In Raleigh, Murphy & DeCock report East Carolina Univ. "intends to cut one or more of the 20 sports it offers in an attempt to correct" a $10M budget deficit, although AD Jon Gilbert "would not say what sports would be cut or how many." ECU last dropped a sport when it discontinued men’s soccer in '05. Other recommendations given during a special BOD meeting yesterday included a 10-20% "across-the-board cut in expenses" and "less team travel via more regional scheduling." Leaving the AAC, which ECU joined in '14, was "not considered" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 5/19).
UMASS FURLOUGHING STAFF: In Massachusetts, Benjamin Kail reports UMass "plans to implement staff furloughs and a voluntary separation incentive program over the next several weeks." UMass AD Ryan Bamford, football coach Walt Bell and men’s basketball coach Matt McCall are "each taking a voluntary pay cut to help defray the athletic department’s financial losses amid the pandemic" (Springfield REPUBLICAN, 5/19).
FURMAN CUTS TWO SPORTS: In South Carolina, Matt Connolly reports Furman is "discontinuing its baseball and men’s lacrosse programs." The school is "believed to be the first in South Carolina to make a decision to cut athletics programs in response to the coronavirus’ impact on school finances." Bowling Green also has "cut its baseball program" due to the pandemic (Columbia STATE, 5/19).
