SACKED: Maricopa Community Colleges getting rid of football after 2018 season

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Officials with the Maricopa County Community College District announced Monday its decision to eliminate football as a sponsored sport, following the 2018 season.

According to a statement by MCCCD, financial constraints, including the leveling off of enrollment growth at a majority of MCCCD colleges, as well as elimination of state support, led to the decision, which will see football programs eliminated at Mesa Community College, Scottsdale Community College, Glendale Community College, and Phoenix College, following the Fall 2018 season.

"The current fiscal climate, community college has not received state funding for capital investment improvements since 2008," said Matt Hasson.

Officials also noted that of the 530 member colleges in the National Junior College Athletic Association, only 65 of them sponsor football programs.

According to the statement, the football program makes up 20 percent of the MCCCD's athletic budget, and over 50 percent of related insurance costs. Officials also said maintaining the football program could result in capital improvements and associated expenses that could exceed $20 million.

No other sports program, according to officials, will be impacted.