A local businessman is optimistic for the potential reversal of the University of Alabama - Birmingham's (UAB) decision to drop their football, bowling and rifle programs.
Jimmy Filler, founder of the UAB Football Foundation, told AL.com he met with University President Ray Watts. UAB football supporters are facing an uphill battle to bring the program back, but Watts is keeping their collective hopes alive.
"Dr. Watts is still studying the numbers, and there is no validity or truth to him making an announcement this weekend," Filler told AL.com. "My meeting today was to try to convince him bringing back football is good for the city of Birmingham and good for UAB. He was very nice, responsive and understood everything that I said."
Earlier that day, State Rep. Jack Williams told the website he believed the decision to reaffirm the cutting of the football, bowling and rifle programs was already made. Massive fundraising efforts and a continuous outpouring of support for the team to make a return seemed to be all for naught.
Williams told ESPN Watts was expected to announce this reaffirmation Friday, but a UAB statement indicated its president will do so on June 1.
"I think as pressure mounts, we're moving toward seeing a return of football if we can get through the weekend without him killing it," Williams said. "If we can get through the weekend, I think our chances of bringing back football increase."
UAB's Dec. 2014 decision to close their football program was roiled in controversy. For one, AL.com reported in March obtaining documents that show Watts had made up his mind about the football program before the season even started. Economists from the firm OSKR later published a report that indicated the football, bowling and rifle team were not costing UAB money, as the school claimed.
"We may not agree on every point, but I think Dr. Watts is honestly taking a hard look," Filler told AL.com. "I hope his decision will come out in favor of the people."
