Northeastern University drops football

BOSTON - Northeastern University’s football program is being axed after 74 years on the field. The university says it's too expensive to maintain.

President Joseph Aoun and the board of trustees endorsed the move Friday after a two-year review of the Boston school's sports programs by athletic director Peter Roby.

The program's 87 players and 10 coaches learned of the program's demise last night at a meeting on campus with Roby, a day after the Football Championship Subdivision team won its final game 33-27 at the University of Rhode Island. The Huskies won their final two games to finish 3-8, their sixth consecutive losing season.

Roby informed parents of the school’s decision last night via an e-mail. Click here to read the university's statement.

"Despite my personal feelings toward them I am convinced that this decision is in the best interest of the university,” said Roby. “The past several years have been disappointing for our football program despite the best efforts of our staff and players."

A formal announcement is scheduled for Monday. The school will honor team members' athletic scholarships.

Northeastern began playing football in 1933. It had an all-time record of 289-364-17.