College expansions end game

Greed for more money is the new college conference way, and football is the driving force. Like the space race, or any other race, to be called the greatest; college conferences have found themselves scrambling to etch their footprint into larger T.V. markets. Money is the obviously the driving force, but what could the end result lead to?

Should conferences evolve into what most anticipate, super conferences, this would likely mean conferences with an excess of 16 plus universities. The SEC and B10 are obviously not done, but how far are they likely to go? The eastern universities are likely the prize of the SEC and/or B10, depending on which conference makes the best offer. The move to increase will not finish until the SEC and B10’s hunger is full.

The Big 12 is not making a move because they feel their conference has no need to expand. The way they are playing the game and the way writers have reported it, the Big 12, expand or not is looking to make a hefty payday with the new BCS structure. It has been reported that the SEC, B10, Big 12, PAC 12, and ACC can expect to add $91 million to their profit.  The fact that the big 12 has less schools in their conference will give each school a $9.1 million dollar profit per year. This is $2.6 million more than the SEC, B10, ACC, and PAC 12, who have each expanded to 12 or more universities.  Besides the Big 12, look for dollars to shrink even further depending on the final number of schools added to each conference.

Solidifying the Big 12’s existence, came with the Champions Bowl. The SEC will not poach or allow others to poach the Big 12 as long as the Big 12 is the only other conference that can provide any challenge to the SEC, and speaking of money, bring good T.V. ratings.

Should the Big 12 feel the itch to expand, I look for them to go down following route:

Expand to the east getting one or more of the following football universities who have not received an invite from the SEC and/or Big 10:

FSU,

Clemson,

Virginia Tech.,

NC State, and/or

Miami.

Being very opinionated, my out of the box idea would be the unification of the PAC 12 and Big 12. This would not only increase their strength, but complete control of the central and western part of the country, and an increase in T.V. markets.

Another idea would have the Big 12 add eastern schools and BYU. This would add T.V. markets for the Big 12 across the country and increase their revenue.  The arm of the Big 12 would then be longer than that of the PAC 12, SEC, B10, and ACC. It would also put them at an advantage against the other conferences.

Expansion is a fun topic. Not one to solve, but one to examine and predict.  In the end, after expansion has had its limelight, what will become of each conference and will they be happy?  The question I know people will have after expansion that should be thrown on the table now; is whether student athletes should get a bigger stipend with the flowing cash each conference and university expects to receive.

Johnny Football kills the Heisman

Last night was a historic night for college football as a freshman took home the Heisman for the first time. However, his team did not go undefeated, make it to the championship, and lost to two of the only four ranked teams they faced all season. In all, the Heisman no longer stands for what it once stood for. It has now become a beauty pageant glorified by the irresponsible media (i.e., ESPN) and wins do not matter. 

For a long time the winners have always been upperclassmen, not because they played the college game a lot longer, but because they proved their worthiness to be called great collegiate athletes. They proved that the game is not about how you start it, but how you finish it. The upperclassmen that won the Heisman before last night showed that. After last night however, that all went down the drain, and in my opinion, was a slap in the face to the great collegiate athletes that won it before the so called Johnny Football. 

Collin Klein and Manti Te’o are two seniors that showed that worthiness to call themselves great collegiate athletes, but were robbed by a one-time performance. A performance I might add that only had one noteworthy win. By the way, the Baylor Bears also beat a number one team in the same regular season. My heart goes out to the two men that sat beside Johnny Unproven. That although they proved themselves for four years, their reward was to clap at the first beauty pageant, which the Heisman has been driven to.

Media (i.e., ESPN) as I stated earlier was irresponsible this year. Not looking at the other great athletes that proved themselves, but only at the hype they conjured up. Media has shown that instead of going for the man that busted his rump for the last four years, they were only out for the story, in which a first time freshman won the Heisman. I apologize Collin and Manti on behalf of all media (i.e., ESPN), Johnny was a better story, but not a better collegiate athlete.

Notre Dame to ACC and future expansion

So, who were the real winners and losers in Notre Dame’s move to the ACC and how does this hinder further conference expansion?

Winner: Notre Dame

Notre Dame will always be the school touting their independent football program, and, the fact that they can hold out until a conference offers them what they want. Since when did a university like this become so powerful, they could muscle a known conference into giving them what they want? The ACC of course was desperate after their horrible TV contract and rumors of ACC universities bailing to other conferences. The fact though, is that Notre Dame will still be independent, receive money from their individual contract with NBC, shared money between ACC universities, oh, and, their newly formed contract with the ACC in the Orange Bowl.

Loser: ACC

John Swofford, Commissioner of the ACC, not only bent over for Notre Dame, but also knows this marriage offers no advantage for the other universities in the ACC. Along with a bad TV contract, Swofford really did it in for the ACC. What kind of tension with the other universities will this bring out of bending over for a university outside of your conference, and not putting the same ambition to get Notre Dame, into getting your conference the best TV contract? Although Notre Dame is in the ACC, and is required to play five ACC universities per year in football, each university in the ACC will probably only see Notre Dame once every three years. So, how does this benefit a conference that is looking to make more money through its football program? Answer, it does not. Yes, ACC may be able to re-work their TV contract for a little more money, but it does not increase their revenue at tickets booths. Furthermore, what about Notre Dame’s independent contract with NBC? Will other ACC schools be offered the same opportunity of Third Tier Rights like Notre Dame? Absolutely not. Swofford only condones equal sharing. Therefore, in the end, what is the upside for ACC. The answer, nothing.

 Future Expansion:

With the recent addition of Notre Dame to the ACC, how does this hinder future conference expansion? The answer, it does not. Yes, the ACC added a $50 million dollar buyout, but that is nickels and dimes for conferences like the SEC, Big 12 and Big 10. A $50 million dollar buyout sounds big, but that is less than a quarter of what a big conference like the SEC, Big 12, and Big 10 take in every year. I also have a feeling FSU is still keeping that door open for the Big 12. Adding Notre Dame does nothing for FSU at the ticket booth, except a sellout crowd once every three years. In addition, how do other universities feel knowing they will be sharing their TV revenue with a university that is participating in all sports except football, which is the moneymaker for all universities?  Swofford thinks he has calmed the expansion storm, but I feel a dark cloud may be brewing.

Paterno's legacy is gone

"My name," he told Jay, "I have spent my whole life trying to make that name mean something. And now it's gone."

An excerpt, taken from Posnanski's biography, Paterno, highlights the only thing on Joe Paterno’s mind the day after he was fired. Not the kids that were molested, not the cover-up he and the school’s executive administration tried to conceal, but his future footprint on college football, Penn State, and the nation.

It is damning to see a person of Paterno’s stature and ethics crumble into a self-absorbed cocoon, wallowing about his tarnished reputation. With the overwhelming evidence against Paterno, and all those involved in the cover-up, I hold no remorse crucifying them in word.

For Paterno, a man, whose reputation was built on educating and coaching young athletes, was tested on the day he found out about the molestation incidents involving Sandusky. In the end, he failed not only those kids that were molested, but also the ideals he taught to so many that pasted through his life.

As a family man, his family portrayed him as a man with no faults. As a coach, his athletes held him on a pedestal. Even everyday students attending Penn State fought and stood by his side.

To reap the rewards for accomplishments fought hard for, and knowing in the back of your mind a monstrous crime was being committed, how can you act so humble? 

Though justice has spoken, I hope the nation and universities have learned a lesson; because for many who suffered under this cover-up, remember what happened at Penn State until they see their grave.  

NCAA's integrity and character over Penn State sanctions

The NCAA’s integrity and character was tested during the Sandusky issue and cover-up at Penn State. Now, after the wake of the sanctions placed on Penn State by the NCAA, it is evident that the NCAA’s integrity and character should now be questioned.

On Monday, July 23, 2012, the NCAA went beyond its boundaries to impose sanctions on a school were no NCAA violations were broken. Feeling the weight of public opinion, the NCAA dropped the hammer on Penn State giving them a $60 million dollar fine, a four year ban on postseason play (bowls), including the BIG Ten championship, a cut in scholarships per year from 25 to 15, vacate victories from 1998-2011, and allowing current athletes within Penn State to transfer without losing NCAA eligibility.

The fact that no NCAA violations were broken, and that sanctions were still imposed, sheds light that the NCAA is run by public opinion and not by their bylaws, which can be downloaded at the following link: http://ncaapublications.com/p-4224-2011-2012-ncaa-division-i-manual.aspx. The purpose of the NCAA, as written in their bylaws, is to “maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body and, by so doing, retain a clear line of demarcation between intercollegiate athletics and professional sports.”

In reading, it is clear that the NCAA’s bylaws only pertain to intercollegiate athletics and violations associated with intercollegiate athletics. Therefore, how can the NCAA conspire to impose sanctions on a University that broke no clear NCAA violation? Even today, how can those sanctions be accepted by Penn State if the NCAA’s judgment falls outside of their governing bylaws?

Keep in mind, I am not losing site of what transpired and how we got to this point. As a Father, my heart goes out to the families and the victims affected by this horrific event.

My opinion however, relates to an organization’s integrity and character to position themselves in an issue that they should have never been involved. Except got involved only to save face and not receive any ridicule from the outside public.

In this case, the NCAA should have indicated to the public, that their bylaws only allow them to enforce sanctions on universities where athletic violations are broken, such as Ohio State, USC, and soon Miami. Also, the issue with Sandusky and the cover-up is already being taken care of by the government, courts, and Penn State.

I know the hurt is deep with those that were affected on both sides. However, as I indicated in my previous article, punish those that were involved, and not those (student-athletes) that had no knowing of these events, or a program that did not violate any NCAA rules.

Thoughts of a father and Penn State

I told myself not to get involved in this discussion. However, being a father of two boys brings a surreal feeling of the emotional anger the parents of the victims that were molested by Sandusky, must be feeling. In addition, the justice they are seeking to end the hurt Sandusky, Penn State Head Coach Paterno, and other university heads, brought to their families.

Considering the damage that has been done, the justice that saw Sandusky taken off in handcuffs to his new residence, the indictments brought against certain university heads, and the death of Paterno; what other justice can ever stop the hurt that these families are feeling?

In recent media articles, people are calling for Penn State to receive the death penalty. Some are asking the NCAA to offer students-athletes the ability to transfer without losing their eligibility.

There is no doubt the school received a black eye from this incident with Sandusky. However, how can a witch-hunt be called on a university that is made up of a lot more than just those that were involved in this horrific incident?

To call for the death penalty, is not justice. Those people that were involved will see their time behind bars. The death penalty, in my opinion, is a punishment placed on universities where athletic programs, like SMU, involve money to student-athletes by boosters to give an edge to their athletic program.

Understanding that this incident ties to the athletic program because of who was all involved, this incident however, in no way, provided for the advancement of the program, nor did it involve student-athletes.

I pray for those families, and the hurt they received. I could only imagine what they must be feeling. I know, being a father that I would be going after anyone and everyone who could have been involved. However, punish the wrong, and not the program or those who had no awareness of the cover-up and horrific events taking place.

As for those in media calling for a witch-hunt on Penn State. If it was your university, would you be calling for the death penalty, or would those involved being put in jail, be good enough?

Big 12 squanders opportunities

It is a shame to see a conference you support and speak highly about, be brought down to a point that would make them look desperate. I am talking about the Big 12’s current begging of Notre Dame to join their conference. A conference with universities that have been to more BCS bowl games within the past decade than Notre Dame, and, a conference that is second behind the SEC.

With the Big 12’s current public pleading for Notre Dame to join the conference, they have squandered any chance to bring other highly touted universities that offer better competition and great recruiting areas. I am talking about Florida State, Clemson, Georgia Tech., Virginia Tech., and so on. Any one of these universities would have been a great addition to the Big 12. In addition, it probably would have surpassed, and/or at least tied the SEC as the best conference.

There is no doubt that Notre Dame is good for television, but the other universities that the Big 12 could have invited, would have also been good for television.

Watching the Big 12 squander opportunities is sickening and sad, considering the opportunities they had to join with universities that would have extended the Big 12 power across the whole eastern part of the United States. The hand of the big 12 over SEC, ACC, Big East, and Big 10. To bad the Big 12 Presidents do not have this vision. Given the road college football is going, without expansion, a conference may die. Ask the Big East.

Illusion deceives college fans

Is it just me or is someone or some group trying to keep us off their tracks. Illusion can be a fascinating spectacle, often giving us the idea that the impossible can be possible. Often times, illusion can be used as a tool to deceive the eye and send the truth down a path with no breadcrumbs. Beginning in January, college fans were treated to the idea that re-alignment was coming before the next college football season. As usual, parties denied the idea that re-alignment could ever happen again. However, the idea of re-alignment picked up when talks of playoffs hit the air. How would a playoff affect a conference? What would the criteria be to determine which teams are selected to participate in the conference? Would this finally drive Notre Dame to join a conference? Lastly, would ACC be dismantled by the Big 12, SEC, and Big 10?

These topics would eventually require someone or some group to provide answers. Articles quickly appeared in the media mainstream and on various blogs citing sources that could not be revealed, that re-alignment would happen, and still believe that it will happen before the next football season.

The real story though, is the action happening behind the scene. The truth that these decision makers are trying not to leak unless they feel it will work to their advantage. As re-alignment talks continue, two interesting stories have immersed. One story pertains to the article written by The Oklahoman, which indicated that Notre Dame would be the only school to bring any television value to the Big 12. There has never been any doubt that the Big 12 wants Notre Dame. However, what happened to Florida St., Clemson, Georgia Tech., etc.? Articles about these schools leaving the ACC fell off as talks of playoffs grew. Early in the year, Florida St. and Clemson were hard pressed by the media to indicate their intentions to join the Big 12. The real question to ask is, were these teams scared away because of all the media attention they were receiving? When deciding whether to join, these schools had all the facts and it all pointed to the Big 12.

The other story that popped up was ESPN’s probable control over re-alignment. That ESPN was the hand that controlled the chessboard and the positioning of the colleges and conferences they were in contract with. To say that ESPN and any other television source controls the decisions these colleges make is hard to accept, but understandable considering the amount of money thrown at conferences and universities. Therefore, as we are told by the media, ESPN is the horse that drives re-alignment.

Now illusion, how does this fit in. Well consider the illusion of the article in The Oklahoman. This news media just so happened to get their hands on a memorandum, which I would think the Big 12 would want to keep confidential, at least until they made their decision for re-alignment. Was this memorandum leaked by the Big 12? Obviously: but for what purpose? Could it be to move the media away from the other colleges it is looking to invite? Or, heighten Notre Dame’s interest in joining the Big 12?

As for ESPN, well, what a better was to through re-alignment out of the door than by using a pawn. Throwing ESPN in the fire for why re-alignment will not happen without their consent is comic, considering that you also have ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, TNT, etc. So why ESPN? Well, you do not want to give your school a black eye by having them as the reason that re-alignment never happened. ESPN can take those shots because they already have your school and they are not going anywhere.

Big 12 Fans on Expansion

Please forward this posting to everyone you can think of and keep sending it till it reaches every Big 12 President and the Big 12 Commissioner. Football may be the Big 12's "cash cow", but the fans are their "cash resource".

Should the Big 12 invite FSU and Clemson, or, wait for Notre Dame to see if they want to join the Big 12?

• Invite FSU and Clemson now
• Wait for Notre Dame

Freeblogpolls

More polls: Mikrolån

Conference re-alignment may still happen

I know people are getting tired of hearing about conference re-alignment, but blame ACC Commissioner John Swofford for providing statements that were released in an article Today, Wednesday, June 20, 2012 by News-Record.com.

In the article, Swofford provided insight on playoff discussions between all Conference Commissioners and Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick. Reading between the lines, the article offers the possibility that some universities may need to make future decisions about conference re-alignment.

As playoff talks continue, disagreements about the selection process have been placed on the table. An issue raised, pit SEC Commissioner Mike Slive against the rest of the Conference Commissioners, with the exception of Swarbrick. Slive believed the teams should be selected based on the top four teams, regardless of conference affiliation or conference championship. However, the other Conference Commissioners want to include conference champions in the selection criteria. Swofford was quoted by ESPN saying, “I think winning a conference champion should matter. It doesn’t have to be the end-all, be-all, but I think it should matter. It keeps the focus on winning a conference championship during the regular season.”

If a conference champion is included as a selection criteria, as highly favored by a majority of the Conference Commissioners, Notre Dame will surely be looking for conference to call home.

Another sticky issue that will need to be ironed out, is a suggested selection criteria offered by the Big 10, which would allow a conference champion from one of the big six major conferences in the playoff only if the champion finished in the top six of the rankings. This is an issue because we all now how many times, in the past decade, the ACC would have been involved. One time, with Virginia Tech back in 2007. Clemson, who one the ACC Conference Championship last year finished 15in the final BCS standings.

With ACC football not the power it use to be, and favoring basketball over football, a move by Florida State and a yet to be named university (Notre Dame, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Louisville) to the Big 12 may still come to fruition.

Before teams start submitting applications to the Big 12, the Big 12 will need to have a heart-to-heart to determine if they want to expand. During their discussions involving expansion, one issue that should be raised is the nightmare they had when there was a three-way tie in the South Division, when the Big 12 had 12 teams and a conference championship. Now that there is no conference championship, how will the conference handle the tough decision that comes with choosing a conference champion if there is another three-way tie? Also, how will they handle any media backlash who will say “the Big 12 should have had a conference championship?”

So, can we say conference re-alignment is a moot topic? If Swofford drops the ball as he did with the ACC TV contract, I think the re-alignment topic will kick into high gear after the BCS Committee meets next week to review and determine whether to accept the playoff proposal they receive from the Conference Commissioners and Swarbrick. 

Judgement Day for FSU to Big 12

Today is the day Florida State may or may not reveal their interest in beginning formal talks with the Big 12, as Florida State holds their annual meeting to discuss many topics, one of them, moving to the Big 12.

Florida State’s Board of Trustees will obviously give the green light for Florida State President Barron to begin formal talks, but Barron will also be throwing in his cons against the move based on academic reasons. In the end, money may play the biggest factor in Florida State’s move to the Big 12, with the ACC’s recent shortfall in their contract negotiations with ESPN.

Should Florida State vote to begin formal talks with the Big 12, the real question is whether or not the Big 12 wants to accept formal talks with Florida State. The Big 12 ADs have already indicated their interest to stay at 10, however a recent article at orangebloods indicates a different story.

I know making it to the future four-team playoff and winning a BCS championship are important, but money will always be the swing vote that will determine future conference realignment.

To see the outcome of the Florida State meeting, go to https://twitter.com/?tw_i=210736903891333121&tw_p=tweetembed#!/TDOnline.

NCAA President believes conference realignment will happen

NCAA president Mark Emmert stopped by Kansas City, Missouri. to join in the Big 12 meeting on Thursday. After the meeting, the biggest topic people wanted addressed was the current expansion talks. In a response provided by Mr. Emmert, he believes conference realignment will happen as schools look to position themselves to participate in the four-team college football playoff.

Just a coincidence that this statement was made after he left the Big 12 meeting? I think not. This statement was clearly a signal to other conferences that the door is open for more schools to jump in with the Big 12.

For legal purposes, the Big 12 must deny that they are in any conversations with another school. With Mr. Emmert making a statement that conference realignment will happen, shows the Big 12 is not done.

40% increase in travel cost vs a vision of unmatched dominance in the Big 12

The issue today, which the writer at this link: http://floridastate.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1368751, claims will be the decision maker for the move by FSU and other ACC teams to the Big 12 is the increase in travel cost that could be as much as 40%.

When looking at the future culture change in college conferences, the reality that these ACC schools considering defection will have to realize, is that money is the driving force and will make up for any expenses these universities will have to cover if these conference negotiate well. Another, is if two, three, or even four schools were to defect, that 40% increase would go down.

The big picture of the Big 12 is that this conference is trying to get a Big 12 East division and Big 12 West Division. Even though FSU and maybe Clemson were the only two to join now, does not mean the Big 12 would leave them in the east alone.  You can bet the Big 12 would also go after other schools close to FSU and Clemson as well. When all I read are reasons why FSU and Clemson should not join the Big 12, I never read reasons why these schools and the others considering defection, should consider the future.

The Big 12 has West Virginia. Yes the school is a great distance from other Big 12 schools, but the fact that they are also going after FSU and Clemson should show that the Big 12 has their eye on the east.

The Big 12's arm in the United States, if these other schools had vision, would understand the Big 12 could seriously stretch from central United States to the east coast. The television power and strength of the conference would be unmatched. They would clearly surpass the SEC. Though, this can only happen if these other universities had vision.

The BIG 12 takeover?

Digesting the current discussions over re-alignment, I am left with a hypothetical objective of the Big 12; a takeover of TV markets within the Big 10, ACC, Big East, and SEC. 

The major teams within the Big 12 (Oklahoma, Texas, and Oklahoma St.) were always looking to expand their market into different areas of the country, hence, their flirtation with the PAC 12. We all know how that turned out.  Next, came the exits of Colorado, Nebraska, Texas A&M, and Missouri. Within two years rivalries ended, and the Big 12 was ready to crumble, or was it?

In reality, what if this was the plan of the two major universities in the BIG 12 (Texas and Oklahoma). They knew that a playoff was inevitable and the only way to survive would be to expand their market, enticing TV Networks to write big money TV contracts. However, they needed to dump teams that offered little to no appeal for other universities to consider joining. They knew rivalries were a thing of the past. That a competitive conference was more appealing not only to its fans, but also TV Networks. Think about it. Did the BIG 12 do all it could to keep those universities from leaving? Texas did not even cry when Texas A&M left. In fact, Texas A&M was still trying to keep their rivalry with Texas.

Following the departure of the four original BIG 12 members, came TCU and West Virginia to the BIG 12. Yes, TCU is not expansion, but TCU was a strong opponent the BIG 12 could not let go, and could bring appeal to the conference. West Virginia on the other hand was the conference's first shot at expansion who not only brought appeal and strength in football and basketball, but also a market dominated by the Big East, who is also surrounded by Big 10 and ACC markets.

Now, let us look at today’s current re-alignment talks. Six universities in discussion considering joining the BIG 12 are from the ACC. Florida State, Maryland, Georgia Tech., Clemson, Virginia Tech., and Miami would not only bring appeal and competition, but also a market currently in the both the Big East,  ACC and SEC. Two other teams in discussion, Notre Dame and Louisville would also not only bring appeal and strength, but markets also dominated by the Big East and Big 10.

In the end, if some or all of the teams joined, the hand of the BIG 12 would encompass areas, which stretch from central Unites States all the way to the east coast. I know it seems a little farfetched, but is it really?

TV Networks vs Academics

In this new era of college sports, money is the only concern, and the TV Networks are the dictator running the game.

With the billions, not millions, up for grab, conferences like the SEC, BIG 10, PAC 12, and now the BIG 12, are all positioning themselves in markets where in the end, will make their conference look attractive to TV Networks and make for good competition that the fans want to see.

Universities at one time cared more about academics then they did about sports. Donors and ex-Alumni provided the funding, which made their universities credible and strong. With TV Networks as the new financial source for universities, academics are now an afterthought.

University donors and ex-alumni can also be held responsible for this new era in conference re-alignment; because it those two entities that have also fallen into the trap of believing that their university is only as good as where the TV Networks want to spend their money. In recent media, you hear about donors and ex-alumni pushing the arms of university presidents, trustees, and athletic directors to join a conference that could offer them more money. Pay no mind to the geographical location, the extra cost to travel, or the stress it may place on the athletes. The more money our university receives will make it all better.

So, where has our morals on academics gone? To our greed for more money, and the TV Networks.

Conference re-alignment and university academics

With some ACC schools considering re-alignment with the Big 12, three things come to mind which they should consider, S E C.

It baffles my mind when I hear counter arguments against joining the Big 12 due to academic status. This coming from universities in the ACC that are underachieving financially compared to their competition, the SEC. In this article, I will provide a major reason why some schools should not let academics persuade them from joining the  Big 12.

Graduation Rate for ACC schools considering re-alignment to Big 12

ACC

Florida State University Four-year graduation rate 50.2%

Clemson University Four-year graduation rate 49.7%

Georgia Tech Four-year graduation rate 32.9%

University of Maryland Four-year graduation rate 62.5%

Results from: http://www.collegeresults.org/ 

After reviewing the information above, besides the University of Maryland, it really does not look like graduation is a high priority for the rest. So, my question remains, why is academic standards so important when these schools have low graduation rates? At this point, teach these students how to make money by joining a conference  (Big12) that can increase your financial status. In the end, your students will learn that money comes to those who act, while the rest learn the hard way when they,” let the train pass them by.”

Addressing Big 12 expansion issues

Keeping up with recent re-alignment talks, looks like Florida State and Clemson will be Big 12 bound. Also heard about other universities (Georgia Tech., Notre Dame, Louisville, Maryland, etc.) entertaining the idea of bolting to the Big 12. Throughout this whirlwind, the Big 12 and SEC have also joined forced to create one of the best bowls in college football.

With all the discussions going around the media, I have noticed many providing pros and cons for join the Big 12. I have also noticed the sarcastic remarks and put-downs by many people weighing in on FSU and Clemson’s potential move to the Big 12. To clear the air, I decided to give my “two cents” and throw in a dollar.

1. FSU and Clemson are clear football universities. Therefore, to hear people say they do not have anything in common with Big 12 schools, consider the fact that they are playing in a basketball conference driven by Duke and UNC; which are clearly not football first universities.

2. The president of FSU indicated that schools like Kansas, Kansas St., West Virginia, and Iowa State would not be attractive games featured against FSU. Just to set the record straight, Kansas has made it to a BSC bowl and won within the past decade, and Iowa State has upset good Big 12 teams over the past years. Obviously, Big 12 teams can produce and make winning difficult. Kansas St. and West Virginia have also made to bowl games over the past decade and won. The names may not sound enticing, but they will make your team play harder than any team in the ACC. By the way, the Big 12 has a better record when playing ACC schools in football.

3. Travel and cost is another issue debated in these discussions. The last time I checked, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Virginia, and Boston College was not a close drive for Clemson or FSU. Cost may be more if they travel to some Big 12 schools, but the payout for joining the conference would easily cover those expenses.

4. Hearing Academics as an issue makes me laugh when they try to connect it to conference affiliation.  Since when does someone’s personal academics look better if they are in a conference of good academic schools. A person is not attending those other schools, just the one they attend. If academics are important, why is not every university trying to join the Ivy League? In this instance, money is what makes a conference strong because money brings what the universities need.

5. Another issue I laugh at is the term “Texas League.” Texas has one vote in the conference, and equal sharing is in place. Lets just get off that subject, ok.

6. Lastly, is the issue of stability. If the Big 12 is expanding and looking to draw ACC schools away, leaving the ACC nervous about their future, who is the one that is not stable?

The future is bright at the Big 12. How are you doing ACC?

Unfair game for regular college student

The perception of a college student athlete being above a regular college student is driven by the millions that role in each year for these colleges and universities. 

Last Thursday, an NCAA Basketball Tournament game, which matched Southern Mississippi against Kansas State, took a racial turn as a group of Southern Mississippi’s band members chanted, “where’s your green card” at Puerto Rico born Kansas State guard, Angel Rodriguez.

That following Tuesday, Mississippi school president, Martha Saunders announced that the scholarships of the five band members who participated in the chant would be revoked.  In addition, that they have been removed from the band and would be subject to a two hour cultural sensitivity training course, which they must complete that week. 

On Saturday, December 10, 2011, the men of Xavier and Cincinnati squared off in a rivalry match which ended in an all out brawl. The aftermath included suspensions for four of Cincinnati’s athletes, four with a six game suspension and one with only a one game suspension.  The suspensions were handed down by the University of Cincinnati and not the NCAA, which only gives a standard one game suspension.

On Monday, February 14, 2011, the women of Maryland-Eastern Shore and Bethune-Cookman took to the floor for a  regular season game. During the game, an all out brawl commenced, which led to the suspension of nine total players. Bethune-Cookman also imposed additional sanctions which included the forfeit of one conference game.

The aftermath of these two events, which occur so many times throughout the year, ended with no scholarships being revoked, and no classes on anger management training being taken. To put “salt on the wound”, these student athletes finished out their regular season and participated in post regular season tournaments. If universities are worried about the integrity of their image and programs, then what does it say when these students are allowed to finish a season?  Also, what does it say about the regular college student who may deviate from the straight line and requesting a second chance, without loosing their scholarship?

What these five band member chanted was wrong.  However kids stray the line every now and then, just watch the everyday student athlete. In the end, these five band members from Southern Mississippi were subject to the death penalty, when fighting is looked at as just another everyday thing in college sports, slapped with only a warning.

Our bought government

I don't think there's any doubt that we know our government is bought.  H.R.3261 and S.968 are clear pictures that highlight the undeniable truth. These bills are clear examples that big corporation will go all the way to fight anyone that could be or already is their competition.  What makes this sad though, is the fact that our government is sold.  Sold on the all mighty dollar.  Not the idea that anyone should be able to compete in this country to get their "American Dream", but that it should only be for those that can fill their pockets the most.  Knowing this, when is enough, enough.  I guess the American people will have to answer that for themselves.  For you that are so conservative that you're happy with these big corporations taking over and that our government is sold, don't cry when they cut your hands off.

End America's downfall

The New Year is here and some are always looking for something better than the year before.  This 2012 brings the debate on which presidential candidate will be the best choice for the country.  There are quite a few making a case to be the GOP candidate, and of course Obama is the Democratic candidate.

As debates are being made and truths and/or lies are being brought out; what does this say about the character of the candidates?  Frankly, I could care less about them and who wins the presidential race.  What I do care about is government and private company corruption, and how however wins the presidential race will still not make a difference in the corruption plaguing this country.

I recently read a book by a highly acclaimed activist, indicated that the only way this country is going end the corruption by this government and America’s elite, is if the people stop it themselves.

Well, there are people who support occupy Wall Street, that want to end private company corruption.  Also, there are those that stand out in front of Capital buildings and the White House, protesting government corruption.  However, that is not enough.

Police are used as the Government's and American Elite's weapon to push people away and to silence their voice.  One day police will stand with those that are protesting for them as well. Police will realize one day that they are being used, and that this government and private companies are only looking out for their interests and will throw them into the pit with the rest of us.

Military troops, although they are our Country’s heroes, will realize they are being used, and that this country could care less about them through the failed medical treatments this government provides those that return from war. In addition, the substandard equipment they use to go war.

Teachers are obviously on board because of our government’s failure to back them up.  Many school districts are using a government program that is not working, to teach our kids.  Also, teachers are dealing with the harassment of students that do not want to learn and ruining the education for so many that do.

Labor workers should also be on board.  Our government asked them to shell out money to bailout private companies, when they had little to spare. Now, what has the government and private companies provided in return, pink slips.

People, no matter your rank, career, and/or position in America, if your not part of the American Elite and/or Government, then you are being used. Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Religion, Creed, has no bearing on how this Government and American Elite see us.  This County’s Government and the American Elite have failed us; and they are using every smoke and mirrors tactic they can conjure up to throw us off their trail and keep us fighting one another instead of aiming our fight at them.

Wake up America! Wake up!!!