Northeastern Says Money Was Key Factor In Cutting Football

Northeastern Football Program Had Been Running A Deficit Of $2-3M Annually

Northeastern Univ. (NU) AD Peter Roby yesterday said that "money was the key factor" in the decision to "recommend that the school discontinue its football program after a run that dates back 76 years," according to Mark Blaudschun of the BOSTON GLOBE. Roby, in announcing the school's decision, said that he was "not comfortable recommending the continuation of football -- which had been running a deficit of [$2-3M] per year for several years -- without some promise of long-term success." He added, "It's going to require multiple millions of dollars on an ongoing basis for us to be successful." Roby believes that there is a "dire need to upgrade the school's facilities," which he sees as "necessary to compete" in the Colonial Athletic Association. He said, "As I continued the process of continued evaluation of what it was going to take (to achieve success) it became clear to me that the level of investment was not something I was comfortable recommending to the senior administration" (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/24). Roby indicated that the decision to cut the program "had nothing to do with Title IX and that he 'didn't anticipate any issues' in compliance" (PATRIOT LEDGER, 11/24). In N.Y., William Rhoden notes NU is "offering its football players what effectively amounts to a generous buyout." The student-athletes can "stay and earn their degrees, and they will still have access to academic support, sports medicine and strength and conditioning teams" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/24).

TIME TO REFOCUS: NU noted that the decision is "consistent with the university's strategic approach to prioritize programs and invest in signature strengths." NU President Joseph Aoun on the school's Web site said, "This decision allows us to focus on our existing athletic programs" (BOSTON HERALD, 11/24). A BOSTON GLOBE editorial states, "It's hard to argue with their logic. High costs, lack of fan interest, and inadequate facilities doomed the program" (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/24). Also in Boston, Derrick Jackson writes, "Go Northeastern! I cheer you for cutting football. Your final touchdown was a score for sanity. ... You should be proud. Visions of gridiron glory did not delude you that it was worth the money to compete in the out-of-control race of Division I" (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/24).