Mounting debt triggers stunning move
(NEWSER) - In a shocking cost-cutting move, UC-Berkeley has dumped its baseball, gymnastics, lacrosse, and rugby teams. Rugby, the most successful team in the history of the university, will be turned into a club team, while the others will be completely eliminated. The rugby and baseball teams have existed at Berkeley for more than a century. "Everyone deeply regrets the human toll these decisions take," said Chancellor Robert Birgeneau. This "will result in a sustainable, financially responsible" sports department, he added. Berkeley's sports department was struggling under millions of dollars of debt at a time when the state is facing its worst financial crisis in history. More»