Pretty good article about ESPN and Conference Expansion

by Fitzi_67 on Feb 10, 2012 1:11 PM EST

http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2012-articles/february/acc-extension-shows-espns-shrewd-control-over-competition-and-expansion.html

Given that this week talk began HEATING UP that Clemson and FSU were bound for the Big 12 (a lot of shite if you ask me) this is a story that will never die... WVU is gone next year and the big 12 paid a TON to make it happen. My only question is with Boise coming next year, Memphis in the fold for all sports, is Louisville really going to bolt (god I hope so).

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Heating up?

The Clemson-FSU-Big 12 crap was started by a WVU blogger who presented not a shred of evidence, and was paased on here and there by a few gullible (or hit-desperate) bloggers. Why would they leave the ACC?

"I am willing to donate to the charity that is working on the prevention of whatever the hell Dick Vitale has." - noobmaster

by rickmbari on Feb 10, 2012 5:00 PM EST reply actions

A few months back Rutherford hated the term “Heating Up” because it was being used in every story about conference expansion. I’m pretty sure that’s why it’s highlighted here.

-Dustin

by Civicman86 on Feb 10, 2012 5:27 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I got the joke

but the rumor isn’t worth mentioning.

"I am willing to donate to the charity that is working on the prevention of whatever the hell Dick Vitale has." - noobmaster

by rickmbari on Feb 10, 2012 6:42 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed, they aren't going anywhere.

-Dustin

by Civicman86 on Feb 12, 2012 2:50 AM EST up reply actions

I don't think either team will leave the ACC

There’s a lot of money to be made in academics, too. But there is some truth to the rumors, both schools have formed committees to investigate what’s best for their future.

This article brings up a lot of good points about how ESPN is pulling the strings on realignment. I think you can say even more about what ESPN is doing indirectly. Right now Charlie Strong is longest tenured coach in the BE and he’s only been here 2 seasons! Think about that. The BE just cannot compete with the “better” conferences when they’re only making a fraction of the revenue. The bad coaches get fired, the good coaches get hired at programs with more money and exposure.

Meanwhile, ESPN will continue to “devalue” the BE because it’s in their best interest. Their money is tied up in the other conferences. ESPN needs those conferences to do well to get a return on their investment. So they will continue to bash the BE as the “worst power conference”, as a result will pay less money for the contract, and put the teams in the BE at a competitive disadvantage. Self-fulfilling prophecy.

by Cards86 on Feb 10, 2012 7:48 PM EST reply actions