(05-21-2014 09:44 PM)WhitetailWizard Wrote:  I just don't see ULL and stAte ever warming up to Liberty for membership.Nothing to do with etiology or eastern location but more to do with Liberty's economic prowess that could dilute those schools candidacy as a potential take for a larger conference.

I know some will take offense but I think it's a viable reason and brings no shame to those institutions.

Actually there are two schools in the west who go negative feedback from their board of trustees about Liberty and its policies.

But as to economic prowess, most if not all of us are operating under state oversight rules that limit what sources of funds we are permitted to use.

If someone outspends because they sell more tickets or raise more in donations or sponsorships more power to them.

While I have some serious reservations when I see an institution with 30,000 students who are overwhelmingly indifferent to athletics being charged $20 a semester hour for athletics, the fact remains that the student sees the fee on their tuition bill and can appeal for better oversight from their politically appointed board or from the elected officials responsible for their appointment or they can avail themselves of the benefit of what amounts to pre-paid attendance at the events.

At AState we award some bachelor degrees in select programs via extended campus at some of our junior college campuses around the state. A student at AState Mountain Home pays the same amount to attend as the Jonesboro campus student, but the amount that is paid in Jonesboro for an athletics fee is not charged to the Mountain Home student, instead they are charged a different fee that pays for the technology used for two-way video instruction, pays the travel cost for the professors who travel to the campus, and pay for campus amenities at their campus. Those off-campus students don't pay a fee to support athletics and state law bars using their tuition to fund athletics.

Using the tuition of a student who lives in Barrow, Alaska to support athletic events just strikes me wrong. The only recourse is to choose to seek an education from a different provider.

But as to the statement it was fine. probably spun a bit optimistic but Liberty has a desire to be FBS and right now Liberty's choice are the Sun Belt or the courtroom and a courtroom victory would likely be pretty hollow since it would be very difficult to comply with the scheduling requirements (which are on much firmer legal ground) and difficult to recruit lacking post-season contracts.

Oh crap, fodder for another 300 expansion threads. How about a moratorium on expansion threads for at least until after football season?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1FFVWEQnSM

How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

I have no idea where our administration was on this but since we play you guys in multiple sports already, I doubt we would have a problem with your presence in the conference.

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

Typical. It is everyone else's fault but our own.

(05-22-2014 06:31 AM)FoUTASportscaster Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

Typical. It is everyone else's fault but our own.

(05-21-2014 08:29 PM)DrGonzo Wrote:  Looks like the administration is just as pathetic and delusional as the fans

No sure why you would make a comment of that nature. It sounds as if you're trolling for wild responses, but I haven't been on this board long enough to tell if that's your M.O...

Anywho, just remember that sometime last year App was on the outside looking in too. So, there's no need to bash FBS-aspiring schools.

(05-22-2014 06:31 AM)FoUTASportscaster Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

Typical. It is everyone else's fault but our own.

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

Unbelievable how arrogant and entitled you are. You've never even made the playoffs and suddenly beating an FBS team is a guarantee.

And stop hiding behind the Bible. The SBC chose to stay at 11 instead of adding you because you would have brought nothing to the league but a history of discrimination.

(05-22-2014 07:00 AM)LUcanesfan Wrote:  

(05-21-2014 08:29 PM)DrGonzo Wrote:  Looks like the administration is just as pathetic and delusional as the fans

No sure why you would make a comment of that nature. It's sounds as if you're trolling for wild responses, but I haven't been on this board long enough to tell if that's your M.O...

Anywho, just remember that sometime last year App was on the outside looking in too. So, there's no need to bash FBS-aspiring schools.

Not trolling. Just sick and tired of the relentless spam and entitlement coming from your fan base. App is a school with a history of football success, a big fanbase, and one without a history of outlandish hate speech. Hence the SBC invite.

LU is not a "victim."

I know I said I was done here, and I am. I just had to come on here and make 1 more statement.

I for one am very thankful the our President and AD took time to explain the process and their understanding of what went on. Do I believe them, yes I do. I do think our religious beliefs played a small role in the process, but coming on here and smacking posters in the head with is is never going to be a positive experience. Folks on here are just as set in their ways as we are in ours. We may not agree with them or the sometimes harsh responses, but that's not going to change on a message board.

The reality is that LU is different than the SBC schools as a whole and as Jerry said, it will take time to change perceptions and build relationships. This stuff doesn't happen overnight or on the timetable we desire. I do think LU will eventually end up in an FBS conference. My belief is still that the SBC is the best fit, but the chances for that ever happening have dwindled considerably. I hope I'm wrong, because this is a great conference that will only get stronger. LU would absolutely have helped that growth in time, and I still find the SBC's decision shortsighted no matter the reason.

I believe that the future for Liberty is bright. I do not know what it exactly looks like, but the up-side is too great for Liberty to be overlooked for long.

So, in closing, I ask that LU fans stop coming on here and trying to convince a bunch of MB posters to think how we do. It's not going to happen, and it will never end well. And again, thanks for the hospitality.

Later.

I am very thankful my alma mater's new home is Liberty free. The SBC has the only foreseeable FBS spot remaining and we need to use that to our advantage to secure the best candidate possible. Unfortunately, the only decent candidates in our footprint are James Madison and Missouri State and neither are available at this time. Waiting until next year to reevaluate is the best decision our conference could have made.

(05-22-2014 07:49 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  I know I said I was done here, and I am. I just had to come on here and make 1 more statement.

I for one am very thankful the our President and AD took time to explain the process and their understanding of what went on. Do I believe them, yes I do. I do think our religious beliefs played a small role in the process, but coming on here and smacking posters in the head with is is never going to be a positive experience. Folks on here are just as set in their ways as we are in ours. We may not agree with them or the sometimes harsh responses, but that's not going to change on a message board.

The reality is that LU is different than the SBC schools as a whole and as Jerry said, it will take time to change perceptions and build relationships. This stuff doesn't happen overnight or on the timetable we desire. I do think LU will eventually end up in an FCS conference. My belief is still that the SBC is the best fit, but the chances for that ever happening have dwindled considerably. I hope I'm wrong, because this is a great conference that will only get stronger. LU would absolutely have helped that growth in time, and I still find the SBC's decision shortsighted no matter the reason.

I believe that the future for Liberty is bright. I do not know what it exactly looks like, but the up-side is too great for Liberty to be overlooked for long.

So, in closing, I ask that LU fans stop coming on here and trying to convince a bunch of MB posters to think how we do. It's not going to happen, and it will never end well. And again, thanks for the hospitality.

Later.

Every university has its "Confederacy of Dunces" in the academic side. Some of the statements made by some Liberty professors and deans have been quite outlandish and insulting to some folks. Me personally don't care one way or the other. If you were not a private school Liberty would get the invite. That is what is really keeping you out of the Sun Belt. Not religion, academics, location, online degrees it is simply because you are a private university that does not have to adhere to the same governing rules as everyone else. If Liberty was a Catholic university you might be in the Big East.

(05-22-2014 07:28 AM)DrGonzo Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 07:00 AM)LUcanesfan Wrote:  

(05-21-2014 08:29 PM)DrGonzo Wrote:  Looks like the administration is just as pathetic and delusional as the fans

No sure why you would make a comment of that nature. It's sounds as if you're trolling for wild responses, but I haven't been on this board long enough to tell if that's your M.O...

Anywho, just remember that sometime last year App was on the outside looking in too. So, there's no need to bash FBS-aspiring schools.

Not trolling. Just sick and tired of the relentless spam and entitlement coming from your fan base. App is a school with a history of football success, a big fanbase, and one without a history of outlandish hate speech. Hence the SBC invite.

LU is not a "victim."

Other than the Hate Speech part I agree 100%

(05-22-2014 08:15 AM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 07:49 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  I know I said I was done here, and I am. I just had to come on here and make 1 more statement.

I for one am very thankful the our President and AD took time to explain the process and their understanding of what went on. Do I believe them, yes I do. I do think our religious beliefs played a small role in the process, but coming on here and smacking posters in the head with is is never going to be a positive experience. Folks on here are just as set in their ways as we are in ours. We may not agree with them or the sometimes harsh responses, but that's not going to change on a message board.

The reality is that LU is different than the SBC schools as a whole and as Jerry said, it will take time to change perceptions and build relationships. This stuff doesn't happen overnight or on the timetable we desire. I do think LU will eventually end up in an FCS conference. My belief is still that the SBC is the best fit, but the chances for that ever happening have dwindled considerably. I hope I'm wrong, because this is a great conference that will only get stronger. LU would absolutely have helped that growth in time, and I still find the SBC's decision shortsighted no matter the reason.

I believe that the future for Liberty is bright. I do not know what it exactly looks like, but the up-side is too great for Liberty to be overlooked for long.

So, in closing, I ask that LU fans stop coming on here and trying to convince a bunch of MB posters to think how we do. It's not going to happen, and it will never end well. And again, thanks for the hospitality.

Later.

Every university has its "Confederacy of Dunces" in the academic side. Some of the statements made by some Liberty professors and deans have been quite outlandish and insulting to some folks. Me personally don't care one way or the other. If you were not a private school Liberty would get the invite. That is what is really keeping you out of the Sun Belt. Not religion, academics, location, online degrees it is simply because you are a private university that does not have to adhere to the same governing rules as everyone else. If Liberty was a Catholic university you might be in the Big East.

+1

ULL and stAte can ill afford to be passed over by another moveup.Liberty is cash money and that's a little scary.Personally I would love to have them but understand schools looking to move up protecting their turf.JMU is a great fit because their financial commitment to athletics would be somewhat tempered by a need to project superior academics.

That said,we need to absorb GS and APP and start building inter conference rivalries ASAP because ultimately the strength of this conference will be determined by each schools game day collectively.

(05-22-2014 08:35 AM)Brokeback Flamer Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 07:28 AM)DrGonzo Wrote:  Looks like the administration is just as pathetic and delusional as the fans

Not trolling. Just sick and tired of the relentless spam and entitlement coming from your fan base. App is a school with a history of football success, a big fanbase, and one without a history of outlandish hate speech. Hence the SBC invite.

LU is not a "victim."

Other than the Hate Speech part I agree 100%

(05-22-2014 07:49 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  I know I said I was done here, and I am. I just had to come on here and make 1 more statement.

I for one am very thankful the our President and AD took time to explain the process and their understanding of what went on. Do I believe them, yes I do. I do think our religious beliefs played a small role in the process, but coming on here and smacking posters in the head with is is never going to be a positive experience. Folks on here are just as set in their ways as we are in ours. We may not agree with them or the sometimes harsh responses, but that's not going to change on a message board.

The reality is that LU is different than the SBC schools as a whole and as Jerry said, it will take time to change perceptions and build relationships. This stuff doesn't happen overnight or on the timetable we desire. I do think LU will eventually end up in an FCS conference. My belief is still that the SBC is the best fit, but the chances for that ever happening have dwindled considerably. I hope I'm wrong, because this is a great conference that will only get stronger. LU would absolutely have helped that growth in time, and I still find the SBC's decision shortsighted no matter the reason.

I believe that the future for Liberty is bright. I do not know what it exactly looks like, but the up-side is too great for Liberty to be overlooked for long.

So, in closing, I ask that LU fans stop coming on here and trying to convince a bunch of MB posters to think how we do. It's not going to happen, and it will never end well. And again, thanks for the hospitality.

Later.

Its about time, the Big South is nothing but glorified D2.

(05-22-2014 07:19 AM)DrGonzo Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

Unbelievable how arrogant and entitled you are. You've never even made the playoffs and suddenly beating an FBS team is a guarantee.

And stop hiding behind the Bible. The SBC chose to stay at 11 instead of adding you because you would have brought nothing to the league but a history of discrimination.

Gonzo....let us be honest here...this poster is an outlier Liberty fan and should not be taken as "par for the course" when looking at our fanbase as a whole. That is if he is a true Liberty fan at all. Could be a troll for all we know. College educated types, even at a "lay school" like Liberty, would rarely if ever use Cakalachy to refer to North Carolina, even in jest.

I dare say I think you took the bait on this one. Anyone who is anyone that is even remotely involved in all of this knows that App was a yes vote for Liberty's inclusion into the SBC.