Quit bumming, start funding

With the financial cutbacks and sacrifices that the Southern University Athletic Department has endured, I would like to think that more donations and sponsorship opportunities would come.
I think that I had better think again.
Maybe it isn’t my business, but I know that every time I see booster clubs and other organizations trying to raise money for their respective sport, there are others who try to take advantage of their endeavors.
I was at the basketball game the other day and as I walked into the new Center Court Club hospitality room, I witnessed a lot of ‘abuse of authority” going on.
You see, the Center Court Club is somewhat a private entity with the intent of raising money for the basketball teams.
There are opportunities for corporate membership and other things, so I would like to think that if someone wanted to join, all they had to do is pay $150 and they are in.
I think that I had better think again.
Everyone who was in the upper tax bracket was in that room-except for me-and there were people I know didn’t pay dues and they were just enjoying the food, fun and libations that were provided.
The sad part about this was that there were people in there that I knew could afford $150 or even participate in corporate membership.
The athletic department needs help. A multiple-SWAC Championship winning track team has to buy their own shoes.
The softball team has no where to change clothes. Why can’t two teams travel together when going to the same place instead of chartering beaucoup busses?
The baseball team can’t even give their nationally recognized team jackets of their own.
Some of the student athletes can’t even buy books because there is no money.
Some of you in the higher echelon come to these games or other athletic related functions and just because you have a title, you feel that you are automatically granted “perks”.
Another sad reality is that most of you are the main ones crying for money or saying how you support Southern athletics.
So the next time you attempt to walk into the Center Court Club, cry for a free jersey or even want a free plate that is being sold by the softball team, remember that you are not only taking from the athletic department, you are taking from the athletes also.
If everyone actually gave the way they should, maybe getting rings for the championship teams wouldn’t be a problem.
Support your booster programs and Southern University sports.
See you at the game…