If you don't believe that Texas ultimately saved the Big 12, then credit commissioner Dan Beebe.
Beebe implored conference leaders for a renewed commitment and investment in the league to fend off poaching attempts last month by the Pacific 10, Big Ten and Southeastern conferences, according to documents obtained by the Dallas Morning News.
The documents, obtained through an open records request to Texas Tech, include a "confidential white paper" that Beebe sent to leadership groups at the start of the league meetings on June 1. The following week, the heat was on, with the Pac-10 making a pitch for six Big 12 members.
(Editor's note: Andy Staples of SI.com was the first to obtain the "white paper." Read his account here.)
Beebe warned league members beforehand about time zone and travel issues for teams considering a jump to the Pac-10, then took this shot: "The facilities and fair weather fans are a disappointment," he wrote.
As for revenue distribution in the Pac-10, Beebe wrote that teams should expect the worst. "In most years USC receives twice that of Washington State."
Beebe then turned his attention to the Big Ten, painting it as a risky league to join because of its geographic footprint in the upper Midwest, where population is declining.
His tactics didn't work. Colorado was the first to leave, announcing it would join the Pac-10. Nebraska followed by accepting an invitation to the Big Ten.
On June 11 — the day Nebraska announced its move — Beebe sent an email to the league's remaining members, claiming that Fox and ABC/ESPN were willing to consider renegotiating TV deals in an effort to keep the league together.
On June 14, the league announced that it would cobble along with 10 members. Beebe acknowledged a day later that Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Missouri and Baylor had agreed to guarantee Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma at least $20 million in revenue for 2012-13 to keep the league together.
From what you wrote it actually looks like Beebe's campaign of fear didn't work, it came down to pure greed instead.
Posted by: ev | July 02, 2010 at 07:23 AM
Beebe's actions had little impact on Texas, but likely pushed Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Missouri and Baylor into action.
When those five agreed to fork over money to get Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma to $20 million in revenue, it likely sealed the deal for the Aggies and Sooners, who were being courted by the SEC.
Texas ultimately was going to do what was best for Texas. When the Pac-10 balked at Texas possibly starting its own network, the Longhorns went back for the sure thing.
Posted by: The Wiz | July 02, 2010 at 11:57 AM
The big 12 is one corrupt organization. Good for the buffs and bugeaters for getting out while they still could.
Posted by: KB | July 16, 2010 at 03:45 PM