Big 12 Athletic Directors "Unanimously Agree" to Put Off a Longhorn Network Decision

Conference ADs would not mention Texas by name, merely a hypothetical member institution that might have its own broadcast network wishing to televise high school content. (Have to make sure the Cyclone Network doesn’t run amok.) They declined to take any action, but did think up some misleadingly decisive adverbs.

The Big 12 ADs followed up their “unanimous agreement” to act according to NCAA rules and “unanimously agreed” to put off a decision about the high school games for a year. They also will tell their board of directors to “strongly request” the NCAA handles it, because an issue solely involving Texas is obviously of national import. Don’t expect anything hasty, as the issue will require “an extended period of analysis.” Somehow, conference officials will “continue to monitor” the broadcasting on which they just placed a moratorium.

Presumably, they would have created an ad hoc committee of experts to examine the matter further, had they not been the ad hoc committee.

ADs also looked at Texas’ agreement to broadcast a second football game on the Longhorn Network. They “learned and acknowledged” the existence of the arrangement. They didn’t decide anything, but they would like us to know they’re aware.

The reckoning won’t happen this year. Dan Beebe may concoct a way for it not to happen next year, but, eventually, the Big 12 must risk the conference’s dissolution and confront the fait accompli created by the Longhorn Network. The ESPN project’s mere existence is creating untenable tension. What happens when it tries to expand?

[Photo via Getty]