UAB president Ray Watts announced on Tuesday that the school would be shutting down the football program at the conclusion of this season. 

The move has been rumored for months. Players and fans have fought to save the 23-year-old program, but UAB made the decision to drop the sport after a year-long, campus-wide evaluation. Watts sent out the following statement via email:

Today, we announced results of the Athletic Department's strategic planning process. In order for us to more effectively reinvest in athletic programs that are most likely to bring growth, prolonged success and national prominence to UAB, the 2014-15 academic year will be the final season for UAB football, bowling and rifle.

The news angered many UAB students, who screamed at Watts and banged on his vehicle as he left the school.

#FreeUAB #FireWatts

A video posted by @careyosity on

Many people that were part of the protests shared pictures and videos on social media, which show an emotional scene on the Birmingham campus.

This final video contains language that's NSFW.

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