The Big 12 Conference has

[Max Power]

From what I am gathering from everyone else, The way they feel about Texas Owning us and everyone else is that in the PAC 10, UCLA and USC would have had 2/3rds the power. In the SEC, Florida, Georgia, LSU, and Alabama would have had power with Texas. In the Big X it is Texas alone with power and that scares them. We would still be low on the totem pole in the others, but there would have been more checks and balances, if I am reading their arguments right. I personally was on board because I didn't think we could get the TV deal without leaving the Big 12. Since we somehow pulled that off its time to go play

 

[Max Power]

I won't say we aren't the best baseball team even though we got our butts kicked by Texas this year. Like it or not Texas is the best program in baseball.

That's all i was trying to say Nick

 

[skyvue]

From what I am gathering from everyone else, The way they feel about Texas Owning us and everyone else is that in the PAC 10, UCLA and USC would have had 2/3rds the power. In the SEC, Florida, Georgia, LSU, and Alabama would have had power with Texas. In the Big X it is Texas alone with power and that scares them. We would still be low on the totem pole in the others, but there would have been more checks and balances, if I am reading their arguments right. I personally was on board because I didn't think we could get the TV deal without leaving the Big 12. Since we somehow pulled that off its time to go play

I've assumed roughly the same thing, but I'd still like some of those engaged in the hyperbole to tell me exactly what's changed from a month ago. We're getting more money, we have the right to create our own network. Texas is still a larger school with more money, but they've always been that. Have we signed over power and control to them that we formerly possessed? I don't think so.

We're where we were and have been for years, basically, only with more money. The conference has lost two teams, one of which has achieved nada in this century and the other of which might finally be on the way back, after several years of struggling, in the one major sport it's good at.

We don't have to bother with an often-ridiculous championship game in football; we'll play every team twice in basketball.

I don't think the power dynamic has changed at all, and no one who disagrees has yet explained what I'm missing. We're arguably less powerful in the conference than one school (and I would argue that the differential is smaller than some are insisting), but in both the SEC or Pac 10, we'd have been less powerful than three or four schools.

 

[Tony]

And do you guys honestly think you've got a better handle on all this than Joe C. and President Boren? Do you not think they might have insight and knowledge that we don't possess? They've been pretty damned good at their jobs so far -- how is they're suddenly viewed as clueless and ineffectual, when none of us were involved in these negotiations and all we have to go on is the wacky, contradictory rumors that have been floating around for a week?

There really needs to be some sort of Godwin's Law about posts like this.

 

[skyvue]

There really needs to be some sort of Godwin's Law about posts like this.

Fair enough. I'm certainly not suggesting either Boren or Joe C. should never be questioned.

But honestly, the reasoning in all these panicky posts seems beyond flawed. It's based on nothing but rumors. None of us were there for these discussions. And no one has yet explained how texas "owns" us in a way they haven't since the inception of the Big 12 (if one even accepts that characterization, which I don't).

The only semi-reasonable explanation that's been offered is that, in the Pac 10 or SEC, we'd have had to kowtow to two or three other teams, too, in addition to Texas, but maybe they'd stand up for us once in a while. I don't see that as desirable. I'd rather be No. 2 in the pecking order of a conference than No. 4 or 5, all the while hoping one of those other teams will side with us.

For there to be this much of a meltdown, I want substance to back it up. In the absence of it? Heck, yes, I'll trust Boren and Joe C. over a bunch of rumor-chasing, the-grass-is-greener-anywhere-but-here Panicky Petes and Patties.

Now, have you any response to the multiple other paragraphs I've posted in this thread, or is that the only one you had a comeback for?

 

[Tony]

Now, have you any response to the multiple other paragraphs I've posted in this thread, or is that the only one you had a comeback for?

It wasn't a "comeback." And no, I have no response for any of the other paragraphs you posted. That was the point I was interested in making.

 

[skyvue]

Fine, I'll keep twiddling my thumbs awaiting an answer from someone, anyone.

 

[thebigabd]

Fine, I'll keep twiddling my thumbs awaiting an answer from someone, anyone.

Is this seat taken? I will join you and wait....

 

[Tony]

Fine, I'll keep twiddling my thumbs awaiting an answer from someone, anyone.

I'm sorry if my answer is insufficient to you, Skyvue. I simply don't have a strong enough grasp of the specifics of the situation to confidently state anything that I think would add to the discussion.

The particular point I made is one I believe in. That is why I chose that paragraph out of the many you have written to reply to. It is a common rhetorical flourish to state that those without the same information as those with power and influence should just sit back and unquestioningly trust them. It is a deference that I don't think is particularly healthy and does not, in my opinion, inform the discussion or advance the greater conversation. Instead, it tends to stifle it. It's not the kind of community I want to be a part of. We saw a lot of that on this board during this past season, with people who dared to be critical of Jeff Capel constantly being reminded that they could not do a better job and should thus keep quiet.

 

[Cheno]

Fine, I'll keep twiddling my thumbs awaiting an answer from someone, anyone.

My thumbs are moving as well.

 

[SoonerNorm]

My thumbs are moving as well.

+3. It is beginning to appear that some people just like to complain...even when they can't think of anything specific to complain about.

 

[Cleavon Little]

It almost seems to me like some people need to find another team to get into. Capel's still here, we didn't become Western Arizona State, goodness. I worry about some of your depression and anger. OU sports is hurting you too badly, it's not good for your well being. It's obvious that many of you are just too sad and mad about OU. Here, let me show you the door. There's a Greyhound to the west coast leaving this minute. Hey, you could be a San Jose State fan! Then you could always hope and wish you were in the Pac-10, but you wouldn't have too high expectations in basketball, and the best thing, Capel's not your coach. Doesn't that help? Don't you feel better?

 

[Cleavon Little]

In my smart assery I forgot my geography. I guess it would be Eastern Arizona State.

 

[Tony]

It almost seems to me like some people need to find another team to get into. Capel's still here, we didn't become Western Arizona State, goodness. I worry about some of your depression and anger. OU sports is hurting you too badly, it's not good for your well being. It's obvious that many of you are just too sad and mad about OU. Here, let me show you the door. There's a Greyhound to the west coast leaving this minute. Hey, you could be a San Jose State fan! Then you could always hope and wish you were in the Pac-10, but you wouldn't have too high expectations in basketball, and the best thing, Capel's not your coach. Doesn't that help? Don't you feel better?

To whom are you referring? I'm the only one that mentioned Jeff Capel in this thread, but the sort of fan you are describing is not me. So... who is it? Weird that it is hard for me to tell, since it is obvious to others.

 

[One More Rebound]

To whom are you referring? I'm the only one that mentioned Jeff Capel in this thread, but the sort of fan you are describing is not me. So... who is it? Weird that it is hard for me to tell, since it is obvious to others.

I think he was referring to me, Tony. I have always loved San Jose State...

 

[Cleavon Little]

Well, I wasn't really referencing Capel being mentioned in this particular thread. I was looking at the multitude of threads rehashing how much this deal sucks without providing specifics, and it made me think of all the Capel needs to go threads of a few months ago. It just seems when people get in the mood to complain it takes 10 threads to say the same thing, and I couldn't help but wonder if the same people were behind it.

It could very well be possible that I'm suffering from a misperception of the whole thing. In that case, please allow me just to vent about so many people venting!

 

[GParker]

I believe the main worry that some Sooner fans have are more about the movements behind closed doors and not on the playing fields or courts. Every since the old Southwest Conference there have been rumors about Texas throwing their weight around behind closed doors and those same rumors have continued in the Big 12. Now in the Big 12-2 these rumors will become more prevalent due to the loss of a Northern heavyweight in Nebraska along with the way this situation has been covered in the media. These are just rumors, but to me they have been consistent for a long time now and I am the type to believe if there is consistent smoke there is a fire somewhere.

Now this is pure conjecture at this point by myself and others but it is easy for me to see Texas being a "bully" behind closed doors. If this situation was all about money then why did Nebraska not wait for a counter offer from the Big 12?

I am not sure if any of this is true but based on what I have read and observed it is concerning to me the possible power Texas will have behind close doors.

 

[coolm]

exactly G, it's not just about some appeasement cash.

 

[Cleavon Little]

Greg - thanks for joining us and helping clear the air. I would like someone to provide a hypothetical situation where they could use that weight behind the scenes to benefit themselves. Financial payouts from TV stuff should be pretty clear when the details of the contracts are known. Things like playing championships and big games in Texas we already do.

Do I think they're incapable of screwing us behind closed doors? Oh no. I'm just curious as to what kind of situations that would be a possibility.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

FWIW, I'm softening my stance on this new conference day-by-day. Better hoops conference for sure, in football we are scheduling aggresively non-conference. We should be fine. Just let me enjoy some Californioa Dreamin for a little longer.