I can only imagine what it must feel like to have your entire world ripped out from under you in less than 10 seconds. How it must feel to realize that everything you have worked so hard for is no longer valid and what you thought was your future has been completely compromised. While I cannot empathize with the Northeastern football team, I can certainly sympathize; and I am disappointed and frustrated with what they are being forced to go through.

The few players that I have spoken to insist they are saddened, but ‘fine,’ and they refuse to be pitied. Pity is something I would never feel for these young men. Pity is for people who are weak, which is a word that could never describe this team. They are fighters on and off the field, young men who came to Northeastern with bright eyes and dreams of a great future. For Northeastern to promise them a rare opportunity to couple their love for the game of football with a fantastic education, only to take away this gift, is nothing short of a tragedy.

I will not lie and say that this football program was always successful, that the stands were always full of fans and the team had a high morale. I have been to many home games and experienced the rollercoaster that was Northeastern football. While this was not a winning program, you must consider what it did for these young men, and how suddenly taking it away has darkened Northeastern’s reputation among the student population. Many of these young men will choose their love of the game over a great education and leave Northeastern in order to continue playing at other schools. While I may not agree with their decisions to leave, I cannot say I do not understand. Regardless of Northeastern’s offer to continue funding schooling as well as help with those who want to transfer, this ‘generosity’ could never heal the betrayal that these young men have experienced from Northeastern. For Northeastern to give up on not only this program, but the young men who have dedicated their time and young adult lives to keeping this program alive, is unforgiveable and more disappointing than I can put into words.

The university admits that this is indeed an issue of money. It has been said that to rebuild a field closer to Northeastern’s campus would cost millions of dollars. In my opinion, while I recognize that our field is not up to par with even many high school fields, this is simply another excuse to displace the blame from the University. It is too expensive to build a new football field or help the program survive, however millions of dollars have been spent renovating and adding to numerous other athletic programs here at Northeastern. What could possibly make the football program so undeserving? It seems that there is more than enough money floating around to rebuild this program and give the team and its well deserving players another chance. Unfortunately, Northeastern feels that saving this ample money and brushing aside these players is the best decision.

To Northeastern I would like to say that for the first time, I cannot say I am proud to attend this university. While I recognize it is difficult to rebuild a program and that it would be costly, for Northeastern to endorse taking the easy way out of a situation that could be amended is unfortunate and unacceptable. To the players of the Northeastern football team, I apologize for the cowardly actions of our university. To those who stay, I hope that you can continue to receive a great education despite this horrible situation. To those who leave, you will be greatly missed. I wish you all the very best and I hope that you find a place that is deserving of your variety of talents and all that you have to offer both athletically as well as academically. What does not kill you will only make you stronger.

‘- Julie Silverman is a sophomore business marketing major.