Big 12 Survives Mass Exodus
TULSA, Okla. – Larry Scott, Pac 10 commissioner, has stated that he has been contacted by University of Texas officials and that they have declined the Pac 10 offer to join the Pacific coast conference. Oklahoma and Texas A&M follow.
“University of Texas President Bill Powers has informed us that the 10 remaining schools in the Big 12 Conference intend to stay together. We are excited about the future of the Pac-10 Conference and we will continue to evaluate future expansion opportunities under the guidelines previously set forth by our Presidents and Chancellors” said Scott in a release Monday.
Oklahoma State and the other remaining institutions will also stay in the Big 12.
An Associated Press report earlier in the afternoon quoting an anonymous source said that Texas has permission from the Big 12 to create its own television network and keep all the revenue, if they were to stay. The Oklahoman concurred and added that Oklahoma was given the same opportunity. This was apparently the deal breaker for any move to defect.
Oklahoma and Texas will dominate the financial field of play as they have historically. However, the new deal increases the two schools’ revenue considerably; somewhere around $20 million.
The other remaining eight schools will also stay in the conference, as they have stated all along they will follow Texas.
AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas’ athletics programs will continue competing in the Big 12 Conference, the university announced Monday.
University President William Powers Jr., Men’s Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds and Women’s Athletics Director Chris Plonsky will participate in a media availability at 10 a.m. Central, Tuesday, June 15.
The following are statements from Oklahoma State University administrators regarding the decision to remain in the Big 12 Conference.
President Burns Hargis
“We have said all along we prefer to keep the conference together. We applaud Commissioner Beebe’s bold moves and intense efforts over the past several days to keep the conference not only together, but also more viable than ever. We also appreciate the collaboration of all conference members to reach this agreement.”
Athletic Director Mike Holder
“While we are disappointed Nebraska and Colorado have chosen to withdraw from the conference, we believe the remaining members have the ability to maintain the Big 12 Conference’s tradition of competing for national championships. Our hope is that this experience will draw the conference closer together and inspire us to work together toward a brighter future.”
Board of Regents meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been cancelled.
Oklahoma and Texas A&M released similar statements Monday at the end of business.
Updated 06-15-2010
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