The Big 12 expansion groundswell

[Surfah]

Notice that Mizzou hasn't accepted (or, it seems, responded). Is it because they're scared of the lawsuit, or because they prefer the Big 12?

It's because they're waiting for TAMU to leave. That way they may collect part of their exit fee and also not incur any penalty of their own if the Big 12 dissolves.

[TripletDaddy]

Mizzou?? Really???

They are probably a better overall basketball/football combo, they are in a much bigger media market and the academics are better. I know the SEC is not obsessed with academics, but it certainly helps them.

[Omaha 680]

Notice that Mizzou hasn't accepted (or, it seems, responded). Is it because they're scared of the lawsuit, or because they prefer the Big 12?

I'd say both. But I don't know if the kind of Big 12 Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma say they want is salvagable at this point.

[Surfah]

I'd say both. But I don't know if the kind of Big 12 Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma say they want is salvagable at this point.

Also, like Gottlieb just tweeted:

Also Mizzou Chancellor is Chair of Big12 Board of Directors, looks bad to turn off the lights with 9 teams still in the boardroom

[Uncle Ted]

Pickens: Big 12 isn't dead and Texas A&M is 'sobering up'

Boone Pickens doesn't believe the Big 12 is dead. The Oklahoma State benefactor even believes Texas A&M's departure for the SEC can be stopped.

“I think the Aggies are sobering up,” Pickens told The Oklahoman.
Pickens has even pulled out the big sales job. He's petitioned Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination.
Pickens said he told Perry to show America that “you fix problems, don't contribute to 'em.”

Perry is a former Texas A&M yell leader. “After the Aggies leave school, they're still looking for a yell leader,” Pickens said. He said he told Perry to be that leader.

Pickens, whose BP Capital Management office is based in Dallas and who has many A&M ties, said a month ago that he tried to talk the Aggie leadership into staying in the Big 12 but it was a lost cause.
Now, Pickens said he's not so sure.

“I keep thinking they're hearing me,” Pickens said. “I'm not sure they're listening to me. But they trust me.”

Pickens said Baylor's threat of a lawsuit is real. The Bears have declined to waive their right to sue the SEC, should the Aggies be admitted to that conference.

“Baylor is going to do anything,” Pickens said. He likened Baylor to the jackrabbit that is chased by the faster greyhound but isn't caught.

“The difference is, one's running for the fun of it,” Pickens said, “and one's running for its life. There's no question they'll file a lawsuit. They sure can stir up a hell of a lot of problems.”

Pickens said his plan for A&M is to tell the University of Texas that the Aggies will stay in the Big 12, but only if UT folds its Longhorn Network into an equitable revenue distribution. However, that's a different cause than what irks A&M and OU about the Longhorn Network. The network's association with ESPN, which has pushed to air high school content, bothers the Sooners and Aggies, who believe it would give Texas a recruiting advantage.

“I would cut them off on that thing real quick,” Pickens said. “Your problem is DeLoss (Dodds, UT's athletic director). DeLoss is a guy who's always played with all the cards.

“I told him six weeks ago, ‘we understand you've got the best hand. But you can't keep doing that to people. You gotta show leadership.

“Big 12, come to your senses. Step up on leadership. Explain to Texas that whatever they have that's different, it's not (going to be) different anymore.”
Pickens said his message to OSU president Burns Hargis and athletic director Mike Holder is be patient.

Pickens said if OSU and OU enter the Pac-12, “are you going to be full-fledged members? Not ever, probably. You'll be viewed as the division without the ocean. You'll get to play SC (Southern Cal) at Stillwater every eight years. That's not much of a deal.”

[SeattleUte]

Here's where I am on this. This whole saga is beyond feeling like episodes of "Dallas" after the series had gone to seed. I'm tired of these people's acting out, their lies, their shallow lives. I don't believe (and never have believed) that Texas and Oklahoma are going to the Pac 12. It wouldn't surprise me at all if TAMU doesn't go anywhere. I don't read People magazine, and I don't care to be distracted by this tawdry soap opera. I'm not interested any more (I never much was). It's all a big manipulation. These people despise one another but can't live apart, I guarantee it. They're not interesting.

[byu71]

Pickens: Big 12 isn't dead and Texas A&M is 'sobering up'

Isn't this the Pickens guy that doesn't like the idea of BYU getting into the BIG12. What is his problem with BYU, anyone know?

[TripletDaddy]

It's all a big manipulation. These people despise one another but can't live apart, I guarantee it. They're not interesting.

[SeattleUte]

Isn't this the Pickens guy that doesn't like the idea of BYU getting into the BIG12. What is his problem with BYU, anyone know?

BYU has done some terrible things. When will you get that through your head?

[Moliere]

Pickens: Big 12 isn't dead and Texas A&M is 'sobering up'

aTm is GONE! They ain't coming back. Their fans would revolt and lynch all administrators, regents, and anyone else involved in any decision to return to the Big 12. Pickens is senile!

[Uncle Ted]

Here's where I am on this. This whole saga is beyond feeling like episodes of "Dallas" after the series had gone to seed.

SU, I didn't know you were a big fan of the "Dallas" TV show. You should come and visit sometime. PBW and/or I would be happy to take you over to the Southfork Ranch for a visit and get you a cowboy hat.

[creekster]

BYU has done some terrible things. When will you get that through your head?

That's cute. While your 'terrible things' refrain is quaint, my guess is you could recite them to Pickens and he would look at you and ask what was wrong with that? His problem with BYU is that he doesn't think some second rate football school from the west deserves to be in a conference with the likes of the Stillwater Cowboys.

[OSUCougar]

BYU has done some terrible things. When will you get that through your head?

Dude, your schtick never gets old, Keep 'em coming

[TheBYUGuy]

Pickens: Big 12 isn't dead and Texas A&M is 'sobering up'

T-Bone is sounding a bit senile. Maybe he can give $100MM to the TAMU athletic department and they'll stay.

[Uncle Ted]

Isn't this the Pickens guy that doesn't like the idea of BYU getting into the BIG12. What is his problem with BYU, anyone know?

Pickens has never said anything good about BYU but A&M staying doesn't imply that the Big 12 staying at ten. In fact, the Big 12 would be wise to expand back to 12 teams ASAP to become more stable. Given Pitt is off the table BYU is most likely now sitting at the pole position if this happens.