UAB linebacker Derek Slaughter wore his helmet to graduation
UAB’s football program may have been shut down by president Ray Watts, but former Blazers linebacker Derek Slaughter made sure to represent the program at his graduation ceremony on Saturday.
How did Slaughter do that? He brought his football helmet with him as he walked across the stage to shake Watts’ hand.
Trying to decide if I should wear my football helmet tmrw when I graduate and shake the presidents hand...
— Derek Slaughter (@dslaughter33) April 25, 2015
Ladies and gents I have brought the football helmet to wear at graduation today #freeUAB pic.twitter.com/9ivW5zafgS
— Derek Slaughter (@dslaughter33) April 25, 2015
Game time! Time to graduate!! #freeUAB pic.twitter.com/fCM2rcnAS4
— Derek Slaughter (@dslaughter33) April 25, 2015
While he didn't wear the helmet, Slaughter still brought the helmet up on stage and drew cheers from the crowd at Bartow Arena.
Another angle makes it seem like Slaughter did not shake Watts' hand, though it's hard to tell for sure.
— Thacker Rice (@JamesT_77) April 25, 2015
According to Al.com, there were "other reports of students refusing to shake Watts' hand as they crossed the stage."
That’s a strong statement from Slaughter, who registered 75 tackles in three seasons with the program after transferring from Nebraska.
The decision to shut down the football program has been met with plenty of scrutiny. On Thursday, a study published by an economic analysis firm said that the school’s decision to terminate football (along with rifle and bowling) was “ill-advised from a net cash-flow perspective.” The study also said that the program actually made money and was not a financial burden.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!