This was written 8 days before the news that TCU was B12 bound and 4 days before the Big East's meeting in Georgetown.
"The Big East's media rights outlook remains optimistic as the Conference continues to be a vital and attractive media rights property heading into our scheduled September 2012 ESPN discussions. Further, we will provide you with an updated report on our BCS automatic qualifying status, arguably our single most valuable asset – which, with the help of the addition of TCU, continues to place us in a solid position for the upcoming cycle. The most important issue for us to focus on, however, is the future of the Conference and specifically how we can stabilize our situation in order to convey a level of comfort and security to any potential new members and provide them some assurances about their future with us. Toward this end and per our football school discussion (Sept. 21) in New York City, we have added a new agenda item to discuss a proposed bylaw amendment in the form of the attached regarding our current withdrawal clause." The Big East "will also be prepared to discuss potential legal strategies in the wake of the departures of Pittsburgh and Syracuse."
http://brett-mcmurphy.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/29532522/32679527
....looks like someone's considering legal actions...
So, no progress on the higher buy out for a couple of weeks? That pretty much sums it up. I like the basketball schools position that they want the higher buy out and a 15 year commitment. I hope the basketball schools hold their ground on these matters. Either we get a stable conference or we get the BE conference as basketball schools. No reason to give power to a bunch of CUSA schools in 5 years and then the basketball schools have to leave the conference to form a solid basketball league.
I think the legal issues will be the Big East fighting to enforce the 27 month clause. The trouble with trying to raise the buyout is that it could result in the Big East imploding as I can see certain teams not wanting to increase the buyout. The worst part of that would be that Syracuse and Pitt than would not have the 27 month clause and the buyout. At this point I just want the conference to survive long enough to make them pay and delay their departure the 27 months. As far as the buyout they might have better success saying it goes away in 4 years. Leave now and pay 5 million and have to wait 27 months. Wait 4 years and pay nothing could be an incentive to wait around. The big issue with that would be to get other teams to join the conference. However, trying to raise the buyout will most likely end the conference anyway.
Quote from: bilsu on October 13, 2011, 11:52:28 AM
I think the legal issues will be the Big East fighting to enforce the 27 month clause. The trouble with trying to raise the buyout is that it could result in the Big East imploding as I can see certain teams not wanting to increase the buyout. The worst part of that would be that Syracuse and Pitt than would not have the 27 month clause and the buyout. At this point I just want the conference to survive long enough to make them pay and delay their departure the 27 months. As far as the buyout they might have better success saying it goes away in 4 years. Leave now and pay 5 million and have to wait 27 months. Wait 4 years and pay nothing could be an incentive to wait around. The big issue with that would be to get other teams to join the conference. However, trying to raise the buyout will most likely end the conference anyway.
I think this will only delay the inevitable 4 more years. The only thing in the foreseeable future (without congress intervention) that will save the Big East in football is adding more members. With the possible addtions that are being discussed now, that will not save our AQ status. Then when your proposed time limit is up, WVU, Louisville, UConn and Cinci would jump at the chance to leave in a heartbeat. Welcome C-USA version 2.
It is much better to force the issue now and have a strong commitment from the current members so we can either go forward as a more stable conference that has a better chance of attracting stronger football members, or blow up and have the basketball only schools take over the Big East name.
Quote from: bilsu on October 13, 2011, 11:52:28 AM
I think the legal issues will be the Big East fighting to enforce the 27 month clause. The trouble with trying to raise the buyout is that it could result in the Big East imploding as I can see certain teams not wanting to increase the buyout. The worst part of that would be that Syracuse and Pitt than would not have the 27 month clause and the buyout. At this point I just want the conference to survive long enough to make them pay and delay their departure the 27 months. As far as the buyout they might have better success saying it goes away in 4 years. Leave now and pay 5 million and have to wait 27 months. Wait 4 years and pay nothing could be an incentive to wait around. The big issue with that would be to get other teams to join the conference. However, trying to raise the buyout will most likely end the conference anyway.
A couple of thoughts. First, the BB schools have some cards now that they can play. The requirement to increase the buyout does two things. First, you know who the true committed schools are. Those that do not want to increase it should be looked at skeptically as to their desires in the future.
Secondly, the 3+1 BCS Conferences (ACC, B1?, Pac 10 with the Big 12 being the +1) are not in a rush to expand today. The football schools need a conference. They do not/cannot be independents in football. Right now, it is a marriage of convenience to a degree. It also is a conference those schools desparately need right now.
So, I say, force the issue. increase the buyout. Where do the football go? What do the football schools do? It would definitely be interesting.
If the BB schools wait, they will eventually lose any leverage they have right now.