Samuelson and mixed motives

[Hallelujah]

Jay, I am surprised that you put so much stock in this "package deal" theory. I guess I just haven't seen evidence that it was ever anything more than what K-Dog has described (a commitment to ensure that we can continue to schedule games).

It would be real simple to clear up. Someone in the media needs to ask the question of the officials at Utah based on what they say, you could draw your own conclusions. The media must be afraid to ask.

[Hallelujah]

You've got it backwards, my friend. BYU's problem is that it started making GA toadies its presidents instead of real titans like Rex Lee.

Cecil Samuelson is irrelevant. Nor is the problem really Samuelson, though, it's what he represents. Samuelson can't will this done. Texas doesn't care about him or who he is. Well, maybe if he came with a huge bribe Texas might care.

For anyone interested in making predictions and being right, here's an easy one for you. I think it's unlikely BYU will be in the Big 12 by summer's end, though I don't completely discount the possiblity of a huge bribe, given the desperation I sense.

I actually agree with SU here. GA's becoming president of BYU doesn't appear to be a good idea. Not only are they joined at the hip; they are the same hip.

[jay santos]

A follow up on this.

The question was posed: what damages could BYU have sustained by Samuelson's deference to Utah or rather what actions could have Samuelson taken if he was willing to damage Utah in the process.

I've read several references to BYU only taking action now on the independence thing because we believed we had a commitment to stay or go with Utah but not alone. It seems pretty clear we could have bettered our situation long ago and been in the Big 12 discussion long before all the action went down this summer. This also explains Holmoe's comments where he seemed angered at Utah not keeping their commitments.

[Mormon Red Death]

A follow up on this.

The question was posed: what damages could BYU have sustained by Samuelson's deference to Utah or rather what actions could have Samuelson taken if he was willing to damage Utah in the process.

I've read several references to BYU only taking action now on the independence thing because we believed we had a commitment to stay or go with Utah but not alone. It seems pretty clear we could have bettered our situation long ago and been in the Big 12 discussion long before all the action went down this summer. This also explains Holmoe's comments where he seemed angered at Utah not keeping their commitments.

Please expound.... If byu was willing to damage Utah they would be in the big 12 now? Its Utah's fault for the independence thing?

[Top Ute]

lol You guys are funny. More than a Mormon or a Ute he's a professional, one would hope, at least. Is any Ute worried that Young or Whit is a BYU mole? This is so stupid.

Professional what, SU?

That said, it's fun to see BYU fans squirm over having a Ute as school president. I've never had any doubts about Michael Young from Day 1, but of course it helps he actually sought out the position, rather than vice-versa.

[jay santos]

Please expound.... If byu was willing to damage Utah they would be in the big 12 now? Its Utah's fault for the independence thing?

I don't mean to directly damage the rival school, but to take actions that are in your best interest regardless of how it affects the rival. ie Utah accepting Pac 10 invitation. Obviously it's not done with the intent to damage BYU, but that's a result. If BYU forming Big 12 ties and going independent now is the right thing to do now, then it likely would have been the right thing to do four years ago. It seems Samuelson and Holmoe felt like they had this pretend agreement with Utah so that wasn't an option until Utah left.

[Spicy McHaggis]

byu would have left Utah in the dust had the roles been reversed. Anyone else who thinks otherwise is delusional.

[LA Ute]

All I really know about Cecil Samuelson is that he is one of the sharpest guys I've ever known, in just about every way a man can be sharp. He was my stake president in college and I spent a fair amount of time with him at a time when I needed a mentor and father figure, and he was simply awesome. I was surprised when he became the BYU president but understand he has totally "gone blue" now, which seems like something he would do. His integrity is unimpeachable, IMO, but I am terribly biased.

Merrill Bateman was a Utah grad too, and he sure seemed to be a true-blue Cougar while he was president. Heck, Glen Tuckett went to Utah and even was an athlete there. Mike Young, a BYU grad, has certainly become a Ute. In a position of that level of trust and responsibility, athletic partisan disloyalty is the last thing anyone should suspect. Just my opinion.

[Indy Coug]

In a position of that level of trust and responsibility, athletic partisan disloyalty is the last thing anyone should suspect. Just my opinion.

[jay santos]

So then I assume you all think the multiple references that Samuelson has referred to this BYU-Utah package deal and that's why BYU never pursued any of this until now are all false rumors?

[il Padrino Ute]

So then I assume you all think the multiple references that Samuelson has referred to this BYU-Utah package deal and that's why BYU never pursued any of this until now are all false rumors?

I believe they are false rumors. The only time I ever heard any of it was from some of the links posted to Jefe's place after Utah was offered an invite to the PAC10.

[LA Ute]

So then I assume you all think the multiple references that Samuelson has referred to this BYU-Utah package deal and that's why BYU never pursued any of this until now are all false rumors?

I am quite certain that the understanding between both schools about leaving for other conferences has been very clear to both sides for a number of years now.

[OrangeUte]

So then I assume you all think the multiple references that Samuelson has referred to this BYU-Utah package deal and that's why BYU never pursued any of this until now are all false rumors?

link?