Covert activity?

[MU Avenue]

Each time I hear about another university "announcing" that it is leaving one athletic conference because it has agreed -- or is being allowed -- to join another, I ask myself the same question: No one knew this was in the works?

We now hear "breaking news" that the University of Notre Dame will leave the Big East to join the Atlantic Coast Conference.

No one knew this was happening? No one knew that West Virginia, Syracuse, Pittsburgh and now Notre Dame were in what had to be lengthy talks to bail out on the Big East?

These universities were able to keep their talks secret from the other universities in the conference -- and from the rest of the sports world, including reporters -- until deals had been struck?

I find it amazing -- and really troubling -- if officials at Marquette and other Big East universities really knew nothing about these four schools jumping ship and destroying the Big East as we know it.

How is that possible?

[brewcity77]

I'm pretty sure they knew ND was still investigating the move. But it wasn't like they were going to announce it publicly, which would serve to weaken the appearance of the league even sooner. I'm guessing the Big East heads were hoping ND would hold off until after the contract renegotiation to better evaluate their options, but they didn't want to wait. When WVU left, we all knew they were looking to go, just like no one would be surprised if UConn, Louisville, or Cincy bolted if given the chance.

Pitt and Syracuse seemed like a blindside and I'm very curious how much was known beforehand. That seems like a big bit of news to catch people unaware.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I was thinking about this last night.  The rationale for the ND move just enhances the sterotypical arrogance of ND as Marquette fans see it.

ND says "we need the 5 quality game guarantee" that apparently the Big East couldn't provide.  Well the Big East could provide 5 quality games and is arguably an equal if not better football conference, but ND is more concerned about the "perception" of the team they play. 

My 2 cents.