(04-02-2013 12:07 AM)Bubba Bexley Wrote:  I apologize for posting this here, but the following suggestion has not been allowed on the Sun Belt Board due to a close-minded moderator. As you will read, it is not an inflamatory post unless you are opposed to thinking out of the box. Posting this here will give Sun Belt fans a chance to see the suggestion since a large number read this board. Again I apologize.

The post:

I think the Sun Belt should protect itself by inviting five HBUs: Jackson State, Southern, Grambling, UAPB and Texas Southern or Prairie View.

(Twice I have suggested the Belt invite HBUs, and twice Sun Belt Board moderator Chiefsfan has sent me warnings for tearing down the Belt. In addition to the warnings he deleted my second post earlier tonight. That post basically had these non-inflammatory opinions. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that Chiefsfan is not fit to be a a moderator because he is not open to honest discourse and is culturally insensitive or worse. I would hope his temperamental decisions are not due to racism.)

Back to the topic at hand:

This would be beneficial to the Belt in several ways:
1. The Sun Belt would be a leader with this bold move.
2. Attendance would increase.
3. Better name recognition.
4. Possibly increase the Belt's TV value.

Individually, the schools have a lot to offer:

Texas Southern or Prairie View - provides the Belt access to the Houston market and ensures a presence when Texas State leaves.
Grambling - draws well on the road and is a natural rival for its UL-system sister institution ULM.
UAPB - gives the Sun Belt presence in the Little Rock/Pine Bluff market and provides ASU with a much desired rivalry with the University of Arkansas (granted, it is not the Fayetteville version, but close enough.)
Southern - fans travel very well, gets the Belt in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans markets and is a natural rival academic peer of UL-Lafayette.
Jackson State - great home attendance, provides a new state and has plans for a new domed stadium.

Other options include Alabama A&M or Alabama State (provides a rivalry for Troy), FAMU (returns the Belt to Florida), and North Carolina A&T (provides App. State with an-state rival.)

This is a winning proposition for the Belt.