Pac-10 expansion: The Texas conspiracy theory

[HB Pony Dad]

This article probably has more truth than conspiracy theory...

The Texas conspiracy theory

[EastStang]

Looks like a winner theory to me. I just hope that some day, UT has a recruiting scandal in a year when they don't have a chairman on the Infractions Committee and they get their heads handed to them. Gee, if we give UT the death penalty, BEVO Network won't have any programming except women's volleyball.

[Mexmustang]

I think the whole theory is correct.

First, the so-called money deal with the Pac 16 never made sense. At no time did the numbers add up. UT with a dispraportionate share of revenues and the desire to have their own network rights as they had with the Big 12, revenues would always exceed the proposed revenue split received in the Pac 16. The Pac 16 has insisted from the beginning that all revenue would be evenly split amongst members and their would be no independent TV deal, Texas knew that. They also knew it was a deal breaker. The other reasons were also negative--long travel scehules, late west coast games, increased competition, bad politics here in Texas, and the complete incompatablity of Big 12 transferees to the Pac--can you imagine the Fighting Aggie Band playing "Green Beret" at Cal Berkley?

Second, how did the Big 12 commissioner suddenly (in 24-48 hours) come up with a new TV package, promising even better revenues on a contract the doesn't expire for what another 24 months? I have never heard of a multi million dollar contract come to terms so quickly--even if it was just a termsheet.

Third, the communications at UT were locked-up like a drum--all except the constant exclusives of a fan website? Organgeblood/Rivals? We're not talking the NY Times, the DMN, the Houston Chronicle, the L.A. Times, ESPN, Fox Sports or ABC, but a fan website? Come on, they were played like a drum--Big Bertha.

I have one well connected UT friend that assured me that this was going to happen, two weeks ago, that this was all about Texas cutting a better deal with the conference. I didn't believe him, of course and was hooked like everyone else.The only curve ball thrown was A&M, who must of known what was up and had a fit.

Finally, what did Texas gain? more money, less competition, no conference championship game, no Tom Osborne and the undying gratitude of the other conference members for picking their pockets.

[Charleston Pony]

all possible...but just as likely Texas had their plans and thought they could bring anyone they wanted...and the Aggies "just said no"

[Mexmustang]

Real simple, Texas was bluffing and A&M (God bless'em) called...