Did Paul Tagliabue Save The Big East?

[Tom Crean's Tanning Bed]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5286816

Can't help but wonder after reading this story and the details about how the Big 12 was apparently saved over the weekend.  One would have to wonder if Tagliabue, given his extensive experience with the NFL's TV packages and connections with ESPN, was one of the "outside" influences that helped extract the extra $$$ from the TV networks to appease Texas and prevent the east coast conferences (ACC/Big East) from getting raided.

[bilsu]

I doubt that he had much effect on that. Where I think he was beneficial was keeping Big East schools from jumping ship, before this happened.

[goodgreatgrand]

Where I think he was beneficial was keeping Big East schools from jumping ship, before this happened.

Really? Isnt it kind of tough to 'jump ship' if there isnt an offer from another conference? I highly doubt Tags would have had any influence over, say WVU, if they received an offer from the SEC.

[ChicosBailBonds]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5286816

Can't help but wonder after reading this story and the details about how the Big 12 was apparently saved over the weekend.  One would have to wonder if Tagliabue, given his extensive experience with the NFL's TV packages and connections with ESPN, was one of the "outside" influences that helped extract the extra $$$ from the TV networks to appease Texas and prevent the east coast conferences (ACC/Big East) from getting raided.

ESPN, by default, saved the Big East by financially keeping the Big 12 in play, though there was a lot of pressure from other conferences and their representatives lobbying Texas and the Big 12 to stay together.  I'm sure Mr. Tagliabue's voice was heard.

[bilsu]

Really? Isnt it kind of tough to 'jump ship' if there isnt an offer from another conference? I highly doubt Tags would have had any influence over, say WVU, if they received an offer from the SEC.

I have no doubt that some of the schools could have jumped to Big 10. There may not have been an official offer yet, but it is kind of like not asking a girl out until you know she will say yes. Basically, if Rutgers and Pitt told the Big 10 they wanted to come, they would have been invited.

[goodgreatgrand]

I have no doubt that some of the schools could have jumped to Big 10. There may not have been an official offer yet, but it is kind of like not asking a girl out until you know she will say yes. Basically, if Rutgers and Pitt told the Big 10 they wanted to come, they would have been invited.

LOL. You clearly have no idea what you are talking about.