CECIL HURT: Witt proposes new contract, raise for Moore June 19, 2005
Among the many discussion topics that can prompt debate in the University of Alabama's fan base, the tenure of Mal Moore as the Crimson Tide's director of athletics ranks near the top of the list. There is universal agreement that Moore, who became the director of athletics at UA in November 1999, has faced challenges that no other Alabama athletics director has ever faced, from whirlwind football coaching transitions to a harrowing NCAA probation to a massive upgrade of the bricks-and-mortar of the UA facilities. The unanimity breaks down, though, when different factions evaluate Moore's success rate at handling those challenges. His staunchest supporters think that no other person could have navigated the rough waters; his most fervent detractors think that he could have steered clear of the troubles, had he followed a different course. But no matter how many parties enter the debate, they can all be drowned out by a single voice. And that voice has spoken. University of Alabama President Robert Witt has recommended to the University's Board of Trustees that Moore be given a five-year contract extension and a raise, a recommendation that the board accepted when it met in Tuscaloosa earlier this week. Moore has yet to sign the extension, but that seems to be a mere formality. When it is signed, Moore's contract, which was to expire at the end of this month, will extend to June of 2010. Witt said Saturday morning that the lengthy extension was his idea. "I was actually the one who recommended it," he said. "I have the utmost respect for the job that Mal Moore has done. His work with the Crimson Tradition fund has been extraordinary. The initial goal of Crimson Tradition was to raise $50 million and that goal has been met and exceeded. "He has provided steady leadership through a very difficult period, particularly in the transition from Coach [Dennis] Franchione to Coach [Mike] Price to Coach [Mike] Shula. "The academic performance of our athletes in that times has been, in my opinion, exemplary. He has focused very intently on strengthening Jon Dever's academic support group. You can look at other campuses around the country and you will frequently see stories about academic difficulties that we have not had here. "When you look at the performance of our teams from basketball to baseball to gymnastics to softball, it has been excellent. And I believe he has served as a very effective mentor to Mike Shula. "When I added everything up -- Mal's performance, his dedication to the University and his love for the University -- I wanted to be sure he would be here for the foreseeable future." Moore, reached just before he departed for a cruise with Crimson Tide coaches and fans on Saturday, said that he was "flattered and appreciative." "President Witt called me yesterday to tell me it had been approved," Moore said. "We had actually first talked about it six or eight months ago, when he brought it up to me. All I can say now is that I'll do my best to keep things moving in the right direction." For the most part, Witt, who became president of UA in March 2003, has allowed Moore to run the athletic department in his own way. When Witt has had to make decisions, they have been firm, and in the two most important instances, correct. The first was his decision to fire Price. The second has been his decision to find grounds for productive existence within the NCAA, even when some boosters have urged a more belligerent, perhaps even litigious, approach. There are many possible ways to interpret Witt's strong stand in support of Moore. Some will see it as an endorsement of the status quo. Others might see it as empowering Moore to make changes in the athletics department beyond the renovation of the Tide's facilities. It will at least serve to deflect rumors that Moore's departure or retirement is imminent. One ting is certain, though. Dr. Robert Witt has made clear that his vision for "the foreseeable future" of UA athletics will be implemented by Mal Moore. Cecil Hurt is sports editor of The Tuscaloosa News. Reach him at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or at (205) 722-0225. _______________________________________________ RTF mailing list RTF@rolltidefan.net http://rolltidefan.net/mailman/listinfo/rtf_rolltidefan.net
