By Jack Carlson, Hofstra Alum
I graduated in 1960. I did not play football, but the football program was part of the dynamic, vibrant college experience I thoroughly enjoyed. Football is after all a consistent, repetitive annual public relations program. Even the Ivy League recognizes that. Why can't the University?
President Rabinowitz, you stated, "Football could not attain significant national recognition, and it has had low student, community and media interest, attendance and financial support. In addition, the football program, the largest of the athletic programs, is by far the most expensive. In the end, we could not continue to justify the expense of football compared to the benefits it brought to the University."
Well, since all of that happened on your watch, it strikes me that you are at fault. Why were you unable to provide the leadership required to create the environment and atmosphere that incorporates football in the "college experience?" Have you created a community that is so disinterested that it found football to be dull?
When a coach has losing seasons, he is fired. You destroyed a tradition founded in 1937 and you want accolades for balancing the budget? Competent management always finds the resources required to support a dynamic environment. Maybe this challenge is beyond you.
I have been told that the coaches and players were told of the death of the football tradition in an ambush monitored by the University's security force. It is reminiscent of fascist's tactics seen in World War II movies. A true leader faces responsibility and does not send minions to deliver his message.
You have also stated that money saved will be redirected to need-based scholarships. If I am correct, there have been many football players over the years who were "in need" of scholarships and earned them. Maybe it is that you just don't like people in need who are football players.
Fortunately, you were not in a position to destroy my college experience.
(Ryan Broderick/The Chronicle)