The Debate Rages about UAB Football
Almost a week after UAB President Ray Watts’ announcement that the university’s football program would end, vigorous debate continues about the decision. Watts said the university couldn’t afford a projected $49 million increase in spending over the next five years to make football competitive.
David Goldenberg of FiveThirtyEight.com argues UAB was hobbled by the unsupportive Alabama System Board of Trustees and an increasingly difficult financial picture. Meanwhile, Associated Press writer Paul Newberry says costs will drive more universities to cut football programs.
But Vice Sports contributor Andy Schwarz says UAB does have the money and actually might lose some by ending football.
The Birmingham Business Journal offers two competing views. Kris Dunn says UAB football is dead because of a great leader and the enemies a great leader attracts. Tony Mauro says President Ray Watts’ decision represents an unpopular one, but the right one for the university.
ESPN’s College GameDay aired a piece on Saturday on the end of UAB football, but university officials dispute a claim in the story that administrators didn’t approach top donors about contributing more money to save the team. The school has released a FAQ on the UAB football situation pointing out what it says are inaccuracies.
The FDA creates a quicker path for gene therapies
The Food and Drug Administration aims to evaluate treatments for rare diseases based on plausible evidence that they would work — without requiring a clinical trial first.
BAFTAs apologize after guest with Tourette syndrome uses racial slur during ceremony
A man with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur and other offensive remarks during the BAFTA awards ceremony Sunday. The BBC did not edit out his outbursts in its delayed broadcast.
‘Everything was in pieces:’ Lindsey Vonn describes grueling surgery on broken leg
In a recent video, the Olympic skier credits her surgeon with saving her leg from potential amputation.
A new lawsuit alleges DHS illegally tracked and intimidated observers
Observers watching federal immigration enforcement in Maine who were told by agents they were "domestic terrorists" and would be added to a "database" or "watchlist" are now part of a new federal class action lawsuit.
A powerful winter storm is roiling travel across the northeastern U.S.
Forecasters called travel conditions "extremely treacherous" and "nearly impossible" in areas hit hardest by the storm, and air and train traffic is at a standstill in many parts of the region.
U.K. arrests ex-ambassador to the U.S. on suspicion of misconduct over Epstein ties
Police have arrested Peter Mandelson, a veteran Labour Party politician who served as British ambassador to the U.S., as part of an investigation into his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
