The temporary suspension of the FAMU men’s tennis and men’s
golf programs is now under review by President Elmira Mangum.
Athletic Director Kellen Winslow recently suspended the
programs due to a $7 million deficit accumulated by the Athletic Department
over the past several years and a projected operating deficit for 2014-2015.
Commenting on the decision to temporarily suspend the
programs, Mangum said, “I am extremely supportive of and committed to the
bold and necessary leadership steps that Athletic Director Winslow is taking to
restructure and restore the program.”
Mangum has identified a need to consult with university
stakeholders regarding the decision. Discussions with focus groups and
supporters will include a review of alternative options geared toward allowing
the university to permanently lift the suspension.
The president further stated that, “These focus group discussions will be a part of a comprehensive review of the long term viability of our athletic program with our Board of Trustees.”
Mangum added, “Support for the revenue generating sports
and the non-revenue sports alike is critical if the university is to maintain
its competitiveness.”
A sustained suspension of the two teams would reduce the
number of athletic teams at the university from 16 to 14, the minimum number
required by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for member
schools to remain competitive as a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) athletic
program.
The increased deficit for the athletics program was in large
part due to significant declines in attendance and revenues from tickets sales
at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Attendance at the stadium dropped from an average
attendance of 18,764 per game in 2011 to an average of 11,170 per game in 2013.