After a much publicized fall out with Disney over their decision not to continue sponsoring the Florida Classic and back a Orlando based SWAC-MEAC Challenge game, MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas this past week told reporters that both FAMU and BCU had reversed their decision.
As you will recall, the four year old SWAC/MEAC Challenge had been played the previous three years in Birmingham, AL. Earlier this year, the game announced it was moving to Orlando and the Florida Citrus Bowl. Just before ESPN officials announced the game's move ESPN's parent company, Disney, decided to drop its sponsorship of the Florida Classic .
Disney's decision prompted a terse response from FAMU and BCU: "While Walt Disney has decided to discontinue their relationship with the Classic as title sponsor, we hope that neither Walt Disney or any other organization would encroach on the Florida Classic brand by bringing other HBCU teams into Orlando to replicate or to engage in activities that would diminish the Florida Classic," said FAMU and BCU in a joint statement.
Both FAMU and BCU have vowed then that neither school will face any other opponent in Orlando.
Now MEAC Commissioner Thomas, says that "both Florida universities (FAMU & BCU) are committed to the event (MEAC/SWAC Challenge)."
"FAMU and Bethune Cookman analyzed the situation and did their due diligence and they made a decision," Thomas said, without revealing specifics of the resolution. "I commend Dr. (James) Ammons and Dr. (Trudie) Kibbe Reed for providing the leadership that it takes to make those types of decisions."
FAMU boosted games attendance
Prior to FAMU's participation in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge last year attendance had never managed to crack the 20,000 mark. Last year's game between FAMU and Southern drew 30,106.
This year, Bethune-Cookman had been scheduled to face Jackson State in the game. Cookman decided to pull out after the game was moved to Orlando.
To date, the Florida Classic has yet to name a new title sponsor.
Also see: FAMU/BCU vow to play no other opponent in Orlando
Disney yanks Classic backing
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Does Dennis Thomas know what he's talking about?
ReplyDeleteHell no.
ReplyDeleteDennis Thomas needs to resign as commissioner. He's making the MEAC a laughing matter. The same way he tried to destroy Hampton university athletic program.
ReplyDeletewell. FAMU finished with a 3-8 record last year, and is predicted to finish 6th in a 9 team conference this year (WSSU not official yet).
ReplyDeleteBut somehow we are on TV 5 times this year, which is way more than the other teams. Either they realize that FAMU is the draw for the conference, or they cut a deal which gives us more TV time.
I'm thinking either Bama State or Southern for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando in 2009
Wasn't it played in Jacksonville one year? BCU vs Southern?
ReplyDelete^^^No that was just a regular scheduled game. In fact it was BCU's now expired classic - The Gateway Classic.
ReplyDeleteIt baffles me why individuals who have never played sports at the college level, coached sports at the college level, or administrated within a division I athletic department or conference office think they have a clue about athletics. You guys are fans and nothing more. Please provide some substance to the blog rather than thoughtless opinion. I have done all three and at a very high level, but I am not commenting about any issues, because you all know so much and have it covered.
ReplyDeleteI will say that if I were the AD at FAMU or the President. I would look to internal financing for the FL Classic and negotiate the final payout between the two schools. I would start now in securing all hotel rooms creating a monopoly on that particular weekend of the "Challenge" and market the Fl Classic as new move. I would include an endowment component to sponsor future scholarships for the student athletes with funds raised from alumni, but I do agree with you all that it would be a shame to see the Classic in Miami or anywhere else outside Orlando.
Thomas needs to resign, or be fired as MEAC Commissioner.
ReplyDelete