The Morning Report
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Tom Hanscom, SDSU’s director of media relations, just sent over this statement regarding today’s resolution to abolish the school’s football program.
A member of the SDSU faculty senate has announced his intention to introduce a resolution to that body on October 2, recommending that SDSU’s football program be discontinued. The resolution claims that the program has not produced promised revenue, and that university subsidy of the program places a strain on academics.
It is the policy of SDSU, as with most universities, to allow and encourage open dialogue on all topics; and we respect the concerns and opinions of our faculty. However, decisions about our Athletics programs are made by the University President; and President Weber remains committed to a strong and successful football program at SDSU.
Arguments that SDSU football represents a net revenue loss to the school and its athletic program overlook associated income in the forms of television and tournament revenues, sponsorships, and scholarships all of which are tied to our conference affiliation and would be severely impacted if football were discontinued. Considering all related income, football had a positive impact to the athletic budget in FY07.
Also, an update on the earlier post: Steven Barbone, chairmain of the philosophy department, is sponsoring this resolution. But, it was originally penned by Leon Bernstein, a professor in that same department. A technicality prevented him from bringing the resolution forward and Barbone agreed to sponsor it.