Dear Editor,
The ongoing efforts to bring back football have been emotional for people on both sides of the issue. As a result, extreme views and misleading comments can be heard from both sides. 
Not once was I asked about the views expressed on the discussion board of Buc Football and Friends Foundation (BFFF) or the official views of the BFFF board members regarding the article in the April 2 edition of the East Tennessean.
The BFFF has between 350 and 400 members.  It is insane to take the partial comments of four or five posters on a discussion board and try to paint them as the views of the BFFF.
On behalf of the BFFF, let me comment on a few quotes in your article. 
Regarding the “new fraternity” we are trying to get re-established on campus, you state, “Crazy as this attitude sounds, it’s the same attitude exhibited by some of our ‘friends’ at the BFFF.” As most know, there is a big difference between the views of the BFFF board members and the posters on our discussion board.  
You then mention our interest in eliminating or sacrificing other sports several times, “If their discussion board is any indication, they’re not only looking forward to enhancing our university experience with a football revival, but would be more than happy to see other, less visible programs sacrificed to make it happen.”
The BFFF’s board has never advocated “sacrificing” or “eliminating” other sports.
It is has been our opinion that adding football will help other sports. Football players are occasionally also members of the track, baseball and basketball teams. 
I believe a football team gives the athletic department more options for conference affiliation which potentially helps other sports. It is also very likely that women’s sports teams and scholarships are added due to Title IX which is in stark contrast to “eliminating” sports.  It is not our place or our mission to control the other sports. Our sole mission is to restore football on campus
Then you write, “All here recognize that in order to have successful football, ETSU needs a real athletic director, (AD) who has the authority to reorganize that department which, of course, means a complete restructuring of athletic spending and real accountability.”
Again, our foundation has never called for a new athletic director. We are appreciative of the opportunity to partner with the current administration in trying to restore football to ETSU.   
Lastly, “Should BFFF members really be the ones deciding how to enhance our university experience?”
No, we should not be and we are not. But I can assure you that the BFFF will be here to assist the Pirate Club and the current administration to garner all of the necessary emotional and financial support to create a new era of ETSU football.
The BFFF respectfully asks for you to vote yes for football.
— Troy DeCastro, ‘88
Board Member of BFFF

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