Reaction from a crazy day that saw Brigham Young on the verge of becoming an independent in football and Fresno State and Nevada announcing that they would be leaving the Western Athletic Conference in order to join the Mountain West. The situation remains fluid. Follow The Wiz on Twitter to get the latest developments.
Jeff Call, Deseret News: As of late Wednesday, BYU was still a member of the Mountain West. "We are aware of the many media reports and questions circulating about BYU's conference alignment," associate athletic director Duff Tittle said in a statement. "As director of athletics Tom Holmoe explained recently, BYU has been reviewing, and will continue to explore, every option to advance its athletic program. At this point, BYU has no further comment."
Dan Rasmussen, Deseret News: BYU fans are supportive of the Cougars' move to independence. "I think it's a great idea," said Ron Allen, 65, of Salt Lake City. "It'll allow us to play some top teams in the nation." He was one of many fans to use two words: "Notre" and "Dame."
Greg Wrubell, KSL: Standing alone would be nothing new at BYU.
Brad Rock, Deseret News: BYU's future was crystal clear for about six hours. Then Fresno State and Nevada decided they didn't like the plan.
KITV: Hawaii athletic director Jim Donovan said the school will look into becoming an independent in football if the WAC should crumble. Link to video.
Dan Hinxman, Reno Gazette-Journal: Nevada did not sign the WAC's $5 million buyout clause that would have made it prohibitive to consider a move to the Mountain West, multiple sources with knowledge of the situation have told the newspaper.
Jim Rayburn, Deseret News: Being an independent in football presents many challenges. Just ask Notre Dame, Army and Navy.
Dick Harmon, Deseret News: BYU's possible move to independence is all about increased exposure.
Brent Schrotenboer, San Diego Union-Tribune: Adding Fresno State and Nevada "aren't much help" to the Mountain West.
Dallas Morning News: Texas Christian's Gary Patterson said he does
not see BYU gaining an advantage playing as an independent. "If you're
BYU, you'd better be careful
what you wish for. But I can tell you this: If they think being an
independent is an easier way to get to a national championship, they're
kidding themselves."
Deseret News: Former BYU coach LaVell Edwards: "I don't know what's going on yet. One thing I do know — they're not a bunch of dummies up there [at BYU]. I'm sure they've done their due diligence in whatever they decide."
George Hostetter, Fresno Bee: The benefits of joining the Mountain West are many for Fresno State, starting with reduced travel costs. Plus, will the league be making a pitch to add Houston?
Matt James, Fresno Bee: Fresno State fans shouldn't wake up today feeling lucky to be accepted into the Mountain West. Their school actually saved the conference.
Katy Moeller, Idaho Statesman: Boise State fans remained positive amid another round of conference turmoil. "We were so excited to get into the Mountain West. Now it's like WAC Plus," joked Joe Mendiola.
Jon Wilner, San Jose Mercury News: WAC departures leave San Jose State in limbo.
Jared Eborn, Deseret News: With the WAC in a crippled state, Utah State is scrambling to try and find a way to prop up its athletics program.
Joe Muench, El Paso Times: Mike Price needs to put a good team on the turf so Texas El Paso stands ready when "going-bigger" opportunities arise.
Brett Vito, Denton Record-Chronicle: Think the Sun Belt might be calling Louisiana Tech?
Thank you for posting the many links on this story. I cannot find anything about the $5 million exit fee that the WAC recently enacted.
Will Fresno State and Nevada have to pay the $5 million exit fee?
Posted by: bevo | August 19, 2010 at 05:39 AM
They won't have to pay any exit fee if there's no conference to collect it. One more WAC team jumping ship puts them below the NCAA minimum number of teams to technically be a conference [which, I beleive, is six].
As for BYU... screw them. I have no ill-will toward Utah. They got a better offer, which they have earned. BYU tried to backstab their way out of the door and light the conference on fire on their way out.
Cougars, you'd better be ready to give up 8TDS when you come to Fort Worth in October. You will receive no quarter.
Posted by: Sam | August 19, 2010 at 06:36 AM
Regarding the exit fee: Nevada did not sign the agreement and Karl Benson, the WAC commish, said he expects the school to pay it. The attorneys will have a field day with this one.
Posted by: The Wiz | August 19, 2010 at 10:38 AM
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