Roman Banks: Why Renewing His Contract at Southern University Raises Concerns

Southern University and A&M College have long been a bastion of academic and athletic excellence. However, the current Athletic Director, Roman Banks, has come under scrutiny for his questionable qualifications and apparent inability to address critical issues affecting the institution’s sports programs. As his contract renewal looms, it is necessary to examine why Banks might not be the right candidate for the job.
One glaring issue that questions Banks’ qualifications is the lack of resources available to student-athletes under his leadership. The success of a university’s athletic programs depends largely on providing student-athletes with the tools and facilities they need to excel both in their sport and academically. Unfortunately, many Southern University athletes have been vocal about outdated and inadequate facilities, which directly hampers their ability to perform at their best. The lack of investment in infrastructure reflects poorly on Banks’ ability to secure essential resources for the student-athletes.
Moreover, the chronic issue of insufficient funds for scholarships has become increasingly problematic during Banks’ tenure. Scholarships are crucial in attracting and retaining top-tier athletes, and without adequate funding, the university risks losing promising talent to other institutions. Banks’ inability to secure additional scholarship funds has hindered the university’s ability to remain competitive in recruiting and sustaining successful sports programs.
Accountability is another significant concern when evaluating Banks’ performance as an Athletic Director. A successful athletic program depends on recruiting talent and cultivating and maintaining a winning legacy. Under Banks’ leadership, Southern University’s athletic teams have struggled to achieve consistent success. This lack of accountability to coaches and players raises questions about Banks’ ability to instill a culture of excellence within the athletic department.
Furthermore, the scarcity of transparency and communication between Banks and the university community is cause for concern. The role of an Athletic Director is not limited to overseeing the financial aspects of the department; it also involves fostering positive relationships with coaches, players, and stakeholders. Banks’ inability to create a cohesive and supportive environment within the athletic department could be detrimental to the overall success of the university’s sports programs.
As the university considers the renewal of Roman Banks’ contract, it is imperative to thoroughly assess whether Banks is the right leader to usher in a new era of success for Southern University’s athletic department or if a change in leadership is necessary to revitalize its programs and uphold its storied legacy.