Not one Big 12(-2) football game has been played, and there are already rumors of implosion for the 10-team conference. The unholy alliance of ESPN and the University of Texas has left Texas A&M angry that (1) UT's Longhorn Network wants to broadcast high school football games and (2) the network also wants to air a Big 12 conference game (Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe has put a moratorium on both).
If both happen, A&M is apparently ready to bolt to the SEC. The big shots in the Big 12 are meeting today in Dallas to sort out these issues, so everything could come to a head soon. If ESPN and Texas hold firm and A&M decides it wants to join the sketchiest conference of them all, where does that leave Missouri, Kansas and Kansas State?
A report on Texas A&M's Scout website says Missouri could get an invite to the SEC if A&M jumps. While Oklahoma might seem like a better fit, the Sooners are tied to Oklahoma State, and the SEC reportedly isn't interested in the Cowboys. So the Oklahoma schools could be looking west to the Pac-12 (so could Texas Tech).
Also from the report, Arkansas is pushing for the Tigers' inclusion due to proximity and potential rivalries.
As for Kansas, a new home could be the Big East. Kansas State might be able to tag along.
But this is just one report on a site that I'm not quite sure has a lot of credibility. I don't really know. Maybe author David Sandhop is right. Or maybe he's spreading rumors to help A&M get a better deal. I just don't know.
ESPN's push for a a Big 12 game and high school games would seem counterproductive. Why would the World Wide Leader do something that would cause the destruction of one of its television partners? Isn't there more money for ESPN in Big 12 games than high school games?
I guess we'll just have to see how today's meetings play out.
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ESPN has a huge interest in disrupting a fox sports deal with the big 12(almost 8) that could loose them millions.
If i was the remaining nine Big XII schools including Texas A&M. I would propse that we vote to expand to 16 then get rid of the boob known as Dan Beebe And finally Kick Texas out of da Big XII forcing their independance.
Cory, Texas has already blinked and now they are licking their own butt. Those liberals in Austin are most certainly concerned for two reasons...1. Recruiting and 2. What will happen to them if the big 12 implodes and they have no where to go, forcing them to go independent and play the likes of Sam Houston or Texas State.
Why would anyone leave if A&M goes? The league just says, "welcome to the Big XII TCU" and that's that. No one will make more money leaving, and if A&M wants to throw a hissy-fit and bail they would only elevate another Texas school in TCU. I don't even think UT would blink.
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