Larry Scott makes a great move for Pac-12 by doing nothing
College conference expansion has dominated the headlines as of late.
In May and June of 2010 it was all about the Pac-12 gaining Colorado and Utah and Nebraska moving to the Big 10. Then we were bombarded with scandals and broken rules only the people in Hollywood are used to.
The college football season finally started three weeks ago and all we’ve talked about is conference expansion.
Just before the season started Labor Day weekend we find out Texas A&M is going east. Southeastern Conference east.
Since then I’ve heard more rumors than I did as an adolescent at Rangely Middle School.
Tuesday night the Pac-12 issued the following statement:
In light of the widespread speculation about potential scenarios for Conference re-alignment, the Pac-12 Presidents and Chancellors have affirmed their decision to remain a 12-team conference. Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said, “after careful review we have determined that it is in the best interests of our member institutions, student-athletes and fans to remain a 12-team conference. While we have great respect for all of the institutions that have contacted us, and certain expansion proposals were financially attractive, we have a strong conference structure and culture of equality that we are committed to preserve. With new landmark TV agreements and plans to launch our innovative television networks, we are going to focus solely on these great assets, our strong heritage and the bright future in front of us.”
NO, Texas we won’t meet your demands and let you have the Longhorn Network while the rest of the conference is equal.
Good — no great — for Larry Scott and the rest of the Pac-12. He’s in a position of control. Texas — and the Big 12 — are the ones in trouble.
That press release could very well change at any moment as soon as Texas gets off their high horse. My guess is they are going to be forced. It’s going to be that or go Independent. The Big 12 is not going to last. Are they really that arrogant?
Scott has made brilliant moves for the Pac-10 (now 12) ever since he arrived. Tuesday was just another example. He is not scared of change but he won’t do it unless it makes sense for his conference.
Scott gets the big picture. He sees the big picture.
The Pac-12 is in great hands. The above statement may only hold true for hours – maybe days, months and years.
The thing I do know is the decisions being made in the Pac-12 are very well calculated and will only be made if they make sense for all involved.
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TY’s Outtakes
What I learned this week…
Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks CEO & President, has Prostate Cancer. In Hall fashion he has a positive outlook and is thinking of others even though we should all be thinking of him.
As I spend two days at Phoenix Children’s Hospital this week for KTAR’s Radiothon for PCH I will be reminded that we should all be thankful for what we have every day. No one knows what tomorrow brings.
Tweet of the week…
Darren Rovell couldn’t have made it more clear. All of this expansion is about money.
Believe the Pac-12 would have had to generate about $1.8 billion more over 12 years in order to enjoy same $ per school at 16.
Is that reasonable and possible? If not then it’s not smart. This is business.
Suggestion of the week…
This cat isn’t worried about obstacles. It wants the laser beam and it’s going to get the laser beam. That’s pretty incredible.
