http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=32483
Red Brick nixes fundraiser amidst Athletics' concerns
The Red Brick Sports Pub canceled a fundraising event scheduled for last night after creating controversy with its promotion.
The fundraiser aimed to benefit victims of the Athens County tornado and would have featured Brandon Hanning, the former Ohio mascot who tackled Brutus Buckeye two weekends ago in Columbus. His actions drew national media attention.
Jason Corriher, assistant athletic director for Media Relations for the Department of Athletics, said his department contacted the Red Cross and Red Brick with concerns about the fundraiser.
"Once aware of the event, the department shared that it did not support the activity but respected their ability to participate," Corriher said in a statement.
The Athens County Red Cross withdrew from the event Thursday afternoon, the same day the Department of Athletics contacted both parties.
"We have a national policy to not get involved with controversial issues," said Pamela Martino, executive director of Athens Red Cross. "We have had several people contact us with regards to the situation, and we decided we'd rather not get involved with it."
Aaron Comstock, entertainment and promotions manager for Red Brick, said he met with university officials yesterday afternoon, but he would not comment on whom he met or what was discussed.
After the meeting, Comstock canceled the event.
"Even though I think the whole thing is being blown out of promotion, I think people should find the humor in it," he said. "At the same time, I love OU and don't want to bring negative light to the university. But I also want to help all of the victims."
The tornado that struck Athens County Sept. 16 damaged •403 properties, •228 of whose owners were uninsured.
"The fundraiser in question was not supported by us," Martino said. "We were just to receive the donations."
In his statement, Corriher said Athletics offered an alternative.
"From the beginning of Wednesday's conversation, the department made it clear that it would welcome an (Athens Red Cross) fundraising event at one of our next two home games," Corriher said.
The Red Cross chose the Bobcats Homecoming Game Oct. 16 against Akron as the venue for the fundraiser.
Hanning did not return requests for comment by The Post's deadline
