Brad Gerstman, High-Powered Lobbyist, Outraged over Hofstra University’s Decision to Dismantle its Football Program. Hofstra Alumni and Gotham Government Relations Partner Seeks Clarification and Reconsideration
Roslyn, NY; December 4, 2009
Hofstra Alumnus and Gotham Government Relations Partner, Brad Gerstman, is speaking out today on the discontinuation of Hofstra University’s Football Program. Gerstman was a member of Hofstra’s Football team from 1986-1989, during which time the team reached the playoffs all four years. Brad is currently one of the founding partners of New York’s fastest-growing government relations firm. He was disappointed to hear the news of Hofstra’s decision to terminate the football program.
“I am deeply upset about this decision,“ Gerstman says. “As an alumnus, former football player and a member of this community, I will personally seek clarification and details on why this occurred. I hope that the University will reconsider this irresponsible decision that ultimately will impact the region in a very profound way, from Long Island high school football players to current Hofstra football players and fans, and many others.”
Hofstra’s President was quoted as saying the cost of the University’s Football Program far exceeds any possible return. Gerstman, however, would like the school to reconsider and take into account how damaging the loss of a football program will be to the reputation of the institution, especially considering that a number of Hofstra alumni have gone on to become professional football players and coaches. Without a football team, Hofstra would join the dubious rank of being one of the nation’s first elite universities without a football team.
“The University is part of the fabric of Long Island and I believe this is damaging to Long Island and the reputation of the school,” Gerstman says. “More importantly, Hofstra isn’t simply a small private business operating in a vacuum. They receive grants from our government and decisions made by the administration can and do impact the region. As such, it’s curious to me that as caretakers of an institution which has had football since it’s inception in the 1930′s, they can make such a radical change in a secretive way, without any notice to anyone, input from outside stakeholders, or public debate.”
Gerstman will seek immediate clarification and reconsideration from University officials on this decision. Gerstman is asking that elected officials, former Hofstra football players and other members of the community step up to seek further explanation.
Gotham Government Relations offers its clients forward-thinking strategies that tap into political trends and opportunities. The work of its partners has resulted in shaping public policy on a number of key matters, including business advocacy and strategy; land use; special education; and charitable causes. For more information, log onto www.gothamgr.com or call us at 516-880-8170.
Take Our Poll:
You can learn more and get involved at SaveHofstraFootball.Org
Related posts:
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
TO SHUT DOWN A PROGRAM IS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS-IS THAT THE MESSAGE U WANT TO SEND-HOW MANY JOBS- HOW MANY CHEERLEADERS-HOW MANY PLAYERS-HOW MANY PROUD PARENTS,FANS AND STAFF. ITS UNETHICAL AND ITS 2 AM IN THE MORNING-AND I GRADUATED FROM C.W.POST AT 31 YEARS OLD – DO I REALLY CARE NO BUT I REALIZE YOU CAN NOT GIVE UP-GIVE THE TEAM A WARNING-MARKET IT SOMEHOW-GIVE STUDENTS EXTRA CREDIT FOR GOING TO GAMES-NEGATIVE MOVES CREATE NEGATIVE MOODS-THATS WHAT YOU WILL GET ALL AROUND CAMPUS AND IN THE CLASSROOMS-ITS U WHO HAS TO PUT YOUR HEAD ON YOUR PILLOW AT NIGHT NOT ME-LET LONG ISLAND HAVE A CHANCE TO SAVE THE PROGRAM INSTEAD OF JUST OF GIVING UP – I WOULD BUY TICKETS IF IT WOULD HELP- THIS SCHOOL DESERVES A CHANCE NOT A MESSAGE OF WEAKNESS
I am a Hofstra Football Alum from 1970. My brother Lou played on both the Tiny Twenty and 1959 undefeated team. He has written 2 books concerning Hofstra Football, appeared on ESPN and knows a very large nucleus of Hofstra football alum from the late 50′s and early 60′s. Lou and Mike D’Amato with the financial support Bruce Metzger was to have a an historical athletic center at Hofstra named for him. Lou is a human dynamo, you should tap into his passion and love for Hofstra football. Harry Royal, former AD and class of 1970 also could be a huge asset as could Mike D’Amato, class of ’68. We shouldn’t go down without a fight; and we should fight in a unified way. We should also scrap the “Pride”; there is no pride in a school that would turn it’s back on a 72 year tradition. Let me know how I can help.
Donnie DiBlasi
I agree that dropping Hofstra’s longstanding football program is a travesty for the University, its current and future students, alumni and the LI and Metropolitan area community.
I am committed to working with all who support a reinstatement of the program.
{ 2 trackbacks }