"Influential Group Saved Big XII"

**CycloneJL** · 06-14-2010, 08:17 PM

Hi there, new member but long time lurker.

I found this article interesting: Big 12 Conference: Influential people saved league - ESPN

"In an unprecedented move, a number of influential people inside and outside of college athletics mobilized over the past week to save the Big 12 Conference, stave off the Pac-10's move to expand to 16 schools and prevent a massive reorganization of college athletics."

I wonder who some of these other people are.

(Sorry if this is posted elsewhere, but I didn't see it.)

**helechopper** · 06-14-2010, 08:20 PM

I don't know but I'd bet there are some surprising names on that list. I'd like to see them as well.

Welcome to Cyclone Fanatic, CycloneJL!

**TheCaptain** · 06-14-2010, 08:22 PM

Rumors are just that....but some people I know spoke of this ealier this week.

Hell...noone reallly knows - but anything is possible.

I doubt we will ever know the complete truth.

**MilehighClone** · 06-14-2010, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by CycloneJL

Hi there, new member but long time lurker.

I found this article interesting: Big 12 Conference: Influential people saved league - ESPN

"In an unprecedented move, a number of influential people inside and outside of college athletics mobilized over the past week to save the Big 12 Conference, stave off the Pac-10's move to expand to 16 schools and prevent a massive reorganization of college athletics."

I wonder who some of these other people are.

(Sorry if this is posted elsewhere, but I didn't see it.)

T. Boone would have to be one....

**benjay** · 06-14-2010, 08:23 PM

Interesting - Beebe represented the 5 unwanteds at the table. Could it be true that he helped us even though he didn't "save" us?

**GrindingAway** · 06-14-2010, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by CycloneJL

I wonder who some of these other people are.

Obviously these guys.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybIXiIL50bw]YouTube - Stonecutters[/ame]

**clonedude** · 06-14-2010, 08:27 PM

I think this move today was in the best interests of most of college football and athletics in general outside of the Big 10 and Pac 10. They were the only two conferences that stood to gain from the dismantling of the Big 12.

So I think a lot of AD's and TV execs from all over the country decided it was time to step in and to try to save what was left. Heck, the BCS doesn't want 4 super conferences. Neither does the NCAA. The powers that be decided to stop all this expansion before it ruined college athletics altogether IMO.

**Tre4ISU** · 06-14-2010, 08:29 PM

Let's quit speculating..........it was Chris Williams.

**Frak** · 06-14-2010, 08:29 PM

One thing is for sure, SOMEONE is going to write a heck of a book on this in 5 years after it all settles down and they will cash in big-time. Probably Chip.

**Cyclone62** · 06-14-2010, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by clonedude

I think this move today was in the best interests of most of college football and athletics in general outside of the Big 10 and Pac 10. They were the only two conferences that stood to gain from the dismantling of the Big 12.

So I think a lot of AD's and TV execs from all over the country decided it was time to step in and to try to save what was left. Heck, the BCS doesn't want 4 super conferences. Neither does the NCAA. The powers that be decided to stop all this expansion before it ruined college athletics altogether IMO.

I wonder that as well. At the same time, I honestly think politicians, as well as boosters, AD's, Presidents, etc. were the "influential group" involved in this.

No one outside of politicians really have a bigger pull on the NCAA and colleges than politicians and boosters, and then AD's and Presidents banding together (under outside influence or not) will tie Universities together.

**isunomad** · 06-14-2010, 08:31 PM

This group would include TV executives, big time benefactors (like Mr. Pickens), school presidents, ADs, and perhaps even administrators & former administrators with the NCAA. As well as politicians and others connected to the "forgotten schools" (i.e. Baylor, ISU, K State, etc.) The sports media took the 16 school mega-conference idea and ran with it before considering that an awful lot of powerful people don't want to upset the apple cart.