In a letter to National Alumni Association President Tommy Mitchell, FAMU President James H. Ammons addressed recent reports that the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) might give up its automatic berth to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs in order to participate in "Legacy Bowl."According to College Sporting News, the proposed "Legacy Bowl" would feature the MEAC’s champion versus the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s (SWAC) champion on Dec 17, 2011. It would air on ESPN and the conferences would share a $3M payment.
Ammons said that he and the university's athletic department stand against any policy that would block FAMU from pursuing the FCS championship.
From Ammons' letter:
Recently, I have heard from several alumni regarding the proposed "Legacy Bowl" that is being discusssed by MEAC Commissioner, Dennis Thomas. While this topic was discussed at the Council of Chief Executive Officers meeting in March, no decision has been made.
I have spoken with Interim Athletic Director Michael Smith and Coach Joe Taylor. We agree that this not a good decision for FAMU. I have spoken with Commissioner Thomas and expressd that FAMU does not support the notion of a "Legacy Bowl" that would prevent FAMU from competing for a national title.
Watch out, Doc., 'cause the MEAC will sell us down the river. They have already done it with that MEAC-SWAC Challenge in Orlando. (I'll bet the SWAC wouldn't let them put that game in New Orleans to compete with the Bayou Classic). Way past time to dump the MEAC.
ReplyDeleteHUBBA FAMU! That's one President vote the MEAC doesnt have! Thanks for the update, BIG RATTLER!
ReplyDeleteNow let's support the other MEAC schools in making sure their Presidents vote NO on this Legacy Bowl blocking our FCS National Championship aspirations! We need 5 more Presidents to join Dr. Ammons in voting NO!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Segregation-went-out-in-the-60s-we-support-the-FCS-playoffs/123141414386729?v=wall
As for the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, they tried to sell us down the river, but ended up down sh*t's creek themselves. The attendance is an ABOMINATION without FAMU and BCU, therefore they are moving the game from Orlando after this 2010 season.
To be honest Dr. Ammons public stance still leaves some ambiguity to me. Are we willing to leave the conference if we are outvoted. Playing in the Negro Bowl b/c we can't compete with the best is his contrary to our mission and to our efforts to be the best at whatever you do.
ReplyDelete11:07 AM
ReplyDeleteThere's no ambiguity in his response. His letter addresses supporters' concerns about the proposal, not FAMU's response if the MEAC decides to abandon the playoffs for the proposed bowl. In fact, he shouldn't have to address FAMU's response to the final decision until that decision is made.
Respectfully,
THIS is one of the reasons that I have SOOOOOOOO much respect for Dr. Ammons. I've always been one of his biggest supporters and my support for him is unwavering. He will go down as one of the greatest presidents in FAMU's history. Thank God for Dr. Ammons.
ReplyDeleteWe may have to dump the MEAC. They've gotten 15 years out of us and frankly we've helped out the MEAC immeasurably.They have been holding us back anyhow. If we leave, which conference would be a great fit for FAMU? Also, which other members would be interested in leaving and either joining a better conference(helping make better)or creating a conference with? I know of a few who would make a great alliance along with TSU and a few SWAC schools (maybe just two). I'm just sayin, if HBCU football can make a run as Vanderbilt, Stanford or, Notre Dame does. There is a best opportunity package that can compete for recruits, resources and attention from a much wider fan base than most anyone in America. We can do this and I've been anticipating it for about a decade now.
ReplyDeleteWe also need a conference that has soccer and other sports like water polo and wrestling. Men's volleyball and sports like crew and lacross and rugby. Gymastics and world class swimming/diving, golf and tennis. These sports will serve FAMU well from recruiting and brand strength and recognition with new and global perspectives as well as our traditional market which has been woefully disconnected. These sports will also definitely add to the type of student (higher grades/retention/graduation rates) and the University and community environment.
ReplyDeleteTime for us to rase money for a few things. Let's GO RATTLERS!
ReplyDelete2:02,
ReplyDeleteIn order to raise money, you must first learn to spell it. LOL
B$LL Sh$T 12:57 p.m. You might be the only one of his 30 supports, out of a 100.
ReplyDeleteB$LL Sh$T 12:57 p.m.
ReplyDeleteIf the MEAC go with this Bowl idea then FAMU, Hampton, SCSU & Delaware State should join the Colonial Athletic Association.
ReplyDeleteThis is blog, 3:16. Raise that.
ReplyDeleteThe CAA ems to get multiple conference bids, so that may work!
ReplyDeleteThe CAA has what we're looking for. I'm gonna do more research though.It seems that would give them 16 members too. Any other suggestions for defectors to go elsewhere or join for the creation of a new more competitive conference? FAMU, Hampton, SCSU & Delaware State, Alabama State, Tennessee SU, Jackson State, Gambling, Southern, Tuskeegee, NCA&T, Howard
ReplyDeleteFAMU is nowhere near the CAA conference's geographic footprint. If you guys think that travel expenses in the MEAC are depleting the budget now, then defecting to the CAA would completely wipe us out! Maybe you guys meant the Big South or Southern conferences instead.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think this whole crazy ordeal has blessed FAMU with the opportunity to really examine in which direction do we want to see Rattler sports heading. We should definitely be preparing for worst case scenario just in case the MEAC votes Yes on this bowl. Whether that's embarking on a new FCS conference home, or planning to move to an FBS conference within the next 5-10 years, the FAMU leadership needs to galvanize the Rattler Nation into buying into a serious fundraising campaign.
Hubba that.
ReplyDelete"If the MEAC go with this Bowl idea then FAMU, Hampton, SCSU & Delaware State should join the Colonial Athletic Association."
ReplyDeleteThis would give CAA 16 teams. That can be divide up into 4 divisions.
the divisions could be based on geography. that would put FAMU, GA State, SCSU and one of the VA school "OD" in the same division. You play the teams in your divisions every year plus the 4 teams one of the other 3 divisions every 3rd year Plus 2 other conference team one from each of the other two conference division.
that 9 conference game. It leave 2 opening dates. FAMU can schedule for say the Florida Classic and the Atlanta Football Classic. on another note Delaware will get to play Delaware st every year, both team would like to do that right now. It will not cost much more that what we pay to travel to MEAC game in DC & VA right now.
Yeah some real accomplishments, but the smoke and mirrors PR is playing a little thin!
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