL.com. We will have more details when they are announced, but so far here is what we know.
1. UAB Football was shutdown in 2014
UAB football is about to be back in action. (Getty)
The university shutdown the football program after it deemed it to not be fiscally sustainable. Even though the team made a bowl game the University declined the bowl bid.
2. The #FreeUAB Movement Went Viral on Social Media
The video above shows UAB players reacting to the news that UAB would be shutting down the football program. The video has over 1 million views. In addition, to the video the #FreeUAB also went viral on various social media outlets.
3. No Word Yet on Timetable for Football
UAB on the field against LSU. (Getty)
We hope to know more after the press conference. So far, all we know is UAB is expected to announce that the football program will be reinstated. We will have more details as they are available.
Fox’s Stewart Mandel tweeted about the situation:
Re: UAB, building an FBS roster from scratch by next season seems a real stretch. That’s one recruiting cycle to find 85 players.
4. UAB Was Expected to be Removed from Conference USA if Football Was Not Reinstated
UAB quarterback drops back in the pocket. (Getty)
#freeuab Conference USA confirms again this afternoon that if UAB doesn’t bring back football the school can’t stay in conference.
Why the shift? According to SB Nation, the finances have changed.
Our students, our alumni, the city of Birmingham and now many community members have stepped up with commitments to cover that $17.2 million operational deficit. That’s why we’re in a position today to make this decision.” -UAB President Ray Watts
5. Members of the 2014 UAB Football Team Have Already Transferred to Other Teams
UAB football taking on Vanderbilt.
Last year’s football team has already transferred all over the country as the NCAA waived the requirement to sit out a year. According to the Sporting News preview magazine the University of South Alabama has the most transfers from UAB with 10 players. This reinstatement news is not expected to effect any of the transferred players.
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UAB Football Reinstated: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know