HONOLULU — University of Hawaii at Manoa athletics director Ben Jay took back his comments concerning potential cuts to the school’s athletic programs — the Rainbow Warriors football program in particular. Jay made his original comments at a Board of Regents meeting
HONOLULU — University of Hawaii at Manoa athletics director Ben Jay took back his comments concerning potential cuts to the school’s athletic programs — the Rainbow Warriors football program in particular.
Jay made his original comments at a Board of Regents meeting on Monday discussing the financial plans of the school, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
“I’m asking the state, I said, can you imagine the state without Division I football? There’s a very real possibility of football going away … We’re going to have to generate more revenue. There’s no doubt about that,” Jay said according to the report.
The athletic director released a statement on the UH Athletics website Monday evening stating no program is under consideration for termination.
In its entirety, Jay’s statement reads:
“My comments at the Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics meeting were made in order to convey a sense of urgency regarding the need to address our current funding model. In no way was I indicating that a decision on program reduction of any sport was under consideration. Rather, I was suggesting that the department’s financial situation required that all possible scenarios be reviewed. Hopefully, going forward, there will be a priority placed on discussing the future financial needs of the UH Athletics Department. President David Lassner has expressed his support and we’ll call upon our many loyal stakeholders to help us ensure that we remain competitive within the future landscape of intercollegiate athletics. We owe that to our student-athletes and passionate fans.”
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Jay asked university officials to help lobby the state for $3 million to keep its athletic program competitive.
UH completed the fiscal year with a $2.1 million deficit and projects at least a $1.5 million deficit for the current fiscal year which ends June 30, 2015, according to the same report.
