"Everything’s on the table" regarding Florida Gators athletics and budget cuts

 Send This Story To A Friend

Content provided by Swamp Things – Gators Blog.

The economy crisis has shaken numerous athletic departments at the core in recent months, but we're even finding that the mighty SEC — amid the glossy TV deals and merchandising revenue — are finding ways to cut back. Even the LSU Tigers might force Les Milies and other coaches to take a week off in order to save more than $200,000.

So don't be surprised if Florida's $84.5-million budget looks different when released some time in late June or early July. The Gators must present the budget to the university council on June 22nd before public release. AD Jeremy Foley has hinted at coming changes, but as the budget is approaching the Gators aren't immune from any fallbacks of the national crisis — including potential furloughs.

"Everything's on the table," said Greg McGarrity, Florida's associate athletics director. "We're moving arm and arm with the university. We're under the same type of philosophy. And our university is facing a tough time. Does that mean layoffs or furloughs for us? Who knows. Nothing's really set in stone right now."

McGarrity added the the Gators will find out more in the coming weeks with the SEC spring meetings approaching next week.

UF faces potential layoffs and the elimination of some academic
programs in order to absorb a $30 to $90 million slash based on the
Senate and the House's versions of the budget. In a worst-case scenario
requiring 10 percent in cuts next year, UF will
consider eliminating 748 jobs and closing several academic programs to
save about $75 million, President Bernie Machen said.

To soften the blow, the athletic department has agreed to donate $6 million to academics this year. Yes, the Gators have dough. Merchandise is high, tickets are almost sold out once again for the 2009 season and it's a great time to be a Florida Gator. But like any business, Florida knows the importance of cutting out fat when times get tougher. Every athletic department is built on the sand of football ticket sales. Should that dissipate, even Florida would be in major trouble.

What do you think? Should coaches such as Urban Meyer or Billy Donovan take a week off without pay?