From: Metcalf, Warren
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: A letter from an OU prof and BYU alum
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 11:06:42 AM
Dear Mr. Castiglione,
As a fan of OU sports and an OU faculty member, I have been watching the
unfolding drama with Texas A&M’s departure from the Big 12 with interest. I hope
you will forgive my presumptuousness in writing, but there is one part of this drama
that is of particular concern to me: the emerging, media-driven consensus that the
Big 12 should invite BYU into the conference. I have two degrees from BYU and was
a football season ticket holder there for a solid decade, so I have some insight into
the broader implications of this potential development.
First, let me say that I understand the impulse to try to wind the clock backward to
recreate the Big 12. Nebraska and Colorado were great rivals and with the
impending departure of A&M, the Big 12 will have lost a quarter of its original
members – and three of its strongest programs. The temptation to replace them will
be irresistible. Is BYU the answer? My personal belief is that inviting them would
be a serious mistake.
Why do I feel this way? To begin, BYU’s reputation as a football powerhouse is
largely an illusion, a relic of their best era: the 1980s. The team enjoyed
considerable success because their coach, LaVell Edwards, hired a series of offensive
coordinators who were at the forefront of developing passing offenses. Mike
Holmgren was one of them, Norm Chow another. BYU had a cutting-edge offense
in those years, but they also enjoyed success because they played in weak
conferences – first the WAC, and then the Mountain West. It was relatively easy to
win at least eight games a year when lining up against UTEP, Wyoming, and
Colorado State, or UNLV. These intermountain schools had a hard time recruiting
elite athletes, a fact which obscured BYU’s most glaring weakness: an overall lack of
team speed. The insular religious culture at BYU made it extremely difficult to
recruit the best athletes, and the LDS Church’s history of institutional racism made it
almost impossible to recruit the best African American athletes. (I assume you know
that the Mormon Church refused to allow anyone of African ancestry to be ordained
to priesthood until forced to abandon the practice in 1978. In Mormonism, all
worthy male member are ordained to a ranked “order” of priesthood, so the ban
was much more pervasive than one might initially think.) In the intervening
decades, not much has changed. Nor is it likely to – BYU still doesn’t recruit many
elite players, and even fewer African American ones. Consider this: in the past
decade, BYU has never had a recruiting class ranked in the top 25 by Rivals.com,
and they’ve only cracked the top 50 three times. Their best ever class was ranked
36 th in 2002.
Today BYU no longer surprises anyone on the football field with their passing attack.
Although they routinely beat the weak schools of their former conferences, they lose
to teams from better conferences. Occasionally they manage to embarrass a good
team early in the season (as Oklahoma discovered in 2009). Last year they were 7-
6, with no wins against quality teams. They were beaten by Utah State, Nevada,
Utah, and Air Force, while the better teams – TCU, and Florida State – beat them
handily. Their success in conference is largely owing to their ability to exploit an
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NCAA rule that allows players to depart for two years to serve Mormon missions. As
a result, they often have interior linemen who are 24 or 25 years old, and much
more physically mature than opposing linemen. They still lack the overall team speed
to compete with the better teams in the Big 12, however. It is my strong belief that
BYU would not be better than a middling team in the conference.
Of course, BYU has a strong fan base and they travel well. Perhaps that is enough
for some. Let me suggest that there is another side to this story, and it stems from
the fact that BYU is not a traditional university. The sports teams at BYU exist
primarily to draw attention to the Mormon Church and its proselyting mission. If
BYU is interested in the Big 12, I guarantee you that it has little or nothing to do
with an automatic berth in a BCS bowl, but rather everything to do with a calculated
decision on the part of the LDS Church hierarchy to generate more exposure, and
hence more interest, in Mormonism. I’m not sure if the Big 12 really wants to be a
platform for promoting the Mormon religion around this part of the country, but I do
know that the relentless proselyting will not wear well with fans at OU and other
conference communities. If you discount this prediction, I suggest you contact
athletic directors at schools that routinely play BYU and ask them what their patrons
think of BYU and its fan base.
What then, of the Big 12? I believe that OU should look to the future and embrace
it by migrating – as part of a package with other Big 12 schools, to the PAC 12,
making it the PAC 16. The PAC 12 is a great conference comprised of strong,
research I institutions of the type that appeal to President Boren and the academic
units of the university. I realize that the Big 12 is an athletic conference, but the
University of Oklahoma would only benefit from association with outstanding
universities such as California-Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA, and Washington. As an
aside, it is worth noting that the PAC 10 repeatedly rejected overtures from BYU and
most recently passed them over when inviting the University of Utah. Why?
Because BYU is not an institution driven by research, open inquiry, and academic
freedom. Their graduate programs are limited, especially in the social sciences and
humanities, for the obvious reason that the Mormon Church leadership does not
want to promote competing belief systems. One has to ask, if BYU was not an
attractive enough for the PAC 10, why is it good enough for the Big 12?
I might add that by migrating to a stronger conference, OU would have unique
leverage over the University of Texas. The administrators in Austin would have only
two choices – become an independent (in all likelihood not a happy scenario for
them), or swallow their pride and follow OU into the PAC 16. In so doing, they
would have to accept equal revenue sharing and fold their TV network into the
regional structure that the PAC 10 is currently building. The resulting 8 team
division of the PAC 16 would likely look a lot like the Big 12 South, with the inclusion
of two strong Arizona programs and one on the rise at Utah – something like
Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Kansas (or Texas Tech), Colorado, Utah,
Arizona, Arizona State – thus negating all the talk about long travel distances to
conference games. The division would still be reasonably compact, relatively equal,
and highly competitive. Combine the eastern division with the great schools on the
West Coast and you would have a true, powerhouse conference.
Again, I hope you will forgive this uninvited letter. My motivations are, I’m sure,
the same as yours – I want what is best for the University of Oklahoma and the OU
fans.
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10/25/11
Thanks for all that you do, and thanks taking the time to read this.
Cordially,
Warren Metcalf
Associate Professor of History
University of Oklahoma
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From: Drake Weeks
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: A quick note
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 9:30:09 AM
Mr. Boren:
I was passed this email from a friend who apparently contacted you, and I want to drop a quick note to
say myself (as well as every alum CC'd below) wholly support whatever decision the university makes.
Your track record speaks for itself. The PAC-12 is our choice per superior academics and wonderful
locales, but in any event you should know you have the support of 99% of the university in whatever
decision you make, regardless of what fringe elements may say. You have my (and our) support, sir.
Live on, University.
Drake Weeks, RPL
BBA, 2006
From: Mike Weeks [mailto:mweeks@weekscpl.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 9:22 AM
To: Drake Weeks
Subject: Fwd: PAC 12
Begin forwarded message:
From: Mike Weeks
Date: September 13, 2011 9:20:38 AM CDT
To: "Stansel, Randy"
Cc: Mike , Patrick Cowan , Mike Grilli
, Phil Cornett , Bill Irvin
, Corey Cole , Doug
Sinclair , G W Thomas III
Subject: Re: PAC 12
On Sep 13, 2011, at 8:26 AM, "Stansel, Randy"
wrote:
From: Stansel, Randy
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 8:32 PM
To: dboren@ou.edu
Subject: PAC 12
Totally disagree with you, Randy... Boren is on target...its about a lot more
than football....awesome road trips to the west coast...not starkville, baton
rouge, and other redneck hillbilly venues...places of culture...seattle, palo
alto, phoenix , l a , berkeley....napa valley ??...sure as hell beats moonshine
in knoxville ??....throw in academics and its a no brainer....boren once again
is elevating our university !!!!!
ORO Gillham 004
10/25/11
If reports are accurate, it seems that OU is hell bent on going to the PAC
12. I cannot express to you how disappointed I am, and how this decision is
not in the best interest of the University of Oklahoma and especially it's
legion of fans that faithfully support the program through the good times
and bad. Not enough to reject the SEC, you had to insult them with barbs
about not being worthy academically, and it is a corrupt culture there. Nice.
My first choice and the choice of most OU fans is the SEC. I suspect the
conservative nature of these southern schools is probably unattractive to
someone possessing a left wing elitist ideology like yourself. Your political
beliefs are contrary to most OU fans, just like this decision is. You might
have even thought of some of the SEC schools as having "Hillbillies". Well
guess what the folks out in Palo Alto or Berkley are going to think when
the OU fans hit town.
No President Boren, whether it be the additional 800 miles OU fans will
have to travel to get to the farthest locale in the PAC 12 versus the farthest
locale in the SEC, or the stereotypes that OU fans will have to deal with in
our travels west, this decision was based on what "YOU" wanted to do, not
what was best for the University of Oklahoma. Oh what game days could
have been in Norman, with Bama, LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas (25 miles from
our border) Florida or Georgia coming to town, to now Utah, Arizona (did
you see where 1,000 made it to Stillwater the other night) Washington
State or Colorado making their way here. And all it would take is common
sense, common sense to pick a conference in your time zone, versus one
that will have three time zones. I assume you are up for 1 AM conclusions to
sporting events, right? One in which our Women's volleyball team, flying to
Seattle, Washington Tuesday for a Wednesday night match, won't return
until Thursday.
Next to your Obama endorsement President Boren, this is the worst decision
you have ever made. What a legacy you will leave behind. What could have
been.
Randy Stansel
BBA 1977
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10/25/11
From: Tom Connally
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: AP source: Texas, Oklahoma officials talk Big 12 - NCAA Football - SI.com
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 9:40:32 PM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/09/12/Texas.Oklahoma.Big.12.ap/index.html?
sct=cf_t2_a10
Sent from my iPad
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10/25/11
From: Loftin, R. Bowen
To: "Dan Beebe"
Cc: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State)
Subject: Attached Letter
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 9:31:33 AM
Attachments: Withdrawal Notice signed.pdf
Dan:
Please accept the attached letter as a formal expression of our intent to withdraw from the Big 12
subject to the caveats expressed in the letter. I will call you to discuss how to move forward.
Bowen
R. Bowen Loftin
President
Texas A&M University
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10/25/11
From: Melanie Ellis
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M); Bill Byrne (Texas A&M); Chris Plonsky (Texas); DeLoss Dodds
(Texas); DeLoss Dodds (Texas); Ian McCaw (Baylor); Jamie Pollard (Iowa State); Castiglione, Joseph R.; John
Currie (Kansas State); Kirby Hocutt (Texas Tech); Mike Alden (Missouri); Mike Holder (Oklahoma State);
Sheahon Zenger (Kansas)
Cc: Kevin Sweeney; Susan Loomis; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; Bob Burda; Joel Lulla; Dan Beebe; Ann McGruder
(Missouri); Dana Hastings (Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark (Baylor); Gay Clock
(Kansas) ; Jessica Carrillo (Texas Tech); Judy Carpenter (Baylor); Kathy Bartsch (Texas); Evans, Sherry L.;
Shirley Knipfel (Iowa State); Tracy Cullen (Texas A&M); Callie Schrank (Baylor); Catharine West (Texas A&M);
Dennicia Craft (Oklahoma State); Elizabeth Post (Texas); Janet Lovell (Iowa State); Meeks, Janis D.; Lori Ortiz-
Guerrero (Texas Tech); Melanie Parker (Texas); Rebecca Haden (Texas); Sandy Matthew (Missouri); Vaunda
Lane (Kansas); Vicki Jones (Kansas State)
Subject: BIG 12 CONFERENCE STATEMENT REGARDING TEXAS A&M LETTER
Date: Thursday, August 25, 2011 6:17:29 PM
Dear Board of Directors and ADs:
Please see the following statement from Dan Beebe.
August 25, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BIG 12 CONFERENCE STATEMENT REGARDING TEXAS A&M LETTER
IRVING, TX - Statement from Big 12 Conference commissioner Dan Beebe in response to letter
received today from Texas A&M president Bowen Loftin:
“The letter received today from Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin will be addressed by the Big 12
Conference Board of Directors. It remains our strong desire for Texas A&M to continue as a member
of the Big 12 and we are working toward that end. However, if it is decided otherwise, the Conference
is poised to move aggressively with options.”
- Big12Sports.com -
Melanie Ellis
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner/Manager of Executive Affairs
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
(469) 524-1001 Direct
(469) 524-1000 Main
(469) 524-1047 Fax
melanie@big12sports.com
All Big 12. All the time. Big12sports.com
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
ORO Gillham 008
10/25/11
From: Hilliard, Danny C.
To: Boren, David L.
Cc: Evans, Sherry L.
Subject: BIG 12 conference
Date: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 5:43:15 PM
President Boren,
I received a phone call this afternoon from Glen Powell, former chief of staff for Senator Inhofe. He
wanted to pass along that Baylor would really appreciate you giving them the opportunity to visit with
you, again.
I said I would pass along to you so here it is. Thank you!
Danny
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10/25/11
From: Loftin, R. Bowen
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Big 12 ESPN Women"s Basketball
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 4:15:14 PM
David:
You will notice the total absence of Texas from the broadcast schedule. ESPN is setting it up so
that all their games fall through for the LHN.
Bowen
R. Bowen Loftin, Ph.D.
President
Texas A&M University
Rudder Tower
TAMU 1246
College Station, TX 77843-1246 | USA
Tel. +1 979.845.2217 | Fax. +1 979.845.5027
Email president@tamu.edu | Web www.tamu.edu
Welcome to Aggieland
ORO Gillham 010
10/25/11
From: Jenny Bramer
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Big 12
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 1:18:54 PM
Attachments: SDSU to Big 12 Letter.docx
Aztecs Television Notes.pdf
Hi Joe,
I hope all is well as your student-athletes are returning to class! Are Joe Jr. and Jonathon in high
school now? Exciting times.
I just left a message with Jan but figured I could at least start our conversation via e-mail.
Our new Athletic Director, Jim Sterk, has been communicating with Dan at the Big 12 regarding San
Diego State’s entry into the Big 12 if realignment occurs again. I’m attaching some documents Jim
sent him. I thought you would find them of interest. As a major player in the conference I know
your opinion matters most in making this decision so I just want to make sure that you have heard
the advantages of San Diego State (in addition to working with me again!)
Beyond the obvious recruiting pool out here in Southern California, our tv market is untapped. Fox
is launching Fox SD for the Padres and that Fox relationship would be a nice complement to the Big
12’s current deal.
Of course I personally would enjoy being back with my roots but when you look at the similarities
to the schools the marriage actually makes sense –tv households, quality football and basketball,
excellent Olympic teams, competitive education (last year we had 60,000 applicants for 7000
admissions), facilities with the “wow” factor, etc.
Is there anything that Jim or I can be doing to share the message about all San Diego State’s
advantages? Or for that matter sharing all the disadvantages of being in the conference with BYU!
Thanks Joe. Talk to you soon.
Go Aztecs!
Jenny
Jenny Bramer
San Diego State University
Associate Athletic Director
619-594-0394
619-944-9907 cell
jbramer@mail.sdsu.edu
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10/25/11
From: hmigliore@aol.com
To: letters@tulsaworld.com
Cc: mholder@osuf.org; bubba-cunningham@utulsa.edu; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Big 12
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 9:22:34 AM
With todays sports headlines..this is a perfect timing.....hope you can include all of what I have
hear......how about a big Headline....Professor Proposes a New "Big 12" that makes sense"...anyway
..thanks for consideration..this OU and OSU to Pac 12 just makes no sense...why are we as tax payers
letting athletics run the university...someone has to make a stand....h
-----Original Message-----
From: hmigliore
To: Letters
Sent: Tue, Sep 6, 2011 12:20 pm
Subject: Re: Texas A & M
Second sentence..proper spelling Executive program. After the sentence that ends with strain of travel
is difficult (note spellling error) Then insert this sentence...As a university professor for over 40 years
have had many varsity athletes in class. Have worked with them on make up assignments.
NOW...if you have room lets rant and rave.....When are university presidents going to wake up and take
control of athletics. This is like tail wagging the dog. If we really want to re-organize to benefit the tax
payers, fans and students. How about a conference with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Arkansas,
Kansas, Kansas State, Houston, Rice, Texas, TExas A & M SMU, TCU, "
Baylor and Tulsa.
Now we have a Big 12 thak makes sense. No more air travel. Busses and vans carry teams, band
and pom squads. Need we be reminded of the tragic air crash with OSU basketball team. Travel
budgets are cut in half. Someone has to make a stand.......lets get it started now. R. Henry Migliore,
Jenks Oklahoma....(hope you will do the whole thing) h
-----Original Message-----
From: Letters
To: hmigliore
Sent: Tue, Sep 6, 2011 11:13 am
Subject: Fwd: Texas A & M
Attached Message
From: hmigliore@aol.com
To: letters@tulsaworld.com
Cc: curry@tamu.edu
Subject: Texas A & M
Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 07:05:42 -0400 (EDT)
Texas A & M is another example in college athletics on how the whole thing has lost its
perspective. For beginners I have had the priviladge of teaching in the Texas A & M Executue
program. Hve many friends there. Attended many games. As a former business dean can say their
business school is one of the top in nation. They serve the citizens of Texas very well. But this
move to the SE conference..come on. The purpose of athletics in any university is to support the
mission of the university and all its stakeholders. Lets see; who benefits from this stupidity.
Someone help me with this one.. Who loses; list goes on and on. First the players , band and
cheering squad. Instead of a short drive to Baylor, Texas Tech and Texas for example they are
going to have to fly or long road trip to Auburn. As a former college athlete I can tell you that time
ORO Gillham 012
10/25/11
management and strain of travel is diffucult. How about the fans. They have always had a loyal
following. Even the drive to OU and OSU is relatively easy. How are people going to make those
long trips. Sure Arkansas is close. And the tax payers of Texas. They are supporting a university
that is snubbing the state....give me a break.
______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
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ORO Gillham 013
10/25/11
From: Dole, Bob
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Big XII
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 4:11:32 PM
David,
I was unable to reach you by phone last Friday and I’m not in the office but a few minutes today.
My message is that I hope OU is going to stick with the “Big XII.” The central part of the country
can support its own conference. The Big XII is geographically balanced and there has been steady
growth and heritage from the Big 6 to the Big 8 to the present Big 12 Conference. OU is the 800-
pound gorilla and your support is critical. Thank you for your consideration David.
Have a good day.
BOB
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ORO Gillham 014
10/25/11
From: Melanie Ellis
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M)
Cc: Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; KSweeney@Polsinelli.com; Susan Loomis; Ann McGruder (Missouri); Dana
Hastings (Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark (Baylor); Gay Clock (Kansas) ; Jessica
Carrillo (Texas Tech); Judy Carpenter (Baylor); Kathy Bartsch (Texas); Evans, Sherry L.; Shirley Knipfel (Iowa
State); Tracy Cullen (Texas A&M)
Subject: Board of Directors Teleconference - dial in information
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 10:54:55 AM
Dear Board of Directors-
For today’s noon teleconference of the ten members of the Board of Directors, please dial (877) 712-
7031. Upon providing your name, an operator will place you on the call.
Thank you.
Melanie
-----------------------------
Chancellor Deaton has called a Board of Directors teleconference of all ten members at noon today.
Call-in information will be provided in advance.
Thank you.
Melanie Ellis
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner/Manager of Executive Affairs
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
(469) 524-1001 Direct
(469) 524-1000 Main
(469) 524-1047 Fax
melanie@big12sports.com
All Big 12. All the time. Big12sports.com
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
ORO Gillham 015
10/25/11
From: Melanie Ellis
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State)
Cc: Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; Kevin Sweeney; Susan Loomis; Ann McGruder (Missouri); Dana Hastings
(Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark (Baylor); Gay Clock (Kansas) ; Jessica Carrillo
(Texas Tech); Judy Carpenter (Baylor); Kathy Bartsch (Texas); Evans, Sherry L.; Shirley Knipfel (Iowa State)
Subject: Board of Directors Teleconference confirmed- 5 p.m. Sunday, September 4
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 4:50:16 PM
A Board of Directors teleconference is confirmed for 5 p.m. (CDT) Sunday, September 4, 2011.
To access the call, please dial (888) 841-5325, then conference code 473 8988 261.
Please confirm receipt of this information.
Thank you.
Melanie
Melanie Ellis
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner/Manager of Executive Affairs
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
(469) 524-1001 Direct
(469) 524-1000 Main
(469) 524-1047 Fax
melanie@big12sports.com
All Big 12. All the time. Big12sports.com
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
ORO Gillham 016
10/25/11
From: Melanie Ellis
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State)
Cc: Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; Kevin Sweeney; Susan Loomis; Ann McGruder (Missouri); Dana Hastings
(Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark (Baylor); Gay Clock (Kansas) ; Jessica Carrillo
(Texas Tech); Judy Carpenter (Baylor); Kathy Bartsch (Texas); Evans, Sherry L.; Shirley Knipfel (Iowa State)
Subject: Board of Directors Teleconference confirmed- 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 31
Date: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 3:50:54 PM
A Board of Directors teleconference is confirmed for 6 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday, August 31, 2011. To
access the call, please dial (888) 841-5325, then conference code 444957.
Thank you.
Melanie
Melanie Ellis
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner/Manager of Executive Affairs
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
(469) 524-1001 Direct
(469) 524-1000 Main
(469) 524-1047 Fax
melanie@big12sports.com
All Big 12. All the time. Big12sports.com
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
ORO Gillham 017
10/25/11
From: Calvin Jones
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Calvin Jones from Nebraska
Date: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 12:53:07 PM
Mr. Castiglione: I have never written anyone in the OU athletic offices before, so I will make my
comments as brief as possible. You may remember me by face, but I will formally introduce myself
again. My name is Dr. Calvin Jones and I am a Sooner Booster, as well as a fan who follows all Sooner
sports at home or on the road. I sat near you in Omaha at the College World Series vs. SC the night
we lost in extra innings.
I am the Superintendent of schools at Omaha Schools in Macy Nebraska. I pride myself in being one of
the most optimistic people you will ever meet. I also teach my kids every day that you do make a
difference in the lives of others.
Mr. Castiglione, you are making a difference in the lives of every person in the state of Oklahoma right
now, and that is a huge responsibility. The conference realignment issue will affect many lives, as well
as budgets across the state. I appreciate the approach that you and Coach Stoops have taken
regarding this very important issue.
President Boren has also handled this situation with elegance and grace. I know that everyone wants
what is best for the University of Oklahoma. When things get tough, and decisions are hard, please
remember this email because the support that I give to you, and the University of Oklahoma is truly
unconditional. I know that you will make the right decision for Oklahoma!!!
I will be making the trip to FSU, and hope to see you at the Boomer Bash.
Dr. Calvin Jones
calvin.j.jones@gmail.com
402-922-3713
ORO Gillham 018
10/25/11
From: Sullins, Adam
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Checking In
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 6:17:45 PM
Hey Joe, you must have your hands full with all of the potential conference realignment
stuff flying around. Just a quick note to let you know that we are here in Los Angeles if
you want to bounce anything off of some West Coast/California folks or just need some
friendly faces out this way…
Hope you are holding up through all of the chaos, and look forward to getting down to
Norman in a few weeks!
All the best,
-AJS
Adam J. Sullins
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
1999 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, California 90067
(310) 246-6756
This message and any attached documents contain information from the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers LLP that
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ORO Gillham 019
10/25/11
From: Melanie Ellis
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State)
Cc: Kevin Sweeney; jlulla@nyc.rr.com
Subject: Conf call
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 6:15:59 PM
Please dial (888) 841-5325, then conference code 382574.
Thank you.
Melanie
Melanie Ellis
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner/Manager of Executive Affairs
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
(469) 524-1001 Direct
(469) 524-1000 Main
(469) 524-1047 Fax
melanie@big12sports.com
All Big 12. All the time. Big12sports.com
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
ORO Gillham 020
10/25/11
From: Al & Patti Krings
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Conference Alignment
Date: Thursday, September 08, 2011 9:28:07 AM
Good morning, President Boren. I'm sure this subject has taken way too much of your time, but here
are some thoughts from a Sooner Club member and season ticket holder.
The Pac?? conference hopefully is what you will decide on. It provides stability and an association
with the type of academic institutions you are reported to favor. No matter what is said publically, the
Big 12 is very unstable. In addition to the already announced defections, Missouri would leave in a
heartbeat if the Big 10, or even the SEC came calling. The reports out of yesterdays conference call
seem to suggest that some of the Big 12 members are trying to blackmail OU into staying, realizing the
conference cannot survive without OU. If true, this has made a number of my fellow supporters angry
by making OU the potential "bad guy". No additions outside of Notre Dame and possibly Arkansas
would make up in strength for the 3 departing teams. OU does belong in a weaker conference.
Some suggestions:
1) OU leave in a group with UT, OSU, and Tech to prevent the "bad guy" tag. It would also open
recruiting for the whole west coast for all OU athletic teams.
2) Since the Pac?? regional networks, I believe, require "partners", join up with UT in a remodeled
"Red River" network. They would have to alter their model anyway, and along with the group move,
this would "keep our friends close and our enemies closer." It is also better than giving OSU an equal
share in an "Oklahoma network". In addition, ESPN would probably love the association, and it would
increase OU's network exposure.
Point of interest - if the original Pac8 were to become the "Pacific" division and the remaining 8
institutions were to become the "Southwest" division, the football team would have to travel to the west
coast only once with a 9 game conference schedule, and both basketball teams also would only have
to make one trip west each year. This would not be too taxing for the fans.
I'm sure you are way ahead of me in the thought process, and will do whatever is best for OU, but
hopefully this information from a fan and supporter will be considered.
Thank you for your time and BOOMER SOONER!!
Al Krings
405-579-7554
ORO Gillham 021
10/25/11
From: blake munroe
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.; Meeks, Janis D.; Naifeh, Larry E.; Monenerkit, Francene M.
Subject: Conference Expansion Inquiry
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 10:09:27 AM
To whom it may concern:
I'm seeking a statement (or even possibly an interview) with someone in the
Oklahoma Athletic Department or Administration regarding conference expansion.
Obviously, as I am sure you guys are completely aware of, it's an extremely hot
topic at the moment. Rumors have swirled and people have speculated that the
main Big 12 members such as Oklahoma and Texas are currently looking at other
conferences. Is this just that, speculation? Or is this avenue being explored? One
conference that immediately comes to mind is the Pac-12, especially after last year's
talks.
Or, at this time, is Oklahoma committed to strictly staying in the Big 12 with Texas
and keeping it in tact and healthy as long as possible?
This and any other information you can possibly provide would be very helpful. Feel
free to e-mail or give me a call below at the number below in my signature.
Thank you guys (and gals) for your time and have a great day.
--
Blake Munroe
Inside Texas - "The Inside Scoop on Longhorn Sports!"
Web Editor / Recruiting Analyst
http://www.insidetexas.com
325-330-1295
Twitter: @ITBlake
ORO Gillham 022
10/25/11
From: Steven Marks
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Conference realignment
Date: Friday, September 09, 2011 3:04:25 PM
Dear Dr. Boren,
Just to quickly (re)introduce myself, I knew you at OBU, worked in the
original "broom brigade," and helped you in that first gubernatorial
campaign with your efforts in Kay County. I want to tell you that I am
very appreciative of everything you've ever done, by the way, and believe
your entire record and career in public service is basically unparalleled.
OU has certainly flourished under your leadership, so as an alumnus I also
want to thank you specifically for that! I am also a lifetime enthusiast for
all OU sports. Perhaps "tradition" in sports is a bit "expendable" for those
concerned with the very real issue of financing sports programs, so I don't
want to focus too much on that angle of this controversy. (I think you
might want to take care not to totally disregard fan sentiments about
certain loyalties and rivalries, though, since they DO vote with their
pocket books!)
Dr. Boren, I just really believe in the value of a regional sports
conference. We live in the heartland of America, and Norman is
practically in the center of the area encompassed by our conference.
From a geographic standpoint, what could be better than that? And more
importantly, what is wrong with the Big Twelve that can't be fixed? Absolutely
nothing , in my opinion! Even this horrible crisis in confidence the
conference has been enduring can be offset by some simple binding
agreements between participating schools. If it's a "size" issue, (translate
that "resources") even that can be solved with the addition of some new
schools. And this conference can be strengthened sufficiently to become
very attractive to some good schools, by the way. I just think an "about
face" is in order with OU's current stance toward the Big Twelve, and you
are obviously the person who can lead the way with that. Whatever your
concerns are, I'm certain the Big Twelve commissioner is going to be more
than happy to listen , obviously, and do whatever he can to address them.
You, yourself, Dr. Boren, could become the key player in restoring
confidence in the Big Twelve. If the commissioner agrees to satisfy in
some way your most serious concerns and you "go public" with the
reasons why you are ready for the university to re-commit to the
conference, I truly believe that is all it would take! (Yes, you are that
"powerful!") Okay, Dr. Boren, that's probably all I need to say about my
thoughts on the subject for now. Good luck and God bless you with all
your deliberations on this decision and all other ones. Thank you for
reading this!
Sincerely,
Steve Marks
ORO Gillham 023
10/25/11
From: Sean Cunningham
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Conference Realignment
Date: Friday, September 09, 2011 7:30:38 PM
Dear Dr. Boren,
Just a quick note to encourage you to please hold firm with what appears to be your desire to join
the Pac-12. I strongly believe that the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and
Texas Tech University should move as a group of three, united schools to that conference. It seems
clear to me that the Big XII conference is beyond repair and is simply waiting for one additional
school to grow unhappy before it completely falls apart. In my opinion, it has already fallen apart.
Please lead this charge to the Pac-16. Any addition of BYU, Pitt, or some similar combination
simply will not save the Big XII long term.
I should note that I am a proud Texas Tech alumnus and would be forever grateful if you would
stand firm in your desire to expand OU’s academic and athletic horizons, taking OSU and TTU with
you. Please head West!
Sincerely,
Sean
________________
Sean Cunningham
(806) 786-0913
ORO Gillham 024
10/25/11
From: Mark Goodwin
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Conference Realignment
Date: Friday, September 09, 2011 2:51:17 PM
Dear President Boren,
I am S. Mark Goodwin, one of eight OU graduates in my family.
Thank you for your efforts on the Conference Realignment issue. I am sure, at
times, it is a frustrating endeavor. I write to you, not only to thank you, but to
encourage you to do what you feel is right. Doing so will gain for OU, and the other
schools involved, much positive energy and strength.
Conference realignment is a tiresome problem, but it is also an opportunity to set
the stage right, to do right for others even if they don't realize what greatness has
been done for their benefit.
It is time to end our conference association as it stands, "not", as Kennedy said,
"because it is easy but because it is hard". In a way, the choices have already been
made. Texas is a great university, but when they structured their network the way
they did, they were making the decision to be an Independent. If they had been
truly interested in a healthy conference, they would have helped build a conference
network. Instead, their actions identify them as an Independent, each action
confessing their need for a dependent conference they can dominate. And, the
maddening actions would continue. How could they not?
It will be difficult to schedule enough games in Texas to enable adequate recruiting,
but we must find a way.. This is the time for courage. This is the time to step-up
and step-out. Hopefully we can assist others who are locked in fear concerning this
issue. We want, again, to do what is right.
I encourage you to continue to research an affiliation with another conference (the
PAC 12 or the BIG 10).
I applaud your leadership, President Boren. Thank you. And, thank you again.
S. Mark Goodwin
Class of 1974
ORO Gillham 025
10/25/11
From: Gregory Whittaker
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.; Boren, David L.
Subject: Conference Realignment
Date: Sunday, September 04, 2011 12:00:22 PM
Gentlemen,
These are most definitely exciting times as the decisions that you will be making will
not only redirect our university's path athletically, academically, and culturally, but
also be instrumental in reshaping the landscape of collegiate athletics for
generations. I applaud you for the leadership that you have provided to put the
University of Oklahoma into a position to have this much control of our fate. This
most certainly would not have been the case a decade or so before. I look forward
in eager anticipation to whatever decision is made for our future. I have complete
confidence that you will make all of the proper considerations and do what is best.
The only reservation I have about a potential move to the the Pac(Insert Number)
conference is that I don't believe that is effective branding for the conference. Only
half of the teams are actually connected to the Pacific coast, not too mention that
the entire reason Larry Scott has pushed for expansion is to prevent his conference
from being marginalized by being only associated with the Pacific Time Zone. An
expanded conference needs to start its own brand which represents not only its
historical components, but it's geographical influence.
The new conference should be called Central Pacific Conference(CPC). The
conference can be divided into two divisions: The Pac 8 and The Big 8. It is a new
conference, not constrained to a set number of members. The loss of brand equity
by abandoning the Pac and Big labels will not entirely be lost, as they can easily be
incorporated into the new brand.
Thank you for indulging my "arm-chair" marketing ideas.
Gregory T. Whittaker.
ORO Gillham 026
10/25/11
From: jedalton1@aol.com
To: Boren, David L.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Conference Realignment
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 12:05:55 AM
Dear OU Leadership,
As a loyal alumnus, fan, season ticket holder, and donor, I am once again asking that you do NOT
move MY Sooners into the Pac 12. Average fans CANNOT travel to those far reaches on a regular
basis, and it is NOT financially prudent to send non revenue sports to Corvallis, Eugene, Tuscon,
Pullman, etc. on a regular basis. MANY fans and donors feel the same. PLEASE listen to your fans,
alumni, and donors on this. If you do not, this is one less donor you will have. There is no reason for
me to donate money to accumulate points to get tickets to games I cannot go to.
Sincerely,
Jody Dalton
OU Class of '97
Football Season Ticket Holder
Sooner Club Member
ORO Gillham 027
10/25/11
From: Doug Bonebrake
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: conference realignment
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 12:37:31 PM
President Boren:
I felt a burden to email thanks to you for taking the lead in protecting our athletic
department's interests over recent instability of the Big XII Conference. It's
becoming apparent another conference realignment is on our horizon and being
assertive is a wise move to assure we remain in good position. Latest news suggest
we will soon be applying for membership to the PAC 12. That result would certainly
keep us competitive with the other top tier schools in the country.
With that, we are hopeful negotiations with the PAC 12 (or any other conference)
will not stipulate Oklahoma State University must also be included before we would
accept membership. Your loyalty to OSU is honorable and perhaps predictable from
your reputation as a non partisan. Yet, it's been argued in a few influential circles
that our competitive interests with OSU have been clashing for sometime and it
could be seen as a conflict to include them in any negotiations. Their school/athletic
program has certainly become self sufficient and they are well capable of managing
their own future.
Nonetheless, it's recognized there's a lot weighing on you from this potential move
and we wish you Godspeed in getting through it. Again, we are very grateful to you for
everything you have done to advance our university!
Sincerely,
Doug Bonebrake
12312 E. 79 CT. N.
Owasso, OK 74055
M: 918-830-1701
ORO Gillham 028
10/25/11
From: TD Craighead
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Conference realignment
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 9:31:01 PM
Dear President Boren:
First my family and I wish to thank you for all your efforts in attempting to
keep the Big XII (minus two) Conference intact. Discussions among friends and
family have always ended with a preference for OU to remain in the conference as
we all feel the need for a strong athletic conference in the middle of the
country (where values and time zones are similar). However, from the latest
reports, it appears that A&M is definitely leaving for the Southeastern
Conference, a move
which I think they may ultimately regret.
There has been much speculation as to what OU might do in such an event, and I
appreciate the fact that you are being proactive. I believe I would be remiss
if I did not
share with you some of the thoughts that have come from our discussions. Since
1928, OU has been in the same conference with KU, MU, ISU, and KSU. OSU did not
join the conference until 1958 with the support of Coach Wilkinson. Since
Mr.Pickens has thrown vast quantities of money at OSU,
his almost constant posturing in the news media has become increasingly
repugnant, and his recent remarks (joined I might add by President Hargis) that
OSU is supporting and partnering with OU in
the process strikes a nerve and appears to us to be just another attempt to put
OSU on the same level as OU.
This is not arrogance on our part. We truly have come to dislike OSU since Mr.
Pickens arrival, and are not sure that the interests of OU and the State of
Oklahoma are one and the same, and we do not understand the need to keep the two
in tandem, other than the political hassle of having to deal with the
legislature.
If OU is indeed forced to make changes, such as moving to the Pac XII or the Big
Ten (my personal preference), we would definitely prefer a move that would
include KU (a dominant basketball power) over OSU and Missouri over Texas
Tech. For those that care, Bedlam could remain as non-conference games, much
like OU-UT was for many years.
Sincerely
Tommy Craighead
ORO Gillham 029
10/25/11
From: Bridendolph, Bill
To: Boren, David L.; Meeks, Janis D.; Purcell, Chris A.; "jcastiglione@ou.ed"
Subject: Conference Realignment
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 2:18:43 PM
Ladies/Gentlemen,
I wanted to pass along my appreciation for the role that the University of Oklahoma has taken in
conference realignment discussions/planning, particularly in the past few weeks. I am a passionate OSU
alum, but I realize that OU's staunch commitment to the welfare of both universities is by far the most
valuable asset available to OSU as this situation plays out.
I also want to relay my strong preference that OU and OSU move to Pac-16(?) Conference. Yes, I
would miss the rivalries of the old Big-8, but I feel any attempt to salvage the Big-12 would only serve
to delay the inevitable demise of that conference. I love the Pac's obvious commitment to academics,
as well as their history of well-rounded athletic programs. OU and OSU would fit well in the culture of
the conference, and it is one I believe will remain stable for many years to come.
Regards,
Bill Bridendolph
Project Engineer
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP
Pasadena Plastics Complex
1400 Jefferson Rd.
Pasadena, TX 77506
Office: 713-475-3447
Cell: 918-914-2678
E-mail: bridewr@cpchem.com
http://www.cpchem.com/forms/disclaimer1.asp
ORO Gillham 030
10/25/11
From: Brian Wallace
To: Deaton, Brady (Chancellor); "Kirk Schulz"; "devonshire@okstate.edu"; Castiglione, Joseph R.;
"ddodds@mail.utexas.edu"
Cc: "Dan Beebe"; Tim Weiser; Joel Lulla; Kevin Sweeney
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL ATTORNEY/CLIENT COMMUNICATION - Big Twelve Conference
Date: Friday, August 26, 2011 11:31:40 AM
Attachments: EnvironmentTag.png
THE FOLLOWING IS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION THAT IS (A) ATTORNEY - CLIENT
PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION, WORK PRODUCT, PROPRIETARY IN NATURE, OR OTHERWISE
PROTECTED BY LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, AND (B) INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE
NAMED ADDRESSEES
All,
Below is the link to the Big 12 Conference Committee Information data room, in which we've uploaded
a new document summarizing some of the points of discussion from yesterday's committee meeting
regarding communications. To retrieve this document: (1) click on the link below and enter your
username and password to log in; then (2) click on the "Big 12 Conference Committee Information"
folder; then (3) click on the "Documents" tab on the left side of the page. Each of the documents in
the data room should then be accessible.
https://ams-legal.net/polsinelli/default.asp
For confidentiality reasons we ask that you do not print any of the documents in the data room. Please
let us know if you have any questions. Thanks.
Regards,
Brian
Brian Wallace 700 W. 47th Street
Attorney Suite 1000
Kansas City, MO 64112
tel: 816.360.4325
bwallace@polsinelli.com fax: 816.572.5325
Add me to your address book...
This electronic mail message contains CONFIDENTIAL information which is (a)
ATTORNEY - CLIENT PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION, WORK PRODUCT, PROPRIETARY IN
NATURE, OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, and (b) intended only
for the use of the Addressee(s) named herein. If you are not an Addressee,
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ORO Gillham 031
10/25/11
IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: Unless expressly stated otherwise, any U.S.
federal tax advice contained in this e-mail, including attachments, is not
intended or written by Polsinelli Shughart PC (in California, Polsinelli
Shughart LLP) to be used, and any such tax advice cannot be used, for the
purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service.
ORO Gillham 032
10/25/11
From: Dan Beebe
To: R. Bowen Loftin (TAMU)
Cc: Tim Weiser; Kevin Sweeney; Melanie Ellis; Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton
(Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State); Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas
Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz (Kansas State)
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL--Response to Aug. 24 letter
Date: Monday, August 29, 2011 11:23:04 AM
Attachments: Loftin Letter 8-28-11.doc
Dear Bowen:
Please find attached a copy of the letter that was hand delivered to you yesterday.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Dan
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail: dan@big12sports.com
Website: www.big12sports.com
ORO Gillham 033
10/25/11
From: John Currie
To: Jamie Pollard (jbp@iastate.edu); Mike Alden (aldenm@missouri.edu); Sheahon Zenger Ph.D.; Mike Holder
(mike.holder@okstate.edu); Castiglione, Joseph R.; DeLoss Dodds (deloss.dodds@athletics.utexas.edu); Chris
Plonsky (cplonsky@mail.utexas.edu); Bill Byrne; Hocutt, Kirby; McCaw, Ian
Subject: Congratulations + Interesting Article
Date: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 12:07:34 PM
Fellow AD’s:
1. Congratulations on a great (on-field) opening weekend as I believe that the Big 12 was the
only AQ conference to go 10-0 and undefeated this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
2. I just read Mark Cuban’s recent Blog entry – I realized that most of you likely already have
read it but just in case I have pasted it to the bottom of this note. I had the opportunity to
spend a few hours with him recently – very impressive and creative person – if we emerge
from this latest chaos I would propose that we invite him to spend some time with us at
our next meeting.
Have a great day.
John Currie
So What Should Big 12 Schools Do ? Say No to
Super Conferences
By Mark Cuban.
Sep 4th 2011 10:10PM
Here is some unsolicited advice to the Big 12. As you might expect coming from me, it’s going to be contrary to
what everyone else thinks they should do.
With Texas A&M trying to leave the Big 12 (It doesn’t happen until the SEC accepts them) every remaining school
is trying to decide in the immortal lyrics of The Clash “Should I Stay or Should I Go”. The quick answer ?
They should stay.
Why ? The first reason is that the Super Conferences that are forming or being considered will turn into a
huge mistake. No if ands or buts about it. While the concept of a Super Conference sounds incredibly cool , the
reality is that the larger than 12 school conferences will only invoke the law of intended consequences and will
create the following problems:
1. More schools will NOT mean more TV money.
The big college TV networks, Fox, ESPN, CBS pay for quality, not quantity. They need marquee matchups
ORO Gillham 034
10/25/11
that are “Must Tweet TV”. The number of schools in a conference actually reduce the parity and quality of
match-ups in a conference. The networks will not pay up for that. Adding Texas A&M to the SEC is not going to
add a single dollar’s worth of value to the owner of the SEC TV contract , regardless of sport. Maybe the SEC
has an escalator in their contract that increases the total value of the TV contract, but I’m guessing that it still will
result in a reduction in the dollars paid to each school when compared to the amount paid had an additional
school not joined the conference.
2. Fans will hate the scheduling impact
You know how there is midnight madness in college basketball ? And late night and games scheduled at weird
times for basketball ? Get ready for morning madness in college football as well. I’m guessing that the only way
to get all those games through a single TV network partner is to start very, very early or to go very very late.
OR
to move games to online broadcasts. Which is exactly why the big networks are very supportive of the Super
Conferences. They know they will be able to force matchups OFF of tv and on to internet based broadcasts. You
can pass your own judgement if that’s good or bad.
3. Say Goodbye to Cupcake Football Games
As a big college football fan I see this as a positive. But if you talk to any coach with BCS aspirations, they will tell
you that this is a huge negative. Sure Utah State can take Auburn to the wire every now and then, but the reality
is most BCS title aspiration (not all) schools have 3 or 4 cupcake games on their schedule. With every school
added to a conference they are going to have to remove a cupcake to make room on their schedule. Coaches
are going to HATE this. Of course the smaller schools are going to lose their pay day as well.
4. Goodbye Geographic Rivalry Games
Growing up in Pittsburgh I absolutely loved the Pitt vs Penn State battles . It didn’t matter how bad either team
was. I hated the fact that the game disappeared. All those natural rivalries of Texas A&M in and around the
state of Texas will be impacted. And as far as new rivalries, it’s a long drive for fans from College Station to
Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, etc. (Yes I know Arkansas has survived it but it would be interesting to know
what their fans think about only playing A&M as a nearby rival and btw, they already play each other ).
I don’t care how good a game OU vs Oregon could hypothetically be, fans from both sides are going to second
guess the economics of going to the games. And if it’s an off-year for either team, then what ?
5. Big Dogs Hate Becoming Little Dogs
In a huge conference a school that was once a “leader” in its conference will inevitably become an also ran. They
ORO Gillham 035
10/25/11
will be the school that used to get national games that now is relegated to the internet broadcasts or a small
coverage regional game. Think recruits might notice that ? Of course they will. Being on the bottom rung of a 12
team conference is bad enough. Being at or near the bottom of a 16 team conference assures television
invisibility.
How long will it take before teams that feel like they aren’t getting the coverage they need will withdraw from a
super conference ? At which point someone else obviously has to take their place at the bottom. Big dogs hate
becoming little dogs. It will be just a matter of time before schools withdraw.
So What should the Big 12 teams do ? They should stay in the Big 12
So now let me explain some reasons why I think the Big 12 should stay as is after Texas A&M leaves.
1. The Big12 becomes the AL East of College Football.
Every year you know that the Yankees and Red Sox are going to battle it out in a unique rivalry where both sides
dislike each other. It is one of the most watched match-ups in MLB. Now some might argue it is because of
market size. It’s not. There are plenty of large market rivalries that don’t compare (see Dodgers – Giants). Texas
vs OU has the same cachet and regional and national intensity. If either team moves they will have a difficult , if
not impossible time replacing the quality of this rivalry. What’s more, the remaining teams because of the quality
of the programs can quickly evolve into significant rivalries
Going back to my AL East comparison, Tampa Bay has quickly become a rival to both the Yankees and Red
Sox. It’s not a rivalry of national interest yet, but it can get there. The Big 12 has quality programs that will only
grow in significance because it has fewer schools.
More schools in a conference dilutes rivalries if only because in a super conference they may not play each other
every year.
2. Money, Money, Money
Probably the most important reason to stay in a smaller Big 12 is that fewer schools means more money to the
conference. The Big 12 is looking at a new TV deal in just a few years. The bidding between Fox, ESPN, CBS
and maybe even NBC that has just rebranded Versus as NBC Sports Network could be intense. Will they get
less money having lost 3 schools in the past 3 years….. ABSOLUTELY NOT.
They will get just as much money and if they play their cards right, they could get even more ! On a per school
basis it could be much, much more.
Their TV partners want quality, marquee games with national significance. That happens with the top 2 to 4
teams in every major conference. It doesn’t matter whether your conference has 9. 12. 16 or more members.
There are only 20 teams in the Top 20 and 10 in the Top 10. By the 5th game of the season the top teams in the
ORO Gillham 036
10/25/11
top conferences are getting national attention. Everyone else is just working to become bowl eligible to keep their
fans interested. The TV networks pay the big bucks in order to be able to broadcast the best games
between the best teams in the conference. They don’t care about the 5th or lower teams playing each other.
Those go regional not national.
3. Out of Conference TV Ready Games
Fewer teams in the conference means more opportunity for out of conference games. They have more
opportunities to schedule VERY TV FRIENDLY MATCHUPS with schools from other non super conferences.
Could the Oregon vs LSU game yesterday even have been put together if both conferences had 14 schools ? 16
schools ? It’s would be very tough. Not the case among the non super conference schools. There will alway be
compelling matchups available. Which of course the TV networks will love.
4. They Can Pay Players Larger Stipends or Start an NFL Like Development Fund
The Big 12 can take the 20mm, 25mm or whatever the amount that would have gone to Texas A&M and do any
of the following or whatever else they can think of :
a. Do what the NFL does, make it a fund that can be borrowed against to develop or enhance stadiums and
practice facilities or for conference wide programs.
b. Use it for anything that allows the Big 12 to brand itself as a better quality conference for its athletes, fans and
TV partners.
c. Use the additional shares to increase the stipends to athletes across all revenue sports. Think this might help
the recruiting of all Big 12 schools
ORO Gillham 037
10/25/11
From: Rob
Subject: Dallas News Interview with SMU President on Big 12 Expansion
Date: Sunday, August 28, 2011 12:10:45 PM
Who's the bigger academic smob? Tramel opposes SMU membership.R. Gerald Turner makes a good
case for SMU. Sure....it's not a grand slam, but SMU is worthy of serious consideration - along with
TCU. This is an opportunity for Big 12.
http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/sunday-commentary/20110826-point-person-our-qa-with-smu-
president-gerald-turner.ece
"AQ" means "Automatic Qualifier".
Dallas News Interview with SMU President R. Gerald Turner -
R. Gerald Turner and other Southern Methodist University officials met with Dallas Morning News
editors and reporters to make the case that if the Big 12 Conference were to add teams, SMU should be
one. SMU’s goal is to be in a conference that’s an automatic qualifier to the Bowl Championship Series ,
a so-called AQ league. Turner and his team say SMU, a Conference USA member which already has the
largest athletic budget among non-AQ schools, is poised to make this step.
Why would it be a good thing for SMU to join the Big 12 — for SMU, for the Big 12, for Dallas?
We want to be in an AQ conference. The Big 12 is … the most logical because it’s sort of in our district.
There may be a time when the major schools in Conference USA and the Mountain West come together.
We don’t know what the vehicle may be, but our goal is to be in the AQ group.
We’re pushing for it. We need as much help as possible, even from non-SMU alums, because we believe
it’s good for Dallas. And I think it’s pretty hard to argue otherwise.
How do you think the Big 12 assesses the advantages of bringing SMU in? Clearly, economics has to
play a role.
The Big 12 is the regional conference. Obviously, when the Southwest Conference disbanded, it really
made the effect of the “death penalty” greater because the Southwest Conference was so important to
us. So we’ve been very pleased to move to Conference USA because we are with some of our old
Southwest Conference friends. And if we were in an AQ conference, all of that would be just fine.
Our stadium can be expanded. We have the drawings to fill in the south end zone, which would put it
up to 40,000 [capacity]. We got those drawings done when we built the stadium; we just didn’t feel like
we needed it at that time. But the view was that we would need it in the future. Now, we’d probably do
more suites with it or something like that, but we can go to 40,000 in one year.
One of the things that will be said is that the Dallas-Fort Worth TV market is already covered, and
given the footprint of the networks, that’s true. But at the same time, the competition to maintain the
dominance of that market is really strong. the SEC games in the D-FW area are pretty well rated. The
Big East already has gotten TCU. What if the Big East got SMU, Houston and TCU and maybe something
else? That’s another bifurcation in that TV market dominance when there’s really no reason for it. …
There are arguments that D-FW is already covered from a media standpoint, but there’s also an
argument for protecting that market from having other slices taken out of it.
If the Big 12 were to think regionally, who would your biggest competition be?
The list seems to be Notre Dame, BYU, Houston, us.
So Texas-speaking, Houston would be your biggest competitor?
Unless TCU were to leave the Big East. But of those who are not AQs, Houston would be.
ORO Gillham 038
10/25/11
Why SMU and not TCU?
If it came down to one or the other, if they’re just looking at success in football right now, TCU
certainly is ahead of us. But if you look at the city, the total university, the total programs, I think we
can make a very good argument for what we’ve been able to do and what we will be able to do. … TCU
has done a great job with their football program. But rather than viewing it as a negative, we basically
view it as a positive. It ought to tell people we’re on that same trajectory and that it’s possible. TCU
beating Wisconsin and Boise State beating Alabama were very important.
You averaged 23,000 in football attendance last year. The Big 12 average was 62,000. There seems to
be a gigantic drop from the Big 12 to SMU.
When we played [Texas] Tech in our stadium, we sold out and put people on the berm. When we
played TCU, same thing. There’s no doubt our average would be less than the averages of those
stadiums that have 80,000 [seats], but the dominance of the market, the protectiveness of it, it
prevents other AQ conferences from coming in and splitting up the Texas market and the Dallas
market.
And just because there are large numbers of fans of other schools in Dallas, they leave Dallas to go
watch those schools. They’re gone. The idea being that if there’s an AQ school here, at least six times a
year those games are played here.
The regional aspect of it is a very strong demand in terms of fan base, what cities are involved and
what comes to cities. It’s just in Dallas’ interest that some of these [games] are here, rather than
everyone leaving for the weekend.
We’ve reported that the Big 12’s TV partners may have a large say whom the conference pursues if
Texas A&M were to leave. What is your case to the Fox and ESPN people?
One, it’s enhancing the market you already have, making the Dallas-Fort Worth market even more real,
and, two, protecting what you have.
We tell people all the time, we want to be your favorite No. 2. Particularly, North Dallas is just full of
people who are not Texan by birth. They’re people who’ve moved in. In our last [fund-raising]
campaign, 40 percent of our gifts were from non-SMU grads. We have people on our board who are
non-SMU grads. They’re just people in Dallas who believe in SMU. If you had an AQ school in Dallas, a
lot of these people who are transplants and really don’t have an affiliation will become SMU fans.
Do you have a preference whether it’s the Big 12 or some sort of Conference USA-Mountain West
approach?
The best answer is, however it comes we’ll be glad to receive it. But our preference is a greater dose of
regionalism. Conference USA has been good to us, and I think we’ve been good to Conference USA.
However this comes out, if it involves Conference USA, that’s just fine. But The Big 12 is viewed higher
than Conference USA at the moment and probably will be as long as Texas and some other schools are
in it, so that brings an elevation that you don’t get otherwise.
This Q&A was condensed and edited by Mike Hashimoto, a Dallas Morning News assistant editorial page
editor. His email address is mhashimoto@dallasnews.com. R. Gerald Turner’s email address is
PresidentTurner@smu.edu.
ORO Gillham 039
10/25/11
From: Melanie Ellis
To: Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State); DeLoss Dodds (Texas); Castiglione, Joseph R.; Kirk
Schulz (Kansas State)
Cc: Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; Kevin Sweeney; Joel Lulla; Susan Loomis; Ann McGruder (Missouri); Dana
Hastings (Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Elizabeth Post (Texas); Meeks, Janis D.
Subject: Expansion Committee teleconference TODAY- 5 p.m. central time
Date: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 11:14:24 AM
Good morning-
A teleconference of the expansion committee is scheduled for 5 p.m. central time today. Please dial
888.841.5325, then conference code 444957.
Thank you.
Melanie
Melanie Ellis
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner/Manager of Executive Affairs
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
(469) 524-1001 Direct
(469) 524-1000 Main
(469) 524-1047 Fax
melanie@big12sports.com
All Big 12. All the time. Big12sports.com
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
ORO Gillham 040
10/25/11
From: Dan Beebe
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M)
Cc: Tim Weiser; Bob Burda; Melanie Ellis; Brian Wallace; Ann McGruder (Missouri); Dana Hastings (Kansas State);
Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark (Baylor); Gay Clock (Kansas) ; Jessica Carrillo (Texas Tech);
Judy Carpenter (Baylor); Kathy Bartsch (Texas); Evans, Sherry L.; Shirley Knipfel (Iowa State); Tracy Cullen
(Texas A&M)
Subject: FINAL STATEMENT
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 6:09:51 PM
This is the final statement that we release in regard to the SEC statements issued today.
September 7, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from Big 12 Conference commissioner Dan Beebe on the conditional acceptance of Texas A&M by the
Southeastern Conference
“This is the first time to my knowledge that a conference has been requested to waive any legal claims toward
another conference for any damages suffered with a membership change. The Big 12 Conference was asked by
Texas A&M University and the Southeastern Conference to waive any such claim to help facilitate Texas A&M’s
departure from the Conference without any consideration to the Big 12. Although they were not obligated to do so,
the Big 12 Board of Directors decided to accommodate that request as it relates to The Big 12 Conference, Inc.,
which is reflected in the September 2 letter sent to SEC commissioner Mike Slive. However, the waiver did not and
could not bind the individual member institutions’ governing boards to waive institutional rights. If the departure
of Texas A&M results in significant changes in the Big 12 membership, several institutions may be severely
affected after counting on revenue streams from contracts that were approved unanimously by our members,
including Texas A&M. In some cases, members reasonably relied on such approval to embark on obligations that
will cost millions of dollars.”
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail: dan@big12sports.com
Website: www.big12sports.com
ORO Gillham 041
10/25/11
From: Jim Sterk
To: Jim Sterk
Subject: FW:
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 3:14:15 PM
Attachments: SDSU to Big 12 Letter.docx
Aztecs Television Notes.pdf
Joe,
I thought you might be interested in this is information as you all consider membership
possibilities. Your league office will be contacted by Fox to advocate San Diego State’s candidacy. If
you have any questions please give me a call at 509-432-6824.
Jim
From: Jim Sterk [mailto:sterkaaa@mail.sdsu.edu]
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2011 10:24 AM
To: Dan Beebe
Subject:
Dan,
I know you are getting bombarded by schools trying to position for an invitation if A & M leaves.
Attached you will find some quick facts and TV notes regarding why a look west to San Diego State
may be of interest to your members and TV partners. Please let me know if you have an interest in
discussing further (cell 509-432-6824).
Jim
ORO Gillham 042
10/25/11
From: David Weber
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: FW: Big 12 expansion ?
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 5:03:56 PM
President Boren: I and many other OU and OSU alums I know feel so strongly about the subject that I
am taking the unusual action of forwarding my email on the subject to President Hargis to you as well.
Hope great minds think alike. Thank you for your indulgence.
David J. Weber, Managing Partner
V.P. Clarence Co. Mortgage Bankers
6001 Indian School Rd NE, St 270
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Office 505-881-2361
Fax 505-881-2371
Cell 505-980-0840
V.P. CLARENCE COMPANY MORTGAGE BANKERS is a member of Strategic Alliance
Mortgage, LLC ("SAM"), an organization of 23 commercial mortgage firms having 48 offices throughout
the United States. SAM members have arranged over $75 billion of commercial mortgage loans since
2001 and currently service $39 billion. In an ever-changing market, SAM members offer the best lender
relationships, which lead to successful commercial mortgage solutions.
From: David Weber [mailto:dweber@vpclarence.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 1:31 PM
To: 'osupres@okstate.edu'
Subject: Big 12 expansion ?
President Hargis: I am writing as an alum and parent of an alum to highly encourage you and the
board to examine the prospects for joining an expanded PAC 16 conference. If Texas does not want to
go because of its network affiliation and revenue, OSU, OU, Texas Tech, and Kansas would be a great
addition to a powerful new western conference into the extended future. I imagine ASU, AZ, Utah, and
Colorado would welcome, as should we, the draw of Kansas given its national basketball reputation
and revenues in lieu of Texas. I’m sure you are inundated with these kinds of emails, but hope the
leaders of our great university give these suggestions serious consideration from concerned supporters
in the spirit they are submitted.
David J. Weber, Managing Partner
V.P. Clarence Co. Mortgage Bankers
6001 Indian School Rd NE, St 270
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Office 505-881-2361
Fax 505-881-2371
Cell 505-980-0840
V.P. CLARENCE COMPANY MORTGAGE BANKERS is a member of Strategic Alliance
Mortgage, LLC ("SAM"), an organization of 23 commercial mortgage firms having 48 offices throughout
the United States. SAM members have arranged over $75 billion of commercial mortgage loans since
2001 and currently service $39 billion. In an ever-changing market, SAM members offer the best lender
relationships, which lead to successful commercial mortgage solutions.
ORO Gillham 043
10/25/11
From: Dan Beebe
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M); Bill Byrne (Texas A&M); Chris Plonsky (Texas); DeLoss Dodds
(Texas); DeLoss Dodds (Texas); Ian McCaw (Baylor); Jamie Pollard (Iowa State); Castiglione, Joseph R.; John
Currie (Kansas State); Kirby Hocutt (Texas Tech); Mike Alden (Missouri); Mike Holder (Oklahoma State);
Sheahon Zenger (Kansas)
Cc: Melanie Ellis; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; Joel Lulla; Kevin Sweeney; Bob Burda
Subject: FW: Big 12 Statement
Date: Saturday, August 27, 2011 5:31:51 PM
Dear Board of Directors and ADs:
Several media organizations reported yesterday and today about the Board
teleconference this morning. We received many requests from media to
comment on the results of the call, and we decided to produce the
following statement to be released when necessary when the media finds
out about our meetings.
Statement from Big 12 Conference commissioner Dan Beebe:
"The Big 12 Conference members have been conducting and will continue to
conduct meetings related to the situation with Texas A&M and Conference
membership. There will be public statements as appropriate and
necessary if and when action is taken."
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail: dan@big12sports.com
Website: www.big12sports.com
ORO Gillham 044
10/25/11
From: John Underwood
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Fw: cfaa-elite-clips So What Should Big 12 Schools Do ? Say No to Super Conferences
Date: Monday, September 05, 2011 10:31:18 AM
Know u have probably seen this--good opening win over Tulsa....JU
----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Stewart
To: John Underwood; 'ddsportsllc@yahoo.com'
Sent: Sun Sep 04 23:51:30 2011
Subject: Fw: cfaa-elite-clips So What Should Big 12 Schools Do ? Say No to Super Conferences
----- Original Message -----
From: cfaa-elite-clips
To: Ed Stewart
Sent: Sun Sep 04 18:13:05 2011
Subject: cfaa-elite-clips So What Should Big 12 Schools Do ? Say No to Super Conferences
Please join CFAA in supporting college football!
==================================================
So What Should Big 12 Schools Do ? Say No to Super Conferences
Mark Cuban
Blog Maverick
5 September 2011
Here is some unsolicited advice to the Big 12. As you might expect coming from me, it’s going to be
contrary to what everyone else thinks they should do.
With Texas A&M trying to leave the Big 12 (It doesn’t happen until the SEC accepts them) every
remaining school is trying to decide in the immortal lyrics of The Clash “Should I Stay or Should I Go”.
The quick answer ?
They should stay.
Why ? The first reason is that the Super Conferences that are forming or being considered will turn into
a huge mistake. No if ands or buts about it. While the concept of a Super Conference sounds incredibly
cool , the reality is that the larger than 12 school conferences will only invoke the law of intended
consequences and will create the following problems:
1. More schools will NOT mean more TV money.
The big college TV networks, Fox, ESPN, CBS pay for quality, not quantity. They need marquee
matchups that are “Must Tweet TV”. The number of schools in a conference actually reduce the parity
and quality of match-ups in a conference. The networks will not pay up for that. Adding Texas A&M to
the SEC is not going to add a single dollar’s worth of value to the owner of the SEC TV contract ,
regardless of sport. Maybe the SEC has an escalator in their contract that increases the total value of
the TV contract, but I’m guessing that it still will result in a reduction in the dollars paid to each school
when compared to the amount paid had an additional school not joined the conference.
2. Fans will hate the scheduling impact
ORO Gillham 045
10/25/11
You know how there is midnight madness in college basketball ? And late night and games scheduled at
weird times for basketball ? Get ready for morning madness in college football as well. I’m guessing
that the only way to get all those games through a single TV network partner is to start very, very early
or to go very very late.
OR
to move games to online broadcasts. Which is exactly why the big networks are very supportive of the
Super Conferences. They know they will be able to force matchups OFF of tv and on to internet based
broadcasts. You can pass your own judgement if that’s good or bad.
3. Say Goodbye to Cupcake Football Games
As a big college football fan I see this as a positive. But if you talk to any coach with BCS aspirations,
they will tell you that this is a huge negative. Sure Utah State can take Auburn to the wire every now
and then, but the reality is most BCS title aspiration (not all) schools have 3 or 4 cupcake games on
their schedule. With every school added to a conference they are going to have to remove a cupcake to
make room on their schedule. Coaches are going to HATE this. Of course the smaller schools are going
to lose their pay day as well.
4. Goodbye Geographic Rivalry Games
Growing up in Pittsburgh I absolutely loved the Pitt vs Penn State battles . It didn’t matter how bad
either team was. I hated the fact that the game disappeared. All those natural rivalries of Texas A&M
in and around the state of Texas will be impacted. And as far as new rivalries, it’s a long drive for fans
from College Station to Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, etc. (Yes I know Arkansas has survived it but
it would be interesting to know what their fans think about only playing A&M as a nearby rival and btw,
they already play each other ).
I don’t care how good a game OU vs Oregon could hypothetically be, fans from both sides are going to
second guess the economics of going to the games. And if it’s an off-year for either team, then what ?
5. Big Dogs Hate Becoming Little Dogs
In a huge conference a school that was once a “leader” in its conference will inevitably become an also
ran. They will be the school that used to get national games that now is relegated to the internet
broadcasts or a small coverage regional game. Think recruits might notice that ? Of course they will.
Being on the bottom rung of a 12 team conference is bad enough. Being at or near the bottom of a 16
team conference assures television invisibility.
How long will it take before teams that feel like they aren’t getting the coverage they need will withdraw
from a super conference ? At which point someone else obviously has to take their place at the
bottom. Big dogs hate becoming little dogs. It will be just a matter of time before schools withdraw.
So What should the Big 12 teams do ? They should stay in the Big 12
So now let me explain some reasons why I think the Big 12 should stay as is after Texas A&M leaves.
1. The Big12 becomes the AL East of College Football.
Every year you know that the Yankees and Red Sox are going to battle it out in a unique rivalry where
both sides dislike each other. It is one of the most watched match-ups in MLB. Now some might argue
it is because of market size. It’s not. There are plenty of large market rivalries that don’t compare (see
Dodgers – Giants). Texas vs OU has the same cachet and regional and national intensity. If either
team moves they will have a difficult , if not impossible time replacing the quality of this rivalry. What’s
more, the remaining teams because of the quality of the programs can quickly evolve into significant
rivalries
Going back to my AL East comparison, Tampa Bay has quickly become a rival to both the Yankees and
Red Sox. It’s not a rivalry of national interest yet, but it can get there. The Big 12 has quality programs
ORO Gillham 046
10/25/11
that will only grow in significance because it has fewer schools.
More schools in a conference dilutes rivalries if only because in a super conference they may not play
each other every year.
2. Money, Money, Money
Probably the most important reason to stay in a smaller Big 12 is that fewer schools means more money
to the conference. The Big 12 is looking at a new TV deal in just a few years. The bidding between
Fox, ESPN, CBS and maybe even NBC that has just rebranded Versus as NBC Sports Network could be
intense. Will they get less money having lost 3 schools in the past 3 years….. ABSOLUTELY NOT.
They will get just as much money and if they play their cards right, they could get even more ! On a
per school basis it could be much, much more.
Their TV partners want quality, marquee games with national significance. That happens with the top 2
to 4 teams in every major conference. It doesn’t matter whether your conference has 9. 12. 16 or
more members. There are only 20 teams in the Top 20 and 10 in the Top 10. By the 5th game of the
season the top teams in the top conferences are getting national attention. Everyone else is just
working to become bowl eligible to keep their fans interested. The TV networks pay the big bucks in
order to be able to broadcast the best games between the best teams in the conference. They don’t
care about the 5th or lower teams playing each other. Those go regional not national.
3. Out of Conference TV Ready Games
Fewer teams in the conference means more opportunity for out of conference games. They have more
opportunities to schedule VERY TV FRIENDLY MATCHUPS with schools from other non super
conferences. Could the Oregon vs LSU game yesterday even have been put together if both
conferences had 14 schools ? 16 schools ? It’s would be very tough. Not the case among the non
super conference schools. There will alway be compelling matchups available. Which of course the TV
networks will love.
4. They Can Pay Players Larger Stipends or Start an NFL Like Development Fund
The Big 12 can take the 20mm, 25mm or whatever the amount that would have gone to Texas A&M
and do any of the following or whatever else they can think of :
a. Do what the NFL does, make it a fund that can be borrowed against to develop or enhance stadiums
and practice facilities or for conference wide programs.
b. Use it for anything that allows the Big 12 to brand itself as a better quality conference for its
athletes, fans and TV partners.
c. Use the additional shares to increase the stipends to athletes across all revenue sports. Think this
might help the recruiting of all Big 12 schools ?
==================================================
This bulletin is intended only for CFAA-Elite-Clips subscribers.
CFAA [CFAA@tampabay.rr.com]
College Football Annual Advantage
P.O. Box 92086
Lakeland, FL 33804-2086
ORO Gillham 047
10/25/11
From: Marc Wilson
To: Boren, David L.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Cc: marcsorbowilson@yahoo.com
Subject: Fw: Conference Realignment
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 11:11:22 PM
Dear President Boren and Athletic Director Castiglione:
Please look the email below that I sent to the president and ad at Oklahoma State. In the
message I mention that with Texas A&M leaving the BIG 12 by July 2012, instead of
expanding the BIG 12, that your institution along with Missouri, Oklahoma State, and Texas
A&M should join the MWC. The MWC is on the verge of becoming a BCS conference by
2012. With the schools that I have mentioned joining the Mountain West, the MWC would
complete their quest of becoming a BCS conference, competing in the Fiesta Bowl yearly.
With your school and the other three BIG 12 members joining the Mountain West, the MWC
would then have five members in the top 25 going into next year, as your school, Boise State,
Oklahoma State, Missouri, and Texas A&M are in the top 25. So, instead of expanding the
BIG 12 join the MWC by July 2012.
Sincerely,
Marc Wilson
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Marc Wilson
To: "osupres@okstate.edu" ; "mike.holder@osu.edu"
Cc: "marcsorbowilson@yahoo.com"
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2011 10:11 PM
Subject: Conference Realignment
Dear President Hargis and Athletic Director Holder:
I understand that Texas A&M may leave the Big 12 within days. This last year Nebraska
joined the BIG Ten and Colorado joined the PAC-10 with Utah to form the PAC-12. Until
then, the MWC was poised to become a BCS conference with teams including Boise State,
BYU, TCU, and Utah. To kill all hopes, the Big East added TCU. Instead of destroying the
MWC any further, why don't you help the MWC?
Perhaps you can have Oklahoma State join the MWC in 2012. Maybe you can also
convenience your colleague's at Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M to follow you to the
MWC. Missouri, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas A&M are all in the top 25.
Including Boise State in the rankings would give the MWC five members in the top 25 with
this membership.Thus, the MWC would have more members in the top 25 than the Big East
and the PAC-12. The MWC would rival the Big Ten and SEC in the BCS with the additions
of Missouri, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas A&M.
To be included in the BCS, the MWC has to: 1) The average highest ranking of the highest
ranked conference team must be in the top six of the 11 FBS conferences. The MWC comes
ORO Gillham 048
10/25/11
in at number four behind the PAC-12, SEC, and Big 12. 2) The number and ranking of teams
in the top 25 adjusted for conference size must be in the top 50 percent for all conferences
according to an article on sportingnews.com. The MWC is at 72.9 percent. 3) The average
computer ranking of all teams in the MWC (from the six BCS computer polls) must be in the
top six. The MWC can in seventh.
According to the same article on sportingnews.com, the BIG East fell short with one out of
three criteria in 2008 and petitioned the BCS presidential oversight committee to keep their
status in the elite club. The MWC is going to petition the BCS oversight committee for BCS
inclusion like the BIG East did in 2008.
So President Hargis and Athletic Director Holder, please join the MWC. Also convince your
BIG 12 counterparts at Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M to join the MWC. The MWC
will then have 14 schools enabling a conference championship game to take place. With the
addition of the members from the BIG 12 that I have mentioned the MWC would meet all
criteria to be included in the BCS.
Please look at the article I have posted with the information I pointed out. If you have any
further questions please contact me at 559-313-2060 or send an email to me at
marcsorbowilson@yahoo.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-05-26/bcs-would-have-a-hard-time-
denying-mwc-entry
Sincerely,
Marc Wilson
ORO Gillham 049
10/25/11
From: Evans, Sherry L.
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: FW: Confidential
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 5:38:33 PM
From: Boren, David L.
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 5:38 PM
To: 'vpthamel@yahoo.com'
Subject: Confidential
Dear Pete,
I have been reading your column for a long time on various athletic subjects and always
learned from them. I have also noted your understanding and knowledge of Oklahoma as a
state. From reading your last two articles, it is clear to me that you have not been brought up
to date on academic developments at the University of Oklahoma over the past few years.
Without regard to other matters, Oklahoma’s academic stature has not been an issue in any
discussions about conference realignment. I wanted to share with you just a few facts.
1. The University of Oklahoma ranks 1st among all public universities in the nation in
National Merit Scholars enrolled. OU had over 200 National Merit Scholars in a
freshman class of 4000 this year.
2. The average ACT score of our entering freshmen this year was in excess of 26 which
compares very favorably with the top public universities across the country.
3. Last year OU gained admission to the top tier of Carnegie ranked research
institutions.
4. OU is a leading producer of several student scholarships with our 28th Rhodes
Scholar this year and a ranking in the top 15 nationwide in Goldwater Scholars in
math and science for the past dozen years.
5. The number of endowed professorships at OU has grown from approximately 100 to
580 in just 15 years. One of the most rapid increases in the country.
6. The Debate Team has won the national title 3 of the last 5 years.
7. Last year our Drama School swept the National Kennedy Center honors for university
competition.
I could list many other areas of progress, but this will give you an idea of our academic
stature.
Other conferences which have expressed interest in us have expressed to me that our
academic strength, which has grown dramatically over the last 20 years, has been viewed in
a very positive light.
Since you now live away from Oklahoma I thought you might not be aware of some of the
dramatic changes that have been taking place academically at OU. We feel we have now
realized the dream of Dr. George Cross in building a great university of which the football
ORO Gillham 050
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team can be proud. I am not being critical since I know there perhaps is no reason why you
should have been following these changes.
Sincerely,
David Boren
ORO Gillham 051
10/25/11
From: Dan Beebe
To: Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State); DeLoss Dodds (Texas); Castiglione, Joseph R.; Kirk
Schulz (Kansas State)
Subject: FW: Must Read
Date: Friday, August 26, 2011 10:00:22 AM
Committee members—I am forwarding an email I sent to Bowen Loftin and Bill Byrne.
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail: dan@big12sports.com
Website: www.big12sports.com
From: Dan Beebe
Sent: Friday, August 26, 2011 9:50 AM
To: R. Bowen Loftin (TAMU); Bill Byrne (Texas A&M)
Cc: Tim Weiser
Subject: FW: Must Read
Bowen and Bill:
Of course, my forwarding of the article below is self-serving as I want to submit all
arguments possible for you to stay in the Big 12. This writer outlines what I think are critical
positions for you to consider.
Dan
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail: dan@big12sports.com
Website: www.big12sports.com
ALL-OUT AGG-ONY
ORO Gillham 052
10/25/11
A&M's short-term thrill won't outweigh conference chaos it creates
By Dan Wolken Friday, August 26, 2011
One day, when the anger at Texas has eroded and the euphoria of their SEC gambit has worn off, the
Texas A&M community is going to eventually wake up and wonder how the heck they let this happen.
One day, they’ll look in the mirror and see a program with no traditional rivals, no geographic
conveniences and probably no more glory than they’ve enjoyed for the last quarter-century as a
wannabe football power.
It’s going to happen. Who knows whether it takes two years or 20, but it’s going to happen. And for the
sake of college football, which seems intent on cannibalizing itself beyond all recognition, let’s hope
that realization comes before the entire landscape is redrawn by one program’s inferiority complex and
a television channel that few will ultimately watch.
Yes, after months of rumors and threats and secret negotiations with the SEC, Texas A&M is finally
ready for the showdown. The Aggies are leaving the Big 12, leaving Texas and the Longhorn Network,
and threatening to blow up college athletics as we know them. It’s not official, not 100 percent done,
but there’s no turning back now. After school president R. Bowen Loftin acknowledged yesterday that
Texas A&M has formally notified the Big 12 of its desire to leave, they’re just a few weeks of paperwork
and legalese away from being in the SEC.
Just 14 months ago in the midst of the first conference expansion crisis, the 10 remaining members of
the Big 12 — including Texas A&M — agreed to stay together and create an alliance that was
supposed to serve all of their best interests. Now that bond is gone, and suddenly there’s another
green light for all hell to break loose in college athletics.
The SEC is going to eventually find a 14th team to pair with Texas A&M. Maybe, just like last time,
things won’t change much. But for anyone who fundamentally enjoys college football — who, despite all
of its flaws and scandals, loves all the quirks and traditions and competition that this sport has provided
for 100 years — this could be a nightmare.
There’s no way to know for sure how it will play out, but Texas A&M’s departure leaves the Big 12
awfully vulnerable and just a breath away from being unsustainable. One more development in the
wrong direction could be the straw that sends Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State running to the
Pac 12, which almost certainly would prompt the Big 10 and SEC to expand, which would lead to the
ACC and Big East waging a war for survival. Suddenly, conference Armageddon is right at our
doorstep.
But as one reaction triggers the next, will anybody stop to think about what the future of college
football would look like? This is a sport whose brand and appeal is built on rivalries and regionalism.
The Big 12 experience is fundamentally different from the Big 10, the brand of football played in the
Pac 12 is not the same as the SEC and we revel in arguing all year long about what’s better. Games
like Oregon-LSU next Saturday are exciting in large part because they represent a contrast of
geography, culture and conference. The actual football teams, in many ways, are secondary.
If that’s sacrificed in favor of four large, rather homogeneous conferences, college football gives up the
very thing that helped make it popular in the first place.
Texas A&M can talk all it wants about getting a bigger paycheck from the SEC and the benefits of
breaking free from Texas, but the fleeting satisfaction of striking out on their own will pale in
comparison to the enjoyment of having a 100-year-old rival to hate. Nothing gives the Aggies more
enjoyment than beating Texas, but you can’t beat the Longhorns anymore after you’ve run away from
them. College sports are big business, sure, but aren’t they also supposed to be fun?
Fans don’t get to count the millions, just the wins. And as conferences get bigger and more competitive
ORO Gillham 053
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the unintended consequence is that there are more losers every year. You can finish ninth in a 12-
team SEC these days, still make a bowl game and convince yourself by signing day that a BCS bid is
just around the corner. But hypothetically adding Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Florida State and Missouri
only means there will be some awful expensive 12th place finishes.
More restless fan bases, more frequent coaching changes, more cheating – welcome to the new world
of college athletics that could result from A&M's recklessness. Superconferences sound exciting until
you realize that somebody has to lose.
In the Big 12, Texas A&M plays two teams — Texas and Oklahoma — that should have equal or
better talent in a typical year. That’s as favorable a path to a national championship as A&M will ever
see. Good luck getting through Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and the rest.
Compared to that gauntlet, the Longhorn Network, which will feature mostly filler programming and not
marquee events, will seem like a minor obstacle.
But the Aggies will have their money and they’ll have their spite, and by God they’ll have shown the
Longhorns they can live without them. Eventually, though, they’ll realize it’s just a different life, not a
better one.
ORO Gillham 054
10/25/11
From: Dan Beebe
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: FW: orangebloods - ou update
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 9:21:07 AM
Joe:
Please call me about this ASAP.
Dan
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail: dan@big12sports.com
Website: www.big12sports.com
From: Tim Allen
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 9:03 AM
To: Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser
Subject: orangebloods - ou update
Oklahoma will apply for membership to the Pac-12 before the end of the month, and Oklahoma
State is expected to follow suit, a source close to OU's administration told Orangebloods.com.
Even though Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said Friday the Pac-12 was not interested in
expansion at this time, OU's board of regents is fed up with the instability in the Big 12, the source
said.
The OU board of regents will meet within two weeks to formalize plans to apply for membership to
the Pac-12, the source said.
Messages left Sunday night with OU athletic director Joe Castiglione and Oklahoma State athletic
director Mike Holder were not immediately returned.
If OU follows through with what appears to be a unanimous sentiment on the seven-member
Oklahoma board of regents to leave the Big 12, realignment in college athletics could be heating
back up. OU's application would be matched by an application from Oklahoma State, the source
said, even though OSU president Burns Hargis and mega-booster Boone Pickens both voiced their
support for the Big 12 last Thursday.
There is differing sentiment about if the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors are ready to expand
again after bringing in Colorado and Utah last year and landing $3 billion TV contracts from Fox
and ESPN. Colorado president Bruce Benson told reporters last week CU would be opposed to any
expansion that might bring about east and west divisions in the Pac-12.
Currently, there are north and south divisions in the Pac-12. If OU and OSU were to join, Larry
Scott would have to get creative.
Scott's orginal plan last summer was to bring in Colorado, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech,
ORO Gillham 055
10/25/11
Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and put them in an eastern division with Arizona and Arizona
State. The old Pac-8 schools (USC, UCLA, Cal, Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and
Washington State) were to be in the west division.
Colorado made the move in June 2010, but when Texas A&M was not on board to go west, the Big
12 came back together with the help of its television partners (ABC/ESPN and Fox).
If Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were accepted into the Pac-12, there would undoubtedly be a
hope by Larry Scott that Texas would join the league. But Texas sources have indicated UT is
determined to hang onto the Longhorn Network, which would not be permissible in the Pac-12 in
its current form.
Texas sources continue to indicate to Orangebloods.com that if the Big 12 falls apart, the
Longhorns would consider "all options."
Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe held an emergency conference call 10 days ago with league
presidents excluding Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M and asked the other league presidents to
"work on Texas" because Beebe didn't think the Pac-12 would take Oklahoma without Texas.
Now, it appears OU is willing to take its chances with the Pac-12 with or without Texas.
There seemed to be a temporary pause in any possible shifting of the college athletics' landscape
when Baylor led a charge to tie up Texas A&M's move to the Southeastern Conference in legal red
tape. BU refused to waive its right to sue the SEC over A&M's departure from the Big 12, and the
SEC said it would not admit Texas A&M until it had been cleared of any potential lawsuits.
Baylor, Kansas and Iowa State have indicated they will not waive their right to sue the SEC.
It's unclear if an application by OU to the Pac-12 would draw the same threats of litigation against
the Pac-12 from those Big 12 schools.
Stay tuned.
Tim Allen
Senior Associate Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
469.524.1004 (Direct)
469.524.1048 (Fax)
214.415.8254 (Cell)
All Big 12. All the time. Big12Sports.com
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
ORO Gillham 056
10/25/11
From: Dan Beebe
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M); Bill Byrne (Texas A&M); Chris Plonsky (Texas); DeLoss Dodds
(Texas); DeLoss Dodds (Texas); Ian McCaw (Baylor); Jamie Pollard (Iowa State); Castiglione, Joseph R.; John
Currie (Kansas State); Kirby Hocutt (Texas Tech); Mike Alden (Missouri); Mike Holder (Oklahoma State);
Sheahon Zenger (Kansas)
Cc: Ann McGruder (Missouri); Dana Hastings (Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark
(Baylor); Gay Clock (Kansas) ; Jessica Carrillo (Texas Tech); Judy Carpenter (Baylor); Kathy Bartsch (Texas);
Evans, Sherry L.; Shirley Knipfel (Iowa State); Tracy Cullen (Texas A&M); Callie Schrank (Baylor); Catharine
West (Texas A&M); Dennicia Craft (Oklahoma State); Elizabeth Post (Texas); Janet Lovell (Iowa State); Meeks,
Janis D.; Lori Ortiz-Guerrero (Texas Tech); Melanie Parker (Texas); Rebecca Haden (Texas); Sandy Matthew
(Missouri); Vaunda Lane (Kansas); Vicki Jones (Kansas State); Calli Sanders; Dave Martin ; Debbie Van Saun;
Walker, Gina L.; Jill Shields; Judi Henry; Lisa Boos; Melanie Parker; Mona Osborne; Nancy Post; Moore, Nicki;
Rita Bath; Sarah Reesman; Be Stoney (Kansas State); Brian Shannon (Texas Tech); Dillon, Connie G.; James
Vick (Texas); Jerry Bailey (Kansas); Lori Franz (Missouri); Meredith Hamilton (Oklahoma State); Mike Rogers
(Baylor); Tim Day (Iowa State); Tom Adair (Texas A&M); Bob Burda; Brad Clements; Dan Beebe; David Flores;
Dayna Scherf; Dru Hancock; Ed Stewart; John Underwood; Keri Boyce; Melanie Ellis ; Steve Pace; Tim Allen;
Tim Weiser
Subject: FW: Statement from Big 12 on Texas A&M Withdrawal
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 12:29:44 PM
Dear Governance Groups (of all ten members):
Please see the release below that we are using regarding Texas A&M’s notice of withdrawal.
Dan
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail: dan@big12sports.com
Website: www.big12sports.com
From: Rob Carolla
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 11:25 AM
To: Big 12 All
Subject: FW: Statement from Big 12 on Texas A&M Withdrawal
August 31, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENTS FROM THE BIG 12 CONFERENCE ON TEXAS A&M WITHDRAWAL
Board of Directors Chairman and University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton: “The
chancellors and presidents of the Big 12 are committed to keeping our conference
competitively and academically strong. We have a process in place that enables us to move
aggressively regarding the possible expansion of the conference and to assure our members
ORO Gillham 057
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and student-athletes that we will take advantage of the most productive opportunities in the
best interests of all.”
Commissioner Dan Beebe : "Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin has notified the
Conference of his decision to withdraw the university from the Big 12 effective June 30,
2012. The presidents and chancellors of the nine remaining member institutions are steadfast
in their commitment to the Big 12. As previously stated, the Conference will move forward
aggressively exploring its membership options."
- Big12Sports.com -
ORO Gillham 058
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From: John Currie
To: "aldenm@missouri.edu"; "jbp@iastate.edu"; "deloss.dodds@athletics.utexas.edu"; "cplonsky@mail.utexas.edu";
"zenger@ku.edu"; Castiglione, Joseph R.; "mike.holder@okstate.edu"; "ian_mccaw@baylor.edu";
"kirby.hocutt@ttu.edu"
Subject: Fw: Statements
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 5:59:27 PM
FYI from K-State.
Have a good evening.
----- Original Message -----
From: Kenny Lannou
To: John Currie
Sent: Wed Aug 31 17:40:00 2011
Subject: Statements
August 31, 2011
Statement from K-State Athletics Director John Currie and President Kirk Schulz:
“K-State remains fully committed to the Big 12 Conference and continues to be excited about its future.
There is great solidarity among the nine league institutions and an eagerness to achieve the stability our
students, fans and alumni deserve. We remain actively engaged with our conference administration and
fellow presidents and athletic directors in proactively determining our next steps. As in the past we will
provide more updates as they are warranted.”
Statements from the Big 12 Conference:
Board of Directors Chairman and University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton:
“The chancellors and presidents of the Big 12 are committed to keeping our conference competitively
and academically strong. We have a process in place that enables us to move aggressively regarding
the possible expansion of the conference and to assure our members and student-athletes that we will
take advantage of the most productive opportunities in the best interests of all.”
Commissioner Dan Beebe:
"Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin has notified the Conference of his decision to withdraw the
university from the Big 12 effective June 30, 2012. The presidents and chancellors of the nine remaining
member institutions are steadfast in their commitment to the Big 12. As previously stated, the
Conference will move forward aggressively exploring its membership options."
ORO Gillham 059
10/25/11
From: Castiglione, Joseph R.
To: Lee H. Berke
Subject: FW: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how credible thi...
Date: Friday, September 09, 2011 1:27:00 PM
From: PetticrewR@aol.com [mailto:PetticrewR@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2011 12:25 PM
To: Boren, David L.; Castiglione, Joseph R.; btramel@opubco.com; jayflintoncpa@aol.com
Cc: PetticrewR@aol.com
Subject: Fwd: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how credible thi...
Depending on its credibility, this e-mail is very timely and informative!
Rick Petticrew
From: paulpetticrew@aol.com
To: PetticrewR@aol.com
Sent: 9/9/2011 11:53:40 A.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Fwd: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how credible this is-
posted Thursday
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Lunsford
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Sent: Fri, Sep 9, 2011 10:18 am
Subject: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how credible this is-posted
Thursday
Terms Presented by Notre Dame and Texas Reply
Earlier this evening, Notre Dame and Texas jointly presented the Big Ten
Conference with their proposed terms of entry into the conference. These terms
resulted from lengthy discussions among both schools and the Big Ten over the
past several months.
The major items include:
1. The preservation of an eight game (plus championship) conference football
schedule. Both ND and Texas wish to preserve rivalries with non-Big Ten
universities on a regular basis. This would require the Big Ten to abandon its
current plans of a 9 game conference schedule.
2. The staggering of the schedule to allow for mid-season scheduling with non-
conference football opponents.
3. The preservation of the status quo conference makeup until approximately
2014, unless the Big XII fails to retain key (NOT including A&M) conference
members. This will provide the member schools, acting in unison, with the
greatest leverage negotiating ongoing television contracts, particularly with ESPN.
4. Should Texas depart the conference for the Big Ten before ND due to the
further disintegration of the Big XII, ND will remain independent until
ORO Gillham 060
10/25/11
approximately 2014
5. The Longhorn Network would remain independent until approximately 2014, at
which point the network would become a part of an expanded Big Ten Network
(specifically referred to as "BTN2"), likely either in partnership with Fox, NBC, or
less likely ABC
The Big Ten just wrapped up a meeting to initially consider all of the terms
presented by the schools, including the aforementioned.
Notably, there is a general discontent with the reporting of the situation by ESPN
with specific regard to Texas. ESPN has, for self-serving purposes, drastically
exaggerated the lean of Texas to the Pac12 conference in nearly all commentary.
ESPN has essentially waged a propaganda campaign to drive support among the
Texas stakeholders to the Pac12 conference. ESPN has gone so far as to attempt
to accelerate the disintegration of the Big XII to pressure Texas into making an
immediate conference change decision. Texas has steadfastly resisted change, and
will do so until the appropriate time occurs for Texas to stand in a strong position
to renegotiate television contracts, including with ESPN.
In reality, the preference expressed by Texas' relevant leadership is to depart the
Big XII for the Big Ten at the time that gives Texas the greatest leverage in
negotiating a new television rights deal. The Big Ten and Texas agreed that Texas
should do what is best for Texas, which they also both agree is a move by Texas
to join the Big Ten Conference. Delaney's top priority has been to create an
environment for Texas and Notre Dame to join the conference on mutually
benefical terms.
Notre Dame has an interest in preserving its traditional rivalries, three of which
occur already in the Big Ten, and creating a new national rivalry with a traditional
powerhouse. The Big Ten believes that ND prefers independence, but realizes that
it will soon have no choice but to join a conference. The Big Ten also believes that
ND is trying to position itself so that if it must join a conference, it does so on the
most favorable terms possible. Hence the return to the 8 game schedule and a
protected game with national power Texas. The Big Ten will attempt to create a
mutually beneficial environment for ND that allows it to preserve a great deal of
independence to retain all its traditional rivalries within the conference context.
The initial mood at the Big Ten to the terms provided by the two schools is
"receptive."
--
______________________
Mike Lunsford
mlunsford@indy.rr.com
(C) 317-833-8154
"Its what you learn after you know it all that counts"
John Wooden
ORO Gillham 061
10/25/11
From: actullis@cox.net
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Fwd: A Real BCS Plan That Works !
Date: Friday, September 09, 2011 3:51:53 PM
=============
Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2011 14:45:40 -0500
Subject: A Real BCS Plan That Works !
From: Allen Tullis
To: actullis@cox.net
A Real BCS Plan That WorksSep 08, 2011 -- 11:24am
*By Kevin Kietzman*
The latest Big 12 realignment news is that we could be in a holding pattern
for as long as a year. Ok, whatever, I mean who really knows?
But it's an interesting idea floating around that cooler heads may prevail
and we're going to actually put some thought into all this and try very hard
to do the right thing by as many schools and fans as possible. So here's a
quick look at what I think may actually work if we put together some special
committee with somebody really smart at the head of the table. You know,
like an actual fan or something.
We currently have more than 64 teams so let's scrap the idea of four, 16
team conferences. Teams that get bumped and teams that can't get in would
lobby Congress and there could be all kinds of mayhem. Let's think 72
teams. I know, nobody's said anything like this and it just sounds like
some half baked plan based on a number that's greater than the number of
current BCS teams. But it's not. It's based on a different number that
coaches love... NINE. Nine?
Coaches love the idea of 9 in a division because that's 8 league games and
four non conference games. See, the idea is to do the right thing by as
many people as possible. Coaches, check.
Now you take two of these nines and call them a "super conference". Seems
we could make most everyone happy with Big Ten, SEC, Pac 18 and ACC. Check.
Then you take all 8 division winners, true division winners because of the
round robin format, and you have yourself a nice, tidy playoff. Seed them
1-8 however you like, nobody will care, it's a playoff. Fans are happy.
Check.
The other 64 teams are all bowl category teams so the bowls stay in place
and they're happy. Check.
What about independents like Notre Dame and BYU and a school like Texas with
it's own network? Well, you have a massive tv deal for ALL DIVISION GAMES
that everyone splits equally 72 ways. The other four games are the unique
and individual property of the schools or the conferences. Texas could
have all four on LHN, Notre Dame could have four on NBC and keep all the
money for themselves. This give the bigger schools and programs a big
financial advantage, but again, we're trying to make everyone happy. The
biggest issue here could be Big Ten Network but they would have 18 teams
with four non-cons each that they could air on BTN. That's 72 games if they
wanted and that's plenty.
ORO Gillham 062
10/25/11
So that leaves us with one really huge problem we still haven't addressed
and that's rivalries. What if OU and Texas wind up in separate divisions.
Or programs like Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame? Seems easy enough to
me that you ask everyone to pick their biggest rival not in their division
and play them in the non-conference. Remember, you get to go sell that
thing all to yourself and keep all the money. Which of the big boys
wouldn't love to do that?
This plan would generate record revenue, include the most teams and fans,
create a playoff, protect the bowls, keep the game geographically sane and
protect the special interests of the biggest programs. I'm sure there are
holes and gaps in this thing somewhere, I've only been working on it for a
day. But it seems to me the biggest issues are covered here and the rest of
it can't be that hard to figure out.
--
Allen Tullis
PE/Special Education
Derby High School USD260
Event Manager
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: This electronic mail message and any
attached documents contain information from USD 260 Derby Public
Schools and should be considered confidential and privileged. The
information contained and/or attached is intended for the individual or
entity named in the To:, CC:, and/or BCC: fields. If you are not the
intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution
or use of the contained information is prohibited. If you have received
this message in error, please contact us immediately at 316-788-8591
and destroy this message.
=============
ORO Gillham 063
10/25/11
From: PetticrewR@aol.com
To: Boren, David L.; Castiglione, Joseph R.; btramel@opubco.com; jayflintoncpa@aol.com
Cc: PetticrewR@aol.com
Subject: Fwd: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how credible thi...
Date: Friday, September 09, 2011 12:25:42 PM
Depending on its credibility, this e-mail is very timely and informative!
Rick Petticrew
From: paulpetticrew@aol.com
To: PetticrewR@aol.com
Sent: 9/9/2011 11:53:40 A.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Fwd: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how credible this is-
posted Thursday
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Lunsford
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Sent: Fri, Sep 9, 2011 10:18 am
Subject: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how credible this is-posted
Thursday
Terms Presented by Notre Dame and Texas Reply
Earlier this evening, Notre Dame and Texas jointly presented the Big Ten
Conference with their proposed terms of entry into the conference. These terms
resulted from lengthy discussions among both schools and the Big Ten over the
past several months.
The major items include:
1. The preservation of an eight game (plus championship) conference football
schedule. Both ND and Texas wish to preserve rivalries with non-Big Ten
universities on a regular basis. This would require the Big Ten to abandon its
current plans of a 9 game conference schedule.
2. The staggering of the schedule to allow for mid-season scheduling with non-
conference football opponents.
3. The preservation of the status quo conference makeup until approximately
2014, unless the Big XII fails to retain key (NOT including A&M) conference
members. This will provide the member schools, acting in unison, with the greatest
leverage negotiating ongoing television contracts, particularly with ESPN.
4. Should Texas depart the conference for the Big Ten before ND due to the
further disintegration of the Big XII, ND will remain independent until
approximately 2014
5. The Longhorn Network would remain independent until approximately 2014, at
which point the network would become a part of an expanded Big Ten Network
(specifically referred to as "BTN2"), likely either in partnership with Fox, NBC, or
less likely ABC
The Big Ten just wrapped up a meeting to initially consider all of the terms
presented by the schools, including the aforementioned.
ORO Gillham 064
10/25/11
Notably, there is a general discontent with the reporting of the situation by ESPN
with specific regard to Texas. ESPN has, for self-serving purposes, drastically
exaggerated the lean of Texas to the Pac12 conference in nearly all commentary.
ESPN has essentially waged a propaganda campaign to drive support among the
Texas stakeholders to the Pac12 conference. ESPN has gone so far as to attempt
to accelerate the disintegration of the Big XII to pressure Texas into making an
immediate conference change decision. Texas has steadfastly resisted change, and
will do so until the appropriate time occurs for Texas to stand in a strong position
to renegotiate television contracts, including with ESPN.
In reality, the preference expressed by Texas' relevant leadership is to depart the
Big XII for the Big Ten at the time that gives Texas the greatest leverage in
negotiating a new television rights deal. The Big Ten and Texas agreed that Texas
should do what is best for Texas, which they also both agree is a move by Texas
to join the Big Ten Conference. Delaney's top priority has been to create an
environment for Texas and Notre Dame to join the conference on mutually
benefical terms.
Notre Dame has an interest in preserving its traditional rivalries, three of which
occur already in the Big Ten, and creating a new national rivalry with a traditional
powerhouse. The Big Ten believes that ND prefers independence, but realizes that
it will soon have no choice but to join a conference. The Big Ten also believes that
ND is trying to position itself so that if it must join a conference, it does so on the
most favorable terms possible. Hence the return to the 8 game schedule and a
protected game with national power Texas. The Big Ten will attempt to create a
mutually beneficial environment for ND that allows it to preserve a great deal of
independence to retain all its traditional rivalries within the conference context.
The initial mood at the Big Ten to the terms provided by the two schools is
"receptive."
--
______________________
Mike Lunsford
mlunsford@indy.rr.com
(C) 317-833-8154
"Its what you learn after you know it all that counts"
John Wooden
ORO Gillham 065
10/25/11
From: John Snider
To: Boren, David L.
Cc: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Get OUT of the Big XII whatever the cost!!!!
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 8:42:40 PM
I am hearing rumors that we are going to recommit to the Big XII and allow Texas A&M to leave for
SEC and accept BYU as a replacement. NO WAY! There's a reason the PAC-12 doesn't want BYU,
and we shouldn't either. They are a WAC/MWC retread school and will water down our
conference. I'm sick of the Big XII. I'm sick of Texas. Please, please, just get us OUT OF THE BIG
XII any way possible. OU deserves to be playing in a strong and stable conference like the SEC or
PAC-12. Personally, I would prefer the SEC, but at this point I would rejoice at joining the PAC
whatever. Just so long as we kiss this current disaster of a conference GOODBYE!!!
John Snider
Season ticket holder #942424
ORO Gillham 066
10/25/11
From: Rob
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Here it is
Date: Saturday, August 27, 2011 8:21:24 AM
Good Morning, Joe
Thanks for your patience. For the Big 12: I recommend stick with the I 35 I 45 corridor. That means
TCU, Houston, SMU.
I love Air Force. I think BYU is just so far away - and in the Mountain time zone. And How about travel
for baseball and other "minor" sports?
Can you require SMU to set up baseball and softball? There is plenty of talent. But...It is so expensive.
And getting those pitchers - in order to be competitive - is tough. I am not sure UH has baseball and
softball. I think they do. And again there is mucho talent down there.
Looking forward to Fall.
Rob Hewitt
ORO Gillham 067
10/25/11
From: Travis Haney
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: I got the job!/statement on A&M?
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 1:42:11 PM
Hey, Joe. I got the job, so that's good. Head's swimming trying to get adjusted to everything with the
season rapidly approaching. Well, it's basically here, now isn't it?
I've been bugging Kenny this week about trying to set up a time for us to get together for a few
minutes and chat. Maybe over lunch one day next week? I want to do a story on the new athletic dorm,
and I figured you all would be OK with that.
I asked him, too, if you all would be making a statement on A&M. I've seen a few other Big 12 ADs talk
about it, and I know OU fans are curious (so am I) as to what your take/stance is moving forward. Bob
at least sort of alluded to the topic last night, ultimately deferring to you and the president.
Thanks! Look forward to talking to you.
My cell is 803-201-8998, if you ever need anything from me.
-- Trav
Travis Haney
Sooners football writer
The Oklahoman/OPUBCO
ORO Gillham 068
10/25/11
From: Adrienne Gilbreath
To: Boren, David L.; Meeks, Janis D.; Purcell, Chris A.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: It It Time To Move
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 12:19:05 PM
With the eminent move of Texas A&M to most probably the Southeastern
Conference, I believe that now is the time for the University of
Oklahoma to move on from the BIg XII as well. It will not do to look as
if we are nothing more than Texas's lap dogs. We are more than that.
We have our own rich history of tradition and victory that was in place
long before we shared a conference with the schools from the old
Southwestern Conference. We do not need to follow their lead, and
frankly is it absolutely frustrating that it appears we are doing just
that. We have a program that I believe will be more than welcome in any
conference with or without Texas. That said, I also think that it is
far past time to cut the umbilical cord with Oklahoma State. Let them
find their own way. Oklahoma must look out for Number One first and
foremost, because after all, there is only one Oklahoma.
Personally, I would prefer we join with the Southeastern Conference
rather than the PAC-12 or whatever it will be after the next few days
and weeks. Geographically speaking, I believe that the SEC is a better
fit for OU than the PAC-12. We are not a west coast school with west
coast values. We are a midwestern and even southern institution with
southern / middle American values.
Also, the distance and cost of traveling to so many schools in the
PAC-12 seems cruel and eventually a detriment to many Sooner faithful
who, in these perilous economic times, cannot/will not be able to afford
the trip to away games. The cost of tickets and concessions now is
extrememly high, but fans are willing to pay in order to watch the
Sooners do what they do best, win. Only the elite fans will be able to
travel to away games, and we all know that fan precense at games has a
great deal to do with who has the momentum in a game.
Whatever the decision, wherever we land, I wholeheartedly believe that
it is time to leave the Big XII. Bringing in almost any other schools
that are willing and available to enter into the Big XII are far too
weak to be of any benefit to us. Don't we already have enough "easy"
games every year with Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, and Kansas State?
Strength of conference is a major factor in the minds of fans and
recruits. I don't want OU to be in an "easy" conference. I want to
dominate Alabama, Florida, LSU, Georgia, and Arkansas.
Thank you for your time,
Adrienne Gilbreath
Lifelong Sooner fan
ORO Gillham 069
10/25/11
From: cwsooners
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Job
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 6:56:45 AM
I hear all the rumors like everyone else. Don't get too stressed up there on conference realignment.
Thank you for the job you do and putting up with all of it.
Colin
ORO Gillham 070
10/25/11
From: Aaron Brandt
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Leaving the Big 12
Date: Monday, September 05, 2011 8:13:30 AM
David,
I hate the University of Oklahoma. Really, I do! I'm a University of Missouri fan, however the thought
of the Big 12 disbanding is something I hate even worse. You control this. Your the most powerful
man in College Athletics right now. If you decide to take the University of Oklahoma to the Pac-12, it
will leave Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kansas, and MU out in the cold. Now, I'm a business man,
I understand business. You could care less what happens to these other colleges. Hell I would care less
too if I was the President of the University of Oklahoma, but would moving to the Pac 12 be a great
move for OU? Yeah money money money, a new start, but also more competition longer flights and
less chance of making the BCS. Why don't you let this Big 12 (with 10 teams) play out a few years.
GET DAN BEEBE FIRED. Try to recruit Notre Dame Football, BYU, and Arkansas. I personally don't
think the SEC wants to expand, maybe they could just switch out A&M for Arkansas (far fetched but still
a maybe).
Again, I HATE OU. That won't change if OU heads west in the GOLD Rush of the Pac-12 or stays in the
Big 12. Obama got elected on his promise of "CHANGE". America voted and made a change. What
has that "Change" done for us this great country? He promised America the grass was greener on the
other side and we found out its just as brown as it was before. I emailed Mike Alden before he hired
Frank Haith, you can email him ask. I told him my opinion. After he hired Frank Haith, I sent him
another email about how much of a mistake he made. I said the hiring of Haith will be Quinn Synder all
over again, and sure enough scandal has engulfed him before he has even coached a game. Maybe it
was luck, maybe it wasn't. My gut says OU will regret making the move to the Pac 12. Guess we will
see if I keep batting a thousand.
Good Luck,
Aaron Brandt
If change is must, fire Dan Beebe and see what happens.
ORO Gillham 071
10/25/11
From: stan scism
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Cc: Boren, David L.
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 8:33:35 PM
Sir
If Oklahoma stays in the Big 12 after the
way they were used by Texas over the
past year, then I will no longer be a
Sooner fan.
I can assure you that this is also true for
many Sooner fans.
We are tired of being treated like a
stepchild by Texas. This is why TEXAS
A&M and NEBRASKA LEFT THE
CONFERENCE.
THEY didn't want to be treated like a
Stepchild. I AM INCORRECT, NO THEY
REFUSED TO BE TREATED LIKE A
STEPCHILD.........THAT IS THE CORRECT
STATEMENT.....
WE DO NOT NEED
TEXAS........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ORO Gillham 072
10/25/11
WE ARE HANGING ONTO A
DREAM............
Stan
WHY ARE WE MEETING WITH
TEXAS.........So they can try and convince
us to remain a stepchild.........THAT IS
INSANE.........
In fact, that is the definition of
insanity......To continue to try solutions
that always give the wrong results
ORO Gillham 073
10/25/11
From: stan scism
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Cc: Boren, David L.
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 4:46:12 PM
Sir
The Big 12 is dead.............Period.......!!!!
Texas A&M is leaving...........The
conference can't sustain the loss of both
Nebraska and Texas A&M.........
I just can't understand why Texas A&M
had to be the school that said they didn't
want to be in a conference that had
unequal distribution of funds......
WHY NOT OKLAHOMA ?????.......TEXAS
A& M DID SOMETHING.......WHILE the
"STRONG" said NOTHING.........., I
presume the STRONG would have NEVER
SAID ANYTHING.............THE
STRONG............I THINK NOT...!!!!
We need to go to the Pac-12, If we
can......!!!
ORO Gillham 074
10/25/11
Period................!!!!
Let's be STRONG..............and do what
should have been done LAST YEAR.......
Stan
Stan
ORO Gillham 075
10/25/11
From: stan scism
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Cc: Boren, David L.
Date: Thursday, September 08, 2011 6:56:57 AM
Sir
I hope we don't fold like a $2.00 suitcase
in a rainstorm.
The fact that the other members dislike
the fact that Texas A&M is leaving the
conference is not our concern. The real
blame for the exodus is a result of actions
taken by TEXAS NOT OKLAHOMA AND
TEXAS A&M . The fact that Oklahoma and
Texas A&M want to leave the conference
due to a better opportunity in a different
conference is a logical conclusion of Texas
trying to bully the other members into
accepting unequal participation in
revenues generated by other conference
members. Under no surcumstances will
BYU or any other school replace the loss
of Texas A&M AND Nebraska. The
conference is doomed to becoming a
second tier conference at best under the
ORO Gillham 076
10/25/11
present AND future prospective additions
of available schools to the conference.
We should move forward with our plans
and do WHAT IS BEST FOR OU........and
place the blame for the exodus where it
belongs........on Texas............PERIOD.
Stan
ORO Gillham 077
10/25/11
From: Jimmy Haslam
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Date: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 4:47:26 PM
Good afternoon Joe - just wanted to drop you a short e-mail to thank you for all of the time and effort
that you put into helping us find an athletic director for the University of Tennessee. Your guidance,
counsel and direction was invaluable in our search and we have absolutely no doubt that we would not
have come close to getting the caliber of individual we did in Dave Hart without your assistance.
Thank you once again for the tremendous generosity of your time. Please let us know if we can ever
return the favor. Good luck in your "Big 12 situation". Have a great week. -- Jimmy Haslam
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ORO Gillham 078
10/25/11
From: stan scism
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Cc: Boren, David L.
Date: Sunday, September 04, 2011 12:20:30 PM
Sir
I would urge you to join the Pac-10..........
I do not feel the Big 12 can ever recover from
the loss of both Nebraska and Texas A&M. It is
impossible to find any team that would fit the
Big 12 and be advantageous (i.e. add additional
revenue) to add as a new member from the
available candidates........
I hope WE ROW OUR OWN Boat and go to the
Pac-10 if possible.....
WITH OR
WITHOUT "TEXAS"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!............
Pickens from OSU is correct. The Big 12 will be
finished in 5 years anyway !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stan.............OU Fan and Alumni
ORO Gillham 079
10/25/11
From: Sam Storms
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Date: Saturday, September 03, 2011 10:30:22 AM
Dear Joe,
This is Sam Storms, Mike Cawley’s brother-in-law (Matt Trantham’s uncle). I wanted to thank you
for taking time this past Tuesday to spend an hour with us in your office. It was a real joy to meet
you and to hear about what is happening in the Big 12 (assuming it still exists by the time you read
this!). Matt has always spoken so highly of you and of his years working in your department. It’s
Saturday morning and needless to say I’m excited about tonight. Thanks again for giving us of your
time. Boomer Sooner!
Sam
ORO Gillham 080
10/25/11
From: Wesley Noblin
To: Boren, David L.
Date: Saturday, September 03, 2011 10:20:13 AM
Dear President Boren,
Please let OU join the SEC. The SEC would definitely be a powerhouse conference then.
Also, OU fits in culturally with the SEC unlike the PAC-12. Also, there are more schools
closer to OU in the SEC than in the PAC-12. Would could carry on our series with Texas
A&M and have close rivalries with Arkansas and LSU. We could play Alabama in the battle
of the Crimsons. If we went to the SEC would could still play Texas and OSU in the
nonconference schedule if neither school joined us in the SEC.
Sincerely,
Wesley Noblin
ORO Gillham 081
10/25/11
From: Kirby Hocutt
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Date: Friday, September 02, 2011 7:26:37 PM
CAMPUS CORNER — So, OU prez David Boren talked today. I’ll get out of the way.
Here’s what he said. (This is first half. More to come.)
BOREN
“It’s too early yet to know exactly what the outcome will be. Our main responsibility will be
protecting the interest of the University of Oklahoma, do what’s in the best long-term
interest of the university and our athletics department and the fans. That’s what we’ll
attempt to do to. Beyond that, while we haven’t been saying much publicly – frankly, on
purpose, because we’re at the sensitive point of discussions among schools. Too much
said in public reduces success of our goals rather than enhances it.
“We have to study the best options for ourselves and not lock ourselves into a course of
action until we know what’s best for the university. We’re heavily involved. I don’t know
how long it will be before clarity comes to us. My experience is that, in these kinds of
things, it might be a matter of 72 hours, it might be a matter of two weeks. I don’t really
think this is something that’s going to linger on beyond two or three weeks, from the
outside. This has been consuming my life the last few days. It’s a fascinating challenge.
We’re just in the search for what’s best for the university.
(what’s goal that cannot be compromised?)
“If I start discussing too much detail, I’d compromise. We obviously want stability in our
conference relationships. We want partners that are above outstanding, both athletically
and academically. A conference that’s strong is not only stable, but it’s one in which there
are multiple relationships, along with sports, between university members. We have some
great partners in the existing Big 12. We have interest from other conferences and other
universities. It’s really attributed to the strength of the programs at the University of
Oklahoma that there is so much interest in us. We have to carefully evaluate the various
comments being made to us and various possibilities before we decide what’s best for the
University of Oklahoma.
(disappointed this has happened again?)
“I hoped we had stability. I guess I’m just disappointed that the original Big 12 is not the
same Big 12. I was extremely disappointed when Nebraska departed. I was disappointed
when Colorado departed. Obviously, as you’ve tracked my plane flying here or there, you
know that I would be disappointed that Texas A&M left. I was personally involved in trying
to see if there was some way that that would not happen. So, it is a disappointed that
those schools have left and that we face the challenge that we do today.”
ORO Gillham 082
10/25/11
SECOND HALF
(have to have 12 teams to be viable?)
“I don’t think anything has to be, at all. Everything doesn’t have to be done today. There’s
nothing that says the conference will collapse at nine. We have a full season to play and all
that to go through before …
“Obviously, I think eventually – that doesn’t mean one year, maybe it’s going to take two
or three years … if we were eventually to get back to 12, I would feel better about it. On
the other hand, we don’t know what’s going to happen. Some things are trends beyond
the control of any one university. Is there going to be a continued trend toward
consolidation? Or are we going to see conferences that are now 12 (teams) – and there
are three of them, I guess – move to 16. Is that going to happen? Maybe that’s not going
to happen. We’ve seen both. We’ve seen tendency toward consolidation and then you’ve
seen some pushback in the very largest conferences that say it’s gotten too big. We’re
trying to sort all that out.
“At this point in time, I’ll be very honest with you in saying I do not know with certainty,
or perhaps even can’t hazard a totally intelligent guess as to what our final decision will
be. But we are carefully looking over all the options. We are … there’s no school more
active in the Big 12 more active than we are right now. Of course, Joe Castiglione’s a
wonderful partner with me in being active in this process. Our regents are a very cohesive,
supportive group in working with us. … I think that gives us a good leg up on anybody.
Nobody has more unity in their university, of being ready to go in which direction is in our
best interest and helps us.
(ball’s in OU’s court?)
“I’ll just put it this way: I think we’ve been ever since we became a member of this
conference, we’re a very influential member of the conference. I think we remain a very
influential member of the conference. I’ll just put it that way. Influential not only in this
conference, but influential in athletics across the country. It’s a tribute to the strength of
this program. I’ll put it this way: I don’t think there’s any chance OU’s going to end up
being a wallflower.”
= Trav
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Comments
ORO Gillham 083
10/25/11
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Categories: sports
Kirby P. Hocutt
Director of Athletics
Texas Tech University
6th and Boston Ave.
Box 43021
Lubbock, TX 79409-3021
(806) 742-3355
Sent from my iPhone
ORO Gillham 084
10/25/11
From: Patricia_Hernandez@deanfoods.com on behalf of Pete_Schenkel@deanfoods.com
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 10:30:34 AM
Hi Joe,
I know you are extremely busy with all that’s going on with the Big 12; we hope it all works out well for
the Sooners.
We’re looking forward to October 8 and I was wondering if you could be free for breakfast or lunch on
Friday, October 7.
Best wishes, Joe.
Pete
ORO Gillham 085
10/25/11
From: Evans, Sherry L.
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Media
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 11:47:11 AM
Dear Regents,
As we agreed yesterday if any media of any kind calls to discuss conference realignment we should
simply say “It would not be appropriate for me to comment at this time” and no matter what the
questions is that should be the only response.
Many thanks.
David
ORO Gillham 086
10/25/11
From: Dan Beebe
To: Mike Slive (SEC); Mike Slive
Cc: Kevin Sweeney; Tim Weiser; Melanie Ellis; Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton
(Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State); Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas
Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz (Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M)
Subject: Mutual SEC Big 12 Release
Date: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 10:43:04 PM
Attachments: Mike Slive-SEC.pdf
Dear Mike:
You have notified me that the SEC is willing to accept the application
of Texas A&M to become a member of the SEC, provided that the Big 12
member institutions individually waive any legal actions against the SEC
for its decision. I recognize that this issue has been raised due to
Baylor University's indication that its governing board has not waived
the university's rights. As you know, the attached letter waived the
right of the Big 12 Conference, Inc., to take legal action against the
SEC. Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton, chair of the Big 12 Board of
Directors, has told me that he informed Texas A&M President Bowen Loftin
that such action by the Big 12 Conference Board of Directors was not
binding on the individual institutions' governing boards. If you seek
waivers by the individual institutions, you must receive them from those
institutions directly.
I regret any confusion on this issue.
Best regards,
Dan
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail: dan@big12sports.com
Website: www.big12sports.com
ORO Gillham 087
10/25/11
From: OU Soonerfrog
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: My vote of support for move to Pac-12
Date: Friday, September 09, 2011 5:12:37 AM
Dear President Boren,
I am a graduate of the Class of 1995, and of course, I'm a huge OU football fan/season ticket holder
since 1991. I am writing to you today to offer you my support for a decision to move Sooner athletic
programs to the Pacific Athletic Conference. The Big 12 is simply not viable any longer. Any "fix", such
as adding another team, is only going to be a temporary patch until the next problem develops, like
another member institution getting unhappy about something and deciding to leave. I'm predicting
Missouri will be the next domino to fall.
My reasons for supporting the move:
1. It is my opinion that the Big 12, since its inception, has been plagued with weak, reactive
leadership (Hatchell, Weiberg and Beebe, although Weiberg had a great idea with the conference
network plan). We need a proactive conference commissioner like Larry Scott.
2. The revenue we'll get from the Pac-12 conference will be substantially larger than what we'll get
from the Big 12, even if the conference added another member and survived a few more years.
3. The PAC-12 has a great academic reputation, and I support wholeheartedly the efforts you've
made (and continue to make) as President to improve our academic standing.
4. While not ideal, the 16 team super-conference era is inevitable. Why not be at the forefront of
the situation? People may even say Oklahoma started the tidal wave that lead to the major
conferences all adopting 16 members. Having 4 super-conferences of 16 would give us 64 teams
like the NCAA basketball tournament used to do, creating a de facto playoff system that narrows
down the possible candidates to 4 teams. Most people want to see a college football playoff, and
this creates that situation without having to play any extra games besides a conference
championship game.
5. OU came across as weak in the general public's eye last summer during the last round of
conference realignment talks. It appeared as though OU rubber-stamped everything Texas did.
This move demonstrates to the world that we ARE NOT beholden to the University of Texas and
that we do control our own destiny.
6. Texas will most likely follow us to the Pac-12 because they know that the 4 super-conference era
is inevitable as well, and will have a tough time getting into the national championship game as
an independent. Plus, they don't want to lose the OU-Texas game any more than we do. This
also gives Texas an "out" with their fiasco of a network. If they don't follow, then that could pave
the way for Kansas and Missouri or other original Big 8 schools to join. I'd hate to lose the OU-
Texas game, but as coach Stoops said, "life goes on." We'll find other great rivalries in our new
home. I'm sure the OU-USC rivalry will become a very big deal. Plus, we still have the option to
play Texas as an out-of-conference game (or Nebraska, for that matter).
7. This move will bring stability in our athletics future for years to come. The combination of the
Oklahoma schools (and Texas if they decide to join the party) with Pac-12 football, basketball,
baseball and softball will be an amazingly good combination.
I hope that you will make the decision to move the University of Oklahoma to the Pac-12. You have at
least one vote of support from me. I thank you for your time and offer my best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
ORO Gillham 088
10/25/11
Jeremy L. Bohannon
OU Class of '95
ORO Gillham 089
10/25/11
From: Wieberg, Steve
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: next week
Date: Thursday, September 08, 2011 1:57:53 PM
Hey, Joe:
Hope you’re weathering the storm. Me, I’ve been on vacation – rescheduled three times from the summer and
finally to the point of now or never.
I may come to Norman the first of next week for the Tuesday football availability in advance of the FSU game.
Also, obviously, to write something on the Big 12/Pac-12, all-eyes-on-OU stuff. Would there be any way to visit
with you, or better yet to offer you lunch or dinner? I understand you may not be able to say much on the
record, but any direction would be helpful. And, as always, I would personally enjoy getting together.
Also, do you think it would be possible to visit briefly with Boren if I’m in town? Would you be able to assist me
in any way in making that request?
I thought it would be best if I ran this past you earlier rather than later.
Thanks much.
SW
ORO Gillham 090
10/25/11
From: Jess Stiver
To: Boren, David L.; Meeks, Janis D.; Purcell, Chris A.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Oklahoma & its future
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 1:47:41 AM
To whom it may concern
I'm sure you are very busy dealing with the myriad of responsibilities connected to
your jobs, but I hope to take up a little bit of your time regarding the precarious
situation that is the Big 12 Conference. As rumors are floating around the internet
and media, I feel that it is important for you both to hear from a variety of people
on this topic--from OU regents, professors, students, fans, other individuals from
fellow member institutions and yes, from people like me as well--before you make a
decision that can either benefit or damage the future of the school and institution
that I have devoted a tremendous amount of love, time and money toward through
the decades. I grew up in an OU family have had season tickets in my family for
since 1998. So, I feel an intense connection to the university and feel I would be
doing myself a disfavor by not attempting to address my concerns regarding the
ever increasing erosion of what is known as the Big 12.
Simply put gentlemen--the time is now to leave this conference. You both tried
valiantly to hang onto it after Nebraska and Colorado left, but it is clear that this is a
wounded and dying entity. OU must be pro-active to stop itself from harming the
brand that many have worked so hard to create and maintain [you two deserve
much credit for increasing this brand to a new level, so you have my appreciation].
To stubbornly deny this while other institutions bolt for greener pastures can do
long-term damage to the greatness that I believe the University of Oklahoma to
be.Texas A & M going to the SEC, replacing them with second-tier schools such as
Houston, TCU, SMU, Louisville and the like will not re-stamp the new-look Big 12 as
a national power, it will just be the creation of the Southwestern Conference. OU
being in this sort of conference will a laughingstock move. Sorry, but that is the
perception of many, many, many people I have talked to about this. All you need to
do is look online, listen to the radio, look at polls--the people do NOT want this to
happen.
It is in OU's best interest as an athletic program, academic institution and national
brand to remove ourselves from a conference that we really have no traditional
connection to. The Big 12 is a recent creation, leaving it join a more stable, fair and
equal conference will not be the end of something OU fans and supporters have
loved and cherished. No, that conference died when the Big 12 was formed and it
was called the Big 8 Conference. The formation of the Big 12 destroyed the tradition
filled and beloved Big 8 Conference for many individuals, including myself. The Texas
schools, primarily the University of Texas, came into a conference filled with rivals
and university partners, who had worked together to create a solid, proud
conference and in little more than a decade, destroyed pretty much all the elements
that made the Big 8 what it was. Maybe that's the simplistic version, but that's the
version that holds weight with a lot of people regarding what went wrong with the
merging of these institutions.
What is abundantly clear to practically everyone is that OU happens to share a
conference with an out of control institution that does not care what happens to its
fellow conference members. That would be the University of Texas. Their actions,
driven by ego, greed and the struggle for endless power, have been to the detriment
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of every other university that they share a conference with. Nebraska realized this
and now find themselves in the Big Ten. I envy Nebraska for getting out of the Big
12. The idea that OU has to be in a conference with Texas is a completely new idea-
-we existed quite nicely playing them in sports out of conference for about 90 years
before we rescued the defunct SWC teams by letting them into the Big 12. And now
they run roughshod on all schools, regardless of long-term ramifications. OU is
better than that. Oklahomans are better than that. We are a proud, proud people
and I'd rather not play Texas in athletic events than to continuously be beneath
their boot-heel as they create another sham of a conference that will give into their
every desire--be it TV network, staffing every conference official in the state, etc,
etc, etc. We all know that the list of demands from the University of Texas is long
and they are used to getting their way. Not this time. Enough is enough! By
permanently linking OU to whatever Texas decides it wants to do is a disastrous
mistake that could have horrific consequences if [and when] Texas goes
independent and OU is left without an offer in the Pac-12, SEC or Big Ten because
those conferences are done expanding. I don't relish the idea of sharing a
conference with mid-major programs and calling it something else. That's the sort of
delusion that the Big 12 is heading toward now with sub-par institutions replacing
those that left. I'm sorry gentleman, but delusional is the perfect word choice if you
think replacing Nebraska with Houston is a good option.
Since I've taken up a few minutes of your time I might as well say what my choice
would be if OU decides to be pro-active: Pac-12. With their recent announcement of
a shared TV network, where it appears that ALL universities are working with one
another [what a concept!], and strong leadership by their commissioner Larry Scott,
I would love to see OU join with the Pac-12. It's not just about sports as there are
some fine academic institutions that OU could be connected to--Stanford, Cal, USC,
UCLA to name a few--and it would a benefit to OU to align ourselves with these
universities athletically, academically and culturally. While I would prefer the Pac-12,
I'd be happy with the SEC or Big Ten. Anything other than that, I will be
disappointed. If OU stays tied to Texas in a blown-up, newly born Southwestern
Conference, I won't be disappointed, I'll be crestfallen at the damage that will come
to the university I love so whole heartedly.
I have trust in both of you to do the right thing for the University of Oklahoma
because I know you both have as much invested as I do in it as an institution [if not
tremendously more]. You both have fine legacies for the work that you have done
for the university and I am extremely proud and grateful that you are the President
and Athletic Director. But, this decision to stay aligned with a university that has
such disdain and a lack of regard for its fellow conference members can only bring
significant damage to OU. Do the right thing gentlemen. Be pro-active. Be an
individual, strong in your convictions, unafraid to take a brave step to make the
future of the University of Oklahoma better. These are shared traits of Oklahoma
people and I call on you both to dig deep inside yourselves for the courage, strength
and determination that will allow you to do what is right for OU, not only the near
future but in the decades to come.
Thanks for your time and efforts in all that you do for the University of Oklahoma.
Sincerely,
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From: Max Weitzenhoffer
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: One more move and Big 12 is over
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 5:55:41 AM
http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/one-more-move-and-big-12-is-over-
1809134.html
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From: Max Weitzenhoffer
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: One more move and Big 12 is over
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:29:16 AM
http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/one-more-move-and-big-12-is-over-
1809134.html
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From: Brian Inman
To: Boren, David L.; Meeks, Janis D.; Purcell, Chris A.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: OSU Alum hoping for a PAC future
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 12:48:38 PM
Well folks,
I'm not a rich donor, I'm not a VIP, and I'm not a fan of what the Big XII has become. You, so much
more than I, know that the Big XII can not survive (with any good intentions or good will toward each
other) with all of the cans of worms that have been torn open and the public airing of grievances that
have taken place over the last year plus.
OU and OSU fans alike deserve better than to be held hostage by the likes of Baylor and Iowa State,
we deserve more than to bow to the whims of Texas and ESPN, we deserve more than to be a part of a
conference and its members that would willingly stand in the way of Texas A&M's pursuit of their own
goals and dreams.
I implore you to lead for today and lead for the future.
Texas has proven they do not want the leadership reigns in conference realignment, the Big XII has
proven they can not provide leadership for the future or stability. Lets take those leadership reigns,
point our wagons West and lead the great State of Oklahoma for today and for our future.
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From: Robert Beall
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: OU and PAC 12
Date: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 12:33:19 PM
Dear President Boren,
I am certain that you are aware of Texas A&M's intentions to leave the Big XII Conference. I am
currently in Paris, and I wanted to share with you my thoughts about the possible conference
realignment. We would already be in the PAC 10 if it had not been for Texas A&M. I realize the exit
of Texas A&M is still in question, but it seems they want to be separate from the University of Texas.
The PAC 10 deal a year ago was going to be a great opportunity for Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.
Colorado saw the opportunity, and the made the move as soon as they could. Texas has wanted to be
a part of the PAC 10 for along time, since the old Southwest Conference days. However; I don't know
if the PAC will let them in now with their own network.
If there is anyway to put the realignment back together for Oklahoma to be a part of the Pacific Athletic
Conference, I think we should pursue that as an option. It is clear that the University of Texas has
many options after signing a $300 million ESPN contract. They could just go independent if they
wanted. Without Texas A&M, Colorado and Nebraska, the Big XII is just not going to be a viable
conference much longer.
The great thing about the possibility of joining the PAC 10 was the association of the other schools.
Joining OU with the Arizona, Colorado, and California schools is where we want to be from an
academic perspective. I would much rather OU try to benchmark its academic programs against UCLA,
Arizona California, and Washington, rather than Kansas State, Iowa State and Texas Tech. Our
academic programs would be greatly help by the association with other universities that are top tier
academically.
Now that the PAC 12 already has a new television contract, and now that Texas already has its own
network, I am not sure if there any possible deal now for Oklahoma to join the PAC 12. I am sure you
are monitoring this situation carefully; however, we seemed to have hooked up with UT, and if UT
jumps out of the Big XII, then we will be left in a very weak position with other universities that are
weak academically and athletically. Expanding the Big XII is not going to work, all of the large
television markets and good athletic programs are already aligned.
I am coming back to the United States next week, and we are going to do down to Talahassee to
hopefully see the Sooners beat Florida State.
Sincerely,
Robert Beall
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From: Scott Lindquist
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: OU and the Big 12
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 5:54:43 PM
I am not a big donor and I recognize that this might cause you stop reading this. I hope it
doesn't. If we allow Texas A&M to leave and commit to stay in the Big 12 with Texas
calling all the shots and keeping the Longhorn network.... the level of my disappointment
cannot be gauged. The Big 12 is DEAD. The same agreement to stay was given to us last
year by A&M and its about as worthless as any paper it was signed on. This conference is
doomed and us staying only increases the advantages Texas has on us and diminishes us
nationally. If you think I'm gonna be excited about new conference teams like Houston and
SMU then you are sadly mistaken.
What the hell are we doing? How did we go from being in a position of power to basically
being a damn wallflower thats backed into a corner by the likes of Baylor.
Scott Lindquist
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From: Ron Cunningham
To: Boren, David L.
Cc: jcastigleone@ou.edu
Subject: OU Conference Affiliation
Date: Thursday, September 08, 2011 6:41:21 AM
President Boren,
I am an OU graduate, football season ticket holder, and member of the Sooner Club. I appreciate the
leadership you and others at the University of Oklahoma have shown during all the conference
realignment discussions. I do not understand A&M's actions in wanting to move to the SEC but that,
along with the threatened litigation by B12 members to make them stay, only proves that OU needs to
move on.
I like the PAC, but I trust the your judgement in what specific move to make. I also support working
with our conference rivals, OSU and Texas. However, I wholeheartedly believe it is time to leave the
B12 behind.
Regards,
Ron Cunningham
Sent from my iPad
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From: Raffety, Ryan
To: Boren, David L.; Meeks, Janis D.; Purcell, Chris A.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: OU Conference considerations
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 5:40:26 PM
Gentlemen:
As a lifetime Sooner and an alumnus of both Oklahoma State and Baylor University, I have
spent a considerable amount of time over the previous 18 months thinking about the state of
affairs in college athletics and how changes within conference affiliations will affect my
beloved Sooners. Specifically, I wanted to provide my support in your continued efforts to
navigate the dynamically changing environment and offer a few thoughts.
First, I believe the PAC 12 option is the best strategy to minimize risk through moving west
with Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and one of the following Texas/Missouri/
Houston/Kansas. This would be a quick and easy solution which would provide Oklahoma a
suitable home where it can continue to work towards AAU membership and compete
annually for conference championships.
While I fully support a move to the PAC12, I believe creatively rebuilding the Big XII could
better serve Oklahoma’s interests. If Oklahoma, through its increased bargaining
position, can influence the Big XII to move into the northeast, for instance, we may build an
ideal conference configuration which provides a stable and financially rewarding future.
While rebuilding the Big XII entails more risk, it could create greater rewards.
To that end, I propose that the Big XII needs to act aggressively in order to create short-term
stability and a long-term future. Plugging the damn with BYU will just prolong the
inevitable and possibly place the university at a weakened bargaining position in the future.
Further, inviting two relatively competitive teams from the Northeast may create an
unsustainable solution. As satellite campuses in the Big XII, these teams may hope Big 10
affiliation which would create a better geographic and perceived cultural fit. However,the
Big XII could create stability and financial rewards through moving swiftly to create a
northeastern market for the conference. A northeastern market would create a strong vision
for the future that everyone in the conference (fans, administrators, faculties) could rally
behind.
If you decide Oklahoma should stay and rebuild the Big XII, I propose that you consider
expanding aggressively in the northeast to bring the conference up to 16 members. By adding
Pitt, West Virginia, Syracuse, Boston College, Rutgers, and either Virginia, Virginia Tech, or
Maryland in the northeast with BYU out west, a 16 conference configuration could
substantially increase our television market footprint through combining BYU’s west coast
viewership with New York City, Boston, Upstate New York, New Jersey, Washington DC,
and Pennsylvania television markets. Importantly, this alignment will allow Oklahoma to
maintain traditional rivalries with a western division comprised of the Kansas schools, the
Texas schools, and BYU. While the exact membership is relatively unimportant, I believe
this type of visionary action is required to insure the Big XII's long-term survival and
viability and to insure OU’s geographic centrality within a stable conference.
I’m certain you have received more unsolicited advice than you can possibly process, and I
want you all to know that I am very grateful for the leadership Oklahoma has in place to
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address these uncertain times. I have faith that you will ultimately find a solution which
maintains Oklahoma’s outstanding athletic tradition and positions us for the future.
Respectfully,
R. Ryan Raffety, BBA (BU, 94), MBA (OSU, 97)
PhD Candidate, Richard Ivey School of Business
University of Western Ontario
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From: Shane Walker
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: OU talking points. No Pac 12 please.
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 12:00:23 PM
Mr. Castiglione -below is an email I sent out today to my list of over 100
friends. The list of OU friends and myself have been discussing this topic
via email all summer and we are in agreement. OU to the Big Ten or
SEC. Thanks for your time. Shane
I know we are all sick of all the conference talk. The 2011 season is
starting and it would be nice to focus on the games. However, it won't
go away. In the past couple of days there has been a noticeable shift in
the dialogue regarding OU, conference realignment and the Big 12.
Until recently the Oklahoma media outlets and a large portion of fans
were stuck on saving the Big 12. The realization that A&M is gone, that
texas has ran off three of the top five Big 12 programs, and that the
conference is toast has finally sunk in. In other words, Goal #1 is almost
complete, i.e. get OU out of this conference.
Yesterday and today the mantra that I'm now hearing and reading from
the media and other well placed sources is OU to the Pac 12. Goal #2 is
upon us, i.e. OU to the SEC or Big Ten.
Everyone is talking football right now. This weekend we will be tailgating,
at OU watch parties, or just talking to OU friends and family on the
phone about the game. Let's use this opportunity to sway OU public
opinion away from the Pac 12. Most OU fans are sunshine pumping
sheep that are going to go the way the propaganda takes them. And,
right now that way is to the Pac 12. That must change.
Hopefully, you agree with the premise that the Pac 12 is an awful option
for a variety of reasons. A few being, the Pac 16 East is a glorified
Mountain West. We are two time zones away from the Pac 16 West. We
will play at USC and other decent West schools once every 8 years. I
repeat OU football will be at SC, at UCLA, at Oregon, at Washington once
every 8 years.
And, logistically the Pac 12 is a nightmare for the lesser sports. Also,
make no mistake, texas is not going. Their eye is on independence. And,
who wants to be in their conference anyway? In time they run everyone
off (see Arkansas, Colorado, A&M and Nebraska) and the conference
they're in implodes.
Other anti-Pac 12 talking points:
1. In a recent poll less than 25% of the people in the Pac 12 States (Cal,
Arizona, Oregon,Washington, Colorado and Utah) consider themselves
college football fans.
2. In Forbes magazine list of the top 12 Most Valuable college football
programs the Pac 12 did not have a single entry. Not one.
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3. In the 2010 list of the top 25 schools in merchandise sales the Pac 12
did not have a single entry. Not even USC.
The point: The Pac 12 is not football country. It's far from it. If I want
some dope or to learn how to surf then yes the Pac 12 is where I would
start. If I want to be where college football is loved and respected then
the SEC or the Big Ten is where I go. So, should OU
ORO Gillham 102
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From: John Van Curen (SAL-US)
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: OU to PAC 12....please
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 1:32:39 PM
Dear Mr Boren,
Let's do this and stop sitting around waiting on Texas. Times are changing and it's time we move
forward with our own plan, and embrace the change.
I'm a die hard Sooner to include a season ticket holder, and my future donations will increase if we can
make this happen.
John Van Curen
Sent from my iPad=
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ORO Gillham 103
10/25/11
From: Jess Stiver
To: Boren, David L.; Meeks, Janis D.; Purcell, Chris A.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: OU to the Pac12 for our academic & athletic future
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 2:47:22 PM
To Whom it may concern
I am sure you are barraged with emails about conference expansion rumors from
concerned alumni, fans, and other stakeholders concerned about the University's
future in a Brave New Conference Affiliation World. I graciously thank you for your
time to read my email.
Many alumni are focused on the potential negatives of remaining in a conference
that is shrinking in geographic coverage and relevance in a new conference
landscape. As an alumnus, I would like to address the positives afforded the
University as a member of the Pacific Athletic Conference. As you well know,
conference affiliation contributes to joint research projects between universities. The
opportunity for OU to rub shoulders at a research level with Stanford, California, and
Washington is too great to miss. The PAC also provides networking opportunities for
Sooner graduates with organizations in large economic centers on the West Coast,
who in turn can positively market their skills developed in Norman. The extended
forum, from Oklahoma City to Los Angeles to Seattle, provides the University the
chance to educate and inform a large population about the academic and economic
strengths of our school and our state.
The PAC12 opens doors--for alumni, for the university, for Oklahoma businesses, for
the state as a whole--which cannot be ignored. We should not waste this
opportunity to strike and join a conference that will advance the interests of our
university and by extension the state. Prior to 2010, the Big 12 was a solid
conference, but even at its height it was always limited in geographic scope--and
thus limited in opportunity. The PAC holds no such limitation. OU may continue to
grow, with or without the PAC, but its growth will be magnified and extended
through the opportunities such a conference provides.
Now is the time.
Thank you for your time
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From: Tyler Tinsley
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: OU/OSU to the PAC
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 5:07:40 PM
Mr. Boren,
As an alumni of Oklahoma State University, I sincerely applaud your efforts during
this frustrating time period. I just wanted to let you know that those of us over
here in Stillwater are fully on board with a move to the PAC 12 Conference! The
change will give stability to both of our institutions, improve our academic profile,
and provide more desirable travel destinations. Thank you for all that you are
doing! We look forward to being in the PAC soon!
Sincerely,
Tyler Tinsley
ORO Gillham 105
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From: Douglas B Taylor
To: Boren, David L.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Our beloved athletic department
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 3:01:26 PM
David and Joe,
As a donor and loyal attendee of OU sporting events, I am proud of the program you have built and
continue to lead.
The integrity you display, and expect, from OU coaches, players and those associated with the
program is unquestioned. The results your program has produced are appreciated, and
unprecedented.
As an undergrad and graduate school grad of OU, I’ve worn my colors proudly the last 30 years
living in the US, South America, Europe and Asia. In fact, over that period of time I’ve traveled back
to every home game while living in the US and returned for at least 3 games each year while living
overseas. I am committed to the school and the athletic department.
The current state of the Big 12 concerns me greatly, as I know it does you, and I write today for two
reasons:
1. To affirm the confidence that I have in your leadership abilities
2. To state directly, and without question, that I would be greatly distressed to see OU in a
patched-together Big 12 conference. More specifically, I would have great difficulty sitting
in GF Oklahoma Memorial Stadium watching our Sooners play SMU, or Houston, or Tulsa,
or Air Force, or Louisville in pursuit of a conference championship.
Thank you again for your strong leadership and I look forward to even greater successes in the
future.
Boomer Sooner!
DBT
Profile
Burton-Taylor International Consulting LLC
Douglas B Taylor | Managing Partner | t: +1 (646) 201-4152 | m: +1 (941) 421-8755
Knowledge Inspires SM
ORO Gillham 106
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From: Ryan James
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: OU"s future
Date: Thursday, September 08, 2011 11:01:35 PM
President Boren,
As an OU fan I find it difficult that OU would decide at this time to move to the Pac-12. I think it
would serve the best interests of OU to remain where it is. We have rivals such as Mizzou, KU, and
KSU that we've played for over 100 years. If we go to another conference we may never play them
again. And if UT doesn't go with us we may have lose the RRS forever. OU football and athletics
would never be the same.
And what would we have replaced all this with? In a Pac-14 or 16 we would have few regional rivals.
Our conference would be centered far to the west. Travel would be a heavy burden for our teams. So,
we want some games on the west coast? In such a large conference there wouldn't be that many
west coast games. There would simply be too many teams and too few games. It's simply not worth
it to torch what we have for games against CU, Utah, Az, or Az State. We have no history with these
schools. It makes travel difficult for OU fans who are use to driving to many of our road games.
Why do we need to pull the trigger on this at this time? The Pac isn't going to be expanding without
us. If in 5 or 10 years, or whatever commitment the Big 12 wants, we realize this conference isn't
working the Pac is always an option. If a Pac 16 ever develops it WILL include OU.....whether that's
today, next week, or 20 years from now. However, if we go to the Pac-12 and realize that playing
Utah, Arizona, and making an occasional trip to the west coast really isn't what we wanted in return for
dropping the RRS what recourse do we have? Our leverage is forever gone. Rivalries could be
forever destroyed. OU could be forever stuck in a large, out of place conference with no recourse. I,
for one, don't want that. Sometimes the grass isn't always greener.
I hope cooler heads prevail. OU is a strong brand.....but OU's brand is strengthened by one of the
biggest games in the country every year in college football, the RRS. Why risk that right now for
something that has no guarantees? These are just my two cents.
Thanks for your time.
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From: Julian Walters
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Pac 12
Date: Saturday, September 03, 2011 11:29:07 PM
President Boren,
Any person who prefers to move OU to the Pac 16 instead of the SEC is either an idiot or a coward.
You are completely incompetent and your complete lack of understanding on this matter is
embarrassing. Nationally, one college football pundit after another is stunned at why you would make
such a ridiculous decision.
In short, you suck at your job and you should be fired immediately. My support for the alma mater I
have loved all my life is done because of your stupidity.
Screw the OU administration for not valuing who we are,
Julian Walters
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From: Stansel, Randy
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: PAC 12
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 8:32:53 PM
If reports are accurate, it seems that OU is hell bent on going to the PAC 12. I cannot express to you
how disappointed I am, and how this decision is not in the best interest of the University of Oklahoma
and especially it's legion of fans that faithfully support the program through the good times and bad.
Not enough to reject the SEC, you had to insult them with barbs about not being worthy academically,
and it is a corrupt culture there. Nice.
My first choice and the choice of most OU fans is the SEC. I suspect the conservative nature of these
southern schools is probably unattractive to someone possessing a left wing elitist ideology like
yourself. Your political beliefs are contrary to most OU fans, just like this decision is. You might have
even thought of some of the SEC schools as having "Hillbillies". Well guess what the folks out in Palo
Alto or Berkley are going to think when the OU fans hit town.
No President Boren, whether it be the additional 800 miles OU fans will have to travel to get to the
farthest locale in the PAC 12 versus the farthest locale in the SEC, or the stereotypes that OU fans will
have to deal with in our travels west, this decision was based on what "YOU" wanted to do, not what
was best for the University of Oklahoma. Oh what game days could have been in Norman, with Bama,
LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas (25 miles from our border) Florida or Georgia coming to town, to now Utah,
Arizona (did you see where 1,000 made it to Stillwater the other night) Washington State or Colorado
making their way here. And all it would take is common sense, common sense to pick a conference in
your time zone, vessus one that will have three time zones. I assume you are up for 1 AM conclusions
to sporting events, right? One in which our Women's volleyball team, flying to Seattle, Washington
Tuesday for a Wednesday night match, won't return until Thursday.
Next to your Obama endorsement President Boren, this is the worst decision you have ever
made. What a legacy you will leave behind. What could have been.
Randy Stansel
BBA 1977
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From: Niles
To: Boren, David L.; Meeks, Janis D.; Purcell, Chris A.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: PAC-18?
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 3:05:55 AM
Why let the Big East come in and take Kansas, and the SEC grab Mizzou?
The more familiar faces and geographical advantages we have, the more stable and
viable the conference is long-term.
PAC18:
PAC-West:
USC
UCLA
Washington
Washington St.
Oregon
Oregon St.
Stanford
Cal
Utah
PAC-East:
Oklahoma
Oklahoma St.
Texas
Texas Tech
Kansas
Mizzou
Colorado
Arizona
Arizona St.
Colorado / Utah share regional network.
Would the PAC even consider such an expansion?
I know it is a bit naive to suggest anything that has probably already been thought
through, especially when this OU administration is well capable of making a decision
in everyone's best interest. However, I do hope such scenarios are being seriously
considered and proposed.
Sincerely,
Niles Gardner
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From: Josh Ferguson
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.; Boren, David L.
Subject: Please save the Big XII Conference
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 2:24:15 PM
Mr. Boren and Mr. Castiglione,
My name is Josh Ferguson, and I am a University of Oklahoma alum (2002), former varsity
athlete (wrestling), and die-hard football fan. Let me first say that I am very appreciative
of everything the two of you do for our University and athletics department. Without your
leadership over the past decade plus, OU would not be where it is today.
As a life-long Sooner fan, I am very troubled by the recent developments in the Big XII
Conference and the potential for our University to seek conference membership
elsewhere. Longstanding rivalries and traditions are at stake. It makes me sick to think of
not playing Texas on the second Saturday in October every year in Dallas; or, worse yet,
possibly not playing them at all. For those of us on the East Coast, changing conference
could mean that some games will start after 10:00 PM and finish after 1:30 AM. The list
reasons to not change conference affiliation is quite long, but I am sure you have each
heard them many times before so I will not waste your time continuing down that path.
Due in large part to your collective accomplishments, the University of Oklahoma is strong
and stable, and will continue to do so under most any circumstances. Why are we
proactively putting our traditions and rivalries at risk? Please, please, do everything in your
power to keep the Big XII alive and to make it stronger. I’m sure you have considered
every possible option, but please allow me to present to you my humble proposal to save
our conference. I fully concede that it is much easier to devise this plan than to execute it,
but I have full faith in both of you that if it can be done, you are the men for the job!
Without further ado:
1) Given the assumption that Texas A&M is definitely gone, another university needs to
take its place to bring conference membership back up to 10. My suggestion is to get
Brigham Young University at virtually any cost.
2) Have all remaining universities (and, presumably, BYU) sign a 10-yr commitment to the
conference with an exorbitant exit fee - $100 million or more. This will cause schools to
think twice before leaving in the future.
3) When the primary TV rights deal for football is up for renewal in a few years, if certain
guaranteed revenues cannot be negotiated with the networks, universities can then leave
the conference with ZERO exit fees.
4) If all goes well, after 10 years the exit fee is reduced $20 million per year (down to $20
million in year 15).
5) Convince Texas (probably with $$) to give up the Longhorn Network in favor of a
conference network.
ORO Gillham 111
10/25/11
Gentlemen, I know this is an ambitious plan, but ambitious plans are needed to save our
traditions, rivalries, and conference.
Boomer Sooner!
Josh Ferguson
University of Oklahoma Class of 2002
ORO Gillham 112
10/25/11
From: Loftin, R. Bowen
To: "Dan Beebe"
Cc: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State)
Subject: Please See the Attached Letter
Date: Thursday, August 25, 2011 1:00:09 PM
Attachments: August 2011 ltr Beebe.pdf
Dan:
I am attaching a letter for you with copies to each of the Big 12 Chancellors/Presidents. I will be
calling you as well.
Bowen
R. Bowen Loftin
President
Texas A&M University
ORO Gillham 113
10/25/11
From: Melanie Ellis
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State)
Cc: Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; Kevin Sweeney; Susan Loomis; Ann McGruder (Missouri); Dana Hastings
(Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark (Baylor); Gay Clock (Kansas) ; Jessica Carrillo
(Texas Tech); Judy Carpenter (Baylor); Kathy Bartsch (Texas); Evans, Sherry L.; Shirley Knipfel (Iowa State);
Nash, Michael T.
Subject: POSTPONED- Board of Directors Teleconference
Date: Friday, September 02, 2011 5:37:21 PM
Dear Board of Directors:
Please be advised that Sunday's Board of Directors teleconference is postponed. We will not re-
schedule on this holiday weekend and will be in touch regarding a later date.
Please confirm receipt of this information.
Thank you.
Melanie
Melanie Ellis
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner/Manager of Executive Affairs
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
(469) 524-1001 Direct
(469) 524-1000 Main
(469) 524-1047 Fax
melanie@big12sports.com
All Big 12. All the time. Big12sports.com
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
ORO Gillham 114
10/25/11
From: Purcell, Chris A.
To: Boren, David L.; Evans, Sherry L.
Subject: Random articles
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 9:27:34 AM
The following are articles which have been sent to me by multiple sources—some are amusing! FYI
Boomer Sooner!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/sports/ncaafootball/college-football-baylor-upsets-
pecking-order-in-whats-left-of-big-12.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/stewart_mandel/09/04/pac-12-
realignment/index.html?sct=cf_t11_a0
http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/one-more-move-and-big-12-is-over-
1809134.html
http://www.cbssports.com/#!/collegefootball/story/15528379/decades-after-the-
dust-bowl-oklahoma-looks-west-once-again
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/03/sports/la-sp-0904-dufresne-
college-football-20110904
http://www.statesman.com/sports/whats-next-for-texas-ou-big-12-and-1809356.html
Chris A. Purcell, Ph.D., Vice President for University Governance
University of Oklahoma Board of Regents
governing University of Oklahoma • Cameron University • Rogers State University
660 Parrington Oval, Room 119 • Norman, Oklahoma 73019
pho
Chris A. Purcell, Ph.D., Vice President for University Governance
University of Oklahoma Board of Regents
governing University of Oklahoma • Cameron University • Rogers State University
660 Parrington Oval, Room 119 • Norman, Oklahoma 73019
phone (405) 325-4122 • fax (405) 325-7120
regentspurcell@ou.edu
ORO Gillham 115
10/25/11
From: Rob
To: Mike Kays
Subject: Re: Big 12 Expansion
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 8:51:57 PM
Mike, If I were Athletic Director at KU, KState, Iowa State, OSU, Mizzou, maybe Texas Tech, I would
try to bring in SMU and UNT. And then TCU. I would - in a business like manner - oppose OU and
Texas. It's business, not personal. OU understands that. And OU is pretty reasonable to deal with. If
OU opposes SMU and UNT, the Big 12 North schools will probably favor it. It's probably in their interest
to go against OU and Texas. What can OU do? Go to Corvallis OR? Or Pullman WA? or Athens GA?
Set up the gate receipts split so that home team keeps the gate, give only a small guarantee to the
visitor to cover travel. That protects OU's big crowds at home. OU would keep all but a small
guarantee to say SMU for travel and little more. TV contracts don't care much about butts in the
seats. It's a TV game now.
Those north schools would like the travel - reasonably convenient on the I 35 corridor. They would like
the beatable teams. And they would like to recruit student athletes and student students from affluent
North Texas.
If OU opposes SMU and UNT, that would be good reason for KU et al to vote to admit SMU and UNT.
TV money with Fox will be plenty lucrative.
Thoughts?
---- Mike Kays wrote:
Houston, I don't get. Lousy crowds. Arkansas ain't gonna come.
This is capitalism of Big 12 vs. socialism of SEC. Based on the
success output, I'd say socialism wins.
On Aug 31, 2011, at 8:06 PM, Rob wrote:
> Right, Mike. If TCU can get out of their deal with Big East. But
> thay won't happen immediately.
> ---- Mike Kays wrote:
> I still think TCU is the better shot. Anything with SMU but without
> TCU is a farce.
>
> On Aug 31, 2011, at 6:58 PM, Rob wrote:
>
>> The location makes so much sense. My guess: The K schools, Mizzou,
>> Iowa State and probably OSU would love to play in Dallas regularly
>> for obvious reasons. Those schools have the same vote OU has. 1
>> vote each. If I were KU or KState I would try to figure out what
>> OU wanted, and vote the other way. Play hard ball.
>>
>> Regarding the $ money: Make a deal with SMU: Until they get their
>> attendance up, the home team keeps the gate receipts. The road
>> team gets a simple amount to cover travel. That way OU would not
>> have split the 85,000 attendance. And SMU would not have to split
>> their 30,000. It could work. And it could work to save the Big 12.
>>
>> Thoughts? Remember the minor sports.
>>
>>
>> ---- Del Sullivan wrote:
ORO Gillham 116
10/25/11
>> small college stadium capacity and fans will not travel well.
>> On Aug 29, 2011, at 6:49 PM, Rob wrote:
>>
>>> Scheduling, easy location, volleyball, basketball. Bush Library.
>>>
>>>
>>> ---- Del Sullivan wrote:
>>> we don't need SMU
>>> On Aug 28, 2011, at 12:10 PM, Rob wrote:
>>>
>>>> Who's the bigger academic smob? Tramel opposes SMU membership.R.
>>>> Gerald Turner makes a good case for SMU. Sure....it's not a grand
>>>> slam, but SMU is worthy of serious consideration - along with TCU.
>>>> This is an opportunity for Big 12.
>>>>
>>>> http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/sunday-commentary/20110826-
>>>> point-person-our-qa-with-smu-president-gerald-turner.ece
>>>>
>>>> "AQ" means "Automatic Qualifier".
>>>>
>>>> Dallas News Interview with SMU President R. Gerald Turner -
>>>>
>>>> R. Gerald Turner and other Southern Methodist University
>>>> officials
>>>> met with Dallas Morning News editors and reporters to make the case
>>>> that if the Big 12 Conference were to add teams, SMU should be one.
>>>> SMU’s goal is to be in a conference that’s an automatic
>>>> qualifier to
>>>> the Bowl Championship Series , a so-called AQ league. Turner and
>>>> his
>>>> team say SMU, a Conference USA member which already has the largest
>>>> athletic budget among non-AQ schools, is poised to make this step.
>>>>
>>>> Why would it be a good thing for SMU to join the Big 12 — for SMU,
>>>> for the Big 12, for Dallas?
>>>>
>>>> We want to be in an AQ conference. The Big 12 is … the most logical
>>>> because it’s sort of in our district. There may be a time when the
>>>> major schools in Conference USA and the Mountain West come
>>>> together.
>>>> We don’t know what the vehicle may be, but our goal is to be in the
>>>> AQ group.
>>>>
>>>> We’re pushing for it. We need as much help as possible, even from
>>>> non-SMU alums, because we believe it’s good for Dallas. And I think
>>>> it’s pretty hard to argue otherwise.
>>>>
>>>> How do you think the Big 12 assesses the advantages of bringing SMU
>>>> in? Clearly, economics has to play a role.
>>>>
>>>> The Big 12 is the regional conference. Obviously, when the
>>>> Southwest
>>>> Conference disbanded, it really made the effect of the “death
>>>> penalty” greater because the Southwest Conference was so important
>>>> to us. So we’ve been very pleased to move to Conference USA because
>>>> we are with some of our old Southwest Conference friends. And if we
>>>> were in an AQ conference, all of that would be just fine.
>>>>
>>>> Our stadium can be expanded. We have the drawings to fill in the
>>>> south end zone, which would put it up to 40,000 [capacity]. We got
ORO Gillham 117
10/25/11
>>>> those drawings done when we built the stadium; we just didn’t feel
>>>> like we needed it at that time. But the view was that we would need
>>>> it in the future. Now, we’d probably do more suites with it or
>>>> something like that, but we can go to 40,000 in one year.
>>>>
>>>> One of the things that will be said is that the Dallas-Fort Worth
>>>> TV market is already covered, and given the footprint of the
>>>> networks, that’s true. But at the same time, the competition to
>>>> maintain the dominance of that market is really strong. the SEC
>>>> games in the D-FW area are pretty well rated. The Big East already
>>>> has gotten TCU. What if the Big East got SMU, Houston and TCU and
>>>> maybe something else? That’s another bifurcation in that TV market
>>>> dominance when there’s really no reason for it. … There are
>>>> arguments that D-FW is already covered from a media standpoint, but
>>>> there’s also an argument for protecting that market from having
>>>> other slices taken out of it.
>>>>
>>>> If the Big 12 were to think regionally, who would your biggest
>>>> competition be?
>>>>
>>>> The list seems to be Notre Dame, BYU, Houston, us.
>>>>
>>>> So Texas-speaking, Houston would be your biggest competitor?
>>>>
>>>> Unless TCU were to leave the Big East. But of those who are not
>>>> AQs,
>>>> Houston would be.
>>>>
>>>> Why SMU and not TCU?
>>>>
>>>> If it came down to one or the other, if they’re just looking at
>>>> success in football right now, TCU certainly is ahead of us. But if
>>>> you look at the city, the total university, the total programs, I
>>>> think we can make a very good argument for what we’ve been able to
>>>> do and what we will be able to do. … TCU has done a great job with
>>>> their football program. But rather than viewing it as a
>>>> negative, we
>>>> basically view it as a positive. It ought to tell people we’re on
>>>> that same trajectory and that it’s possible. TCU beating Wisconsin
>>>> and Boise State beating Alabama were very important.
>>>>
>>>> You averaged 23,000 in football attendance last year. The Big 12
>>>> average was 62,000. There seems to be a gigantic drop from the Big
>>>> 12 to SMU.
>>>>
>>>> When we played [Texas] Tech in our stadium, we sold out and put
>>>> people on the berm. When we played TCU, same thing. There’s no
>>>> doubt
>>>> our average would be less than the averages of those stadiums that
>>>> have 80,000 [seats], but the dominance of the market, the
>>>> protectiveness of it, it prevents other AQ conferences from coming
>>>> in and splitting up the Texas market and the Dallas market.
>>>>
>>>> And just because there are large numbers of fans of other
>>>> schools in
>>>> Dallas, they leave Dallas to go watch those schools. They’re gone.
>>>> The idea being that if there’s an AQ school here, at least six
>>>> times
>>>> a year those games are played here.
>>>>
ORO Gillham 118
10/25/11
>>>> The regional aspect of it is a very strong demand in terms of fan
>>>> base, what cities are involved and what comes to cities. It’s just
>>>> in Dallas’ interest that some of these [games] are here, rather
>>>> than
>>>> everyone leaving for the weekend.
>>>>
>>>> We’ve reported that the Big 12’s TV partners may have a large say
>>>> whom the conference pursues if Texas A&M were to leave. What is
>>>> your
>>>> case to the Fox and ESPN people?
>>>>
>>>> One, it’s enhancing the market you already have, making the Dallas-
>>>> Fort Worth market even more real, and, two, protecting what you
>>>> have.
>>>>
>>>> We tell people all the time, we want to be your favorite No. 2.
>>>> Particularly, North Dallas is just full of people who are not Texan
>>>> by birth. They’re people who’ve moved in. In our last [fund-
>>>> raising]
>>>> campaign, 40 percent of our gifts were from non-SMU grads. We have
>>>> people on our board who are non-SMU grads. They’re just people in
>>>> Dallas who believe in SMU. If you had an AQ school in Dallas, a lot
>>>> of these people who are transplants and really don’t have an
>>>> affiliation will become SMU fans.
>>>>
>>>> Do you have a preference whether it’s the Big 12 or some sort of
>>>> Conference USA-Mountain West approach?
>>>>
>>>> The best answer is, however it comes we’ll be glad to receive it.
>>>> But our preference is a greater dose of regionalism. Conference USA
>>>> has been good to us, and I think we’ve been good to Conference USA.
>>>> However this comes out, if it involves Conference USA, that’s just
>>>> fine. But The Big 12 is viewed higher than Conference USA at the
>>>> moment and probably will be as long as Texas and some other schools
>>>> are in it, so that brings an elevation that you don’t get
>>>> otherwise.
>>>>
>>>> This Q&A was condensed and edited by Mike Hashimoto, a Dallas
>>>> Morning News assistant editorial page editor. His email address
>>>> is mhashimoto@dallasnews.com
>>>> . R. Gerald Turner’s email address is PresidentTurner@smu.edu.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
ORO Gillham 119
10/25/11
From: Rob
To: Mike Kays
Subject: Re: Big 12 Expansion
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:27:47 AM
Mike, If I were Athletic Director at KU, KState, Iowa State, OSU, Mizzou, maybe Texas Tech, I would
try to bring in SMU and UNT. And then TCU. I would - in a business like manner - oppose OU and
Texas. It's business, not personal. OU understands that. And OU is pretty reasonable to deal with. If
OU opposes SMU and UNT, the Big 12 North schools will probably favor it. It's probably in their interest
to go against OU and Texas. What can OU do? Go to Corvallis OR? Or Pullman WA? or Athens GA?
Set up the gate receipts split so that home team keeps the gate, give only a small guarantee to the
visitor to cover travel. That protects OU's big crowds at home. OU would keep all but a small
guarantee to say SMU for travel and little more. TV contracts don't care much about butts in the
seats. It's a TV game now.
Those north schools would like the travel - reasonably convenient on the I 35 corridor. They would like
the beatable teams. And they would like to recruit student athletes and student students from affluent
North Texas.
If OU opposes SMU and UNT, that would be good reason for KU et al to vote to admit SMU and UNT.
TV money with Fox will be plenty lucrative.
Thoughts?
---- Mike Kays wrote:
Houston, I don't get. Lousy crowds. Arkansas ain't gonna come.
This is capitalism of Big 12 vs. socialism of SEC. Based on the
success output, I'd say socialism wins.
On Aug 31, 2011, at 8:06 PM, Rob wrote:
> Right, Mike. If TCU can get out of their deal with Big East. But
> thay won't happen immediately.
> ---- Mike Kays wrote:
> I still think TCU is the better shot. Anything with SMU but without
> TCU is a farce.
>
> On Aug 31, 2011, at 6:58 PM, Rob wrote:
>
>> The location makes so much sense. My guess: The K schools, Mizzou,
>> Iowa State and probably OSU would love to play in Dallas regularly
>> for obvious reasons. Those schools have the same vote OU has. 1
>> vote each. If I were KU or KState I would try to figure out what
>> OU wanted, and vote the other way. Play hard ball.
>>
>> Regarding the $ money: Make a deal with SMU: Until they get their
>> attendance up, the home team keeps the gate receipts. The road
>> team gets a simple amount to cover travel. That way OU would not
>> have split the 85,000 attendance. And SMU would not have to split
>> their 30,000. It could work. And it could work to save the Big 12.
>>
>> Thoughts? Remember the minor sports.
>>
>>
>> ---- Del Sullivan wrote:
ORO Gillham 120
10/25/11
>> small college stadium capacity and fans will not travel well.
>> On Aug 29, 2011, at 6:49 PM, Rob wrote:
>>
>>> Scheduling, easy location, volleyball, basketball. Bush Library.
>>>
>>>
>>> ---- Del Sullivan wrote:
>>> we don't need SMU
>>> On Aug 28, 2011, at 12:10 PM, Rob wrote:
>>>
>>>> Who's the bigger academic smob? Tramel opposes SMU membership.R.
>>>> Gerald Turner makes a good case for SMU. Sure....it's not a grand
>>>> slam, but SMU is worthy of serious consideration - along with TCU.
>>>> This is an opportunity for Big 12.
>>>>
>>>> http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/sunday-commentary/20110826-
>>>> point-person-our-qa-with-smu-president-gerald-turner.ece
>>>>
>>>> "AQ" means "Automatic Qualifier".
>>>>
>>>> Dallas News Interview with SMU President R. Gerald Turner -
>>>>
>>>> R. Gerald Turner and other Southern Methodist University
>>>> officials
>>>> met with Dallas Morning News editors and reporters to make the case
>>>> that if the Big 12 Conference were to add teams, SMU should be one.
>>>> SMU’s goal is to be in a conference that’s an automatic
>>>> qualifier to
>>>> the Bowl Championship Series , a so-called AQ league. Turner and
>>>> his
>>>> team say SMU, a Conference USA member which already has the largest
>>>> athletic budget among non-AQ schools, is poised to make this step.
>>>>
>>>> Why would it be a good thing for SMU to join the Big 12 — for SMU,
>>>> for the Big 12, for Dallas?
>>>>
>>>> We want to be in an AQ conference. The Big 12 is … the most logical
>>>> because it’s sort of in our district. There may be a time when the
>>>> major schools in Conference USA and the Mountain West come
>>>> together.
>>>> We don’t know what the vehicle may be, but our goal is to be in the
>>>> AQ group.
>>>>
>>>> We’re pushing for it. We need as much help as possible, even from
>>>> non-SMU alums, because we believe it’s good for Dallas. And I think
>>>> it’s pretty hard to argue otherwise.
>>>>
>>>> How do you think the Big 12 assesses the advantages of bringing SMU
>>>> in? Clearly, economics has to play a role.
>>>>
>>>> The Big 12 is the regional conference. Obviously, when the
>>>> Southwest
>>>> Conference disbanded, it really made the effect of the “death
>>>> penalty” greater because the Southwest Conference was so important
>>>> to us. So we’ve been very pleased to move to Conference USA because
>>>> we are with some of our old Southwest Conference friends. And if we
>>>> were in an AQ conference, all of that would be just fine.
>>>>
>>>> Our stadium can be expanded. We have the drawings to fill in the
>>>> south end zone, which would put it up to 40,000 [capacity]. We got
ORO Gillham 121
10/25/11
>>>> those drawings done when we built the stadium; we just didn’t feel
>>>> like we needed it at that time. But the view was that we would need
>>>> it in the future. Now, we’d probably do more suites with it or
>>>> something like that, but we can go to 40,000 in one year.
>>>>
>>>> One of the things that will be said is that the Dallas-Fort Worth
>>>> TV market is already covered, and given the footprint of the
>>>> networks, that’s true. But at the same time, the competition to
>>>> maintain the dominance of that market is really strong. the SEC
>>>> games in the D-FW area are pretty well rated. The Big East already
>>>> has gotten TCU. What if the Big East got SMU, Houston and TCU and
>>>> maybe something else? That’s another bifurcation in that TV market
>>>> dominance when there’s really no reason for it. … There are
>>>> arguments that D-FW is already covered from a media standpoint, but
>>>> there’s also an argument for protecting that market from having
>>>> other slices taken out of it.
>>>>
>>>> If the Big 12 were to think regionally, who would your biggest
>>>> competition be?
>>>>
>>>> The list seems to be Notre Dame, BYU, Houston, us.
>>>>
>>>> So Texas-speaking, Houston would be your biggest competitor?
>>>>
>>>> Unless TCU were to leave the Big East. But of those who are not
>>>> AQs,
>>>> Houston would be.
>>>>
>>>> Why SMU and not TCU?
>>>>
>>>> If it came down to one or the other, if they’re just looking at
>>>> success in football right now, TCU certainly is ahead of us. But if
>>>> you look at the city, the total university, the total programs, I
>>>> think we can make a very good argument for what we’ve been able to
>>>> do and what we will be able to do. … TCU has done a great job with
>>>> their football program. But rather than viewing it as a
>>>> negative, we
>>>> basically view it as a positive. It ought to tell people we’re on
>>>> that same trajectory and that it’s possible. TCU beating Wisconsin
>>>> and Boise State beating Alabama were very important.
>>>>
>>>> You averaged 23,000 in football attendance last year. The Big 12
>>>> average was 62,000. There seems to be a gigantic drop from the Big
>>>> 12 to SMU.
>>>>
>>>> When we played [Texas] Tech in our stadium, we sold out and put
>>>> people on the berm. When we played TCU, same thing. There’s no
>>>> doubt
>>>> our average would be less than the averages of those stadiums that
>>>> have 80,000 [seats], but the dominance of the market, the
>>>> protectiveness of it, it prevents other AQ conferences from coming
>>>> in and splitting up the Texas market and the Dallas market.
>>>>
>>>> And just because there are large numbers of fans of other
>>>> schools in
>>>> Dallas, they leave Dallas to go watch those schools. They’re gone.
>>>> The idea being that if there’s an AQ school here, at least six
>>>> times
>>>> a year those games are played here.
>>>>
ORO Gillham 122
10/25/11
>>>> The regional aspect of it is a very strong demand in terms of fan
>>>> base, what cities are involved and what comes to cities. It’s just
>>>> in Dallas’ interest that some of these [games] are here, rather
>>>> than
>>>> everyone leaving for the weekend.
>>>>
>>>> We’ve reported that the Big 12’s TV partners may have a large say
>>>> whom the conference pursues if Texas A&M were to leave. What is
>>>> your
>>>> case to the Fox and ESPN people?
>>>>
>>>> One, it’s enhancing the market you already have, making the Dallas-
>>>> Fort Worth market even more real, and, two, protecting what you
>>>> have.
>>>>
>>>> We tell people all the time, we want to be your favorite No. 2.
>>>> Particularly, North Dallas is just full of people who are not Texan
>>>> by birth. They’re people who’ve moved in. In our last [fund-
>>>> raising]
>>>> campaign, 40 percent of our gifts were from non-SMU grads. We have
>>>> people on our board who are non-SMU grads. They’re just people in
>>>> Dallas who believe in SMU. If you had an AQ school in Dallas, a lot
>>>> of these people who are transplants and really don’t have an
>>>> affiliation will become SMU fans.
>>>>
>>>> Do you have a preference whether it’s the Big 12 or some sort of
>>>> Conference USA-Mountain West approach?
>>>>
>>>> The best answer is, however it comes we’ll be glad to receive it.
>>>> But our preference is a greater dose of regionalism. Conference USA
>>>> has been good to us, and I think we’ve been good to Conference USA.
>>>> However this comes out, if it involves Conference USA, that’s just
>>>> fine. But The Big 12 is viewed higher than Conference USA at the
>>>> moment and probably will be as long as Texas and some other schools
>>>> are in it, so that brings an elevation that you don’t get
>>>> otherwise.
>>>>
>>>> This Q&A was condensed and edited by Mike Hashimoto, a Dallas
>>>> Morning News assistant editorial page editor. His email address
>>>> is mhashimoto@dallasnews.com
>>>> . R. Gerald Turner’s email address is PresidentTurner@smu.edu.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
ORO Gillham 123
10/25/11
From: Tom Stanton
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: RE:
Date: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 8:54:34 AM
Joe,
Hope you’re hanging in there. I know you’ll give your best to do what’s good for OU. Tough times for
many, as you know,
In friendship,
Tom
From: Castiglione, Joseph R. [mailto:jcastiglione@ou.edu]
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2011 10:17 AM
To: Tom Stanton
Subject: RE:
Hi Tom:
I certainly understand. Let me know what game may work for you.
Joe
From: Tom Stanton [mailto:Tom@rapoportfdn.org]
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 1:24 PM
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: RE:
Joe,
Trying to set my schedule for the fall and get to OU for the A&M game. My best friend has the best
thoroughbred in the US ( Tizway ) so I may be at the Breeders Cup in Saratoga that weekend. I’m
looking for other options, but will get it figured out. Sad for the player tragedy. You’ve been in my
thoughts and prayers. Take care and hope to see you soon.
My best always,
Tom
From: Castiglione, Joseph R. [mailto:jcastiglione@ou.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 3:09 PM
To: Tom Stanton
Subject:
Hi Tom:
Hope this finds you well.
ORO Gillham 124
10/25/11
Just received your letter and wanted to drop you a quick e-mail to say hello.
See you this fall.
Joe
ORO Gillham 125
10/25/11
From: Mossman, Kenneth S.
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: RE:
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 4:37:51 PM
Agree
From: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 4:38 PM
To: Mossman, Kenneth S.
Subject: RE:
We need to look strong whatever we decide.
From: Mossman, Kenneth S.
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 4:36 PM
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: RE:
Saw this – waiting on response from President.
From: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 4:36 PM
To: Mossman, Kenneth S.
Subject: FW:
From: Alden, Michael F. [mailto:AldenM@missouri.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 4:34 PM
To: dan@big12sports.com; Tim Weiser; Bob Burda
Cc: McCaw, Ian; Dodds, DeLoss; Plonsky, Chris ; Holder, Mike; Hocutt, Kirby; Currie, John ; Pollard,
Jamie; Castiglione, Joseph R.; Zenger, Sheahon
Subject: FW:
We put this up on our website this afternoon….just FYI.
Mike
From: Matthew, Sandy K.
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 4:03 PM
To: Alden, Michael F.
Subject:
Dear Tiger Fans:
As you are likely aware, Texas A&M has informed the Big 12 Conference that they will be making
application to another league for their future athletic conference affiliation. That announcement
was made this morning in a letter to the Big 12 from President R. Bowen Loftin of Texas A&M.
With the impending departure of the Aggies, where does the Big 12 Conference stand on its
future? Dan Beebe, as our Commissioner, is focused on maintaining the Big 12 as a strong and
ORO Gillham 126
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viable league in college athletics. Dan and his leadership team at the Conference Office are
working to expand the schools in our league and they have taken an aggressive approach in this
manner. As you might imagine, those workings by the league offices are highly confidential and
require a great amount of research, coordination and focus.
Dr. Brady Deaton, who is our Chancellor at Mizzou, is the current Chair of the Board of Directors of
the Big 12. I know that Dr. Deaton, myself and all of us at Mizzou are committed to working hard
to keep the Big 12 a strong and successful conference. We look to Commissioner Beebe and the Big
12 staff to develop and implement the plans necessary for the future.
Rest assured that the Mizzou “brand” is extremely strong nationally. We are the flagship institution
of the State of Missouri with over 5.7 million residents who passionately follow our University and
the Tigers. As a proud member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, we are
equally proud of the national recognition Mizzou Athletics has received for our academic, social
and competitive accomplishments. Our success wouldn’t be possible without the great support of
our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans.
The landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, and we will collaborate with the Big 12 staff
leadership to guide that direction of our league. Thanks for your patience, understanding and
support.
Go Tigers!
Michael F. Alden
Director of Athletics
University of Missouri
ORO Gillham 127
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From: Tim Pernetti
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: RE: A&M
Date: Monday, August 29, 2011 10:20:41 PM
Who knows what to believe but seems from the moment they notified your league, the process was underway.
We’ll see how it plays out
From: Castiglione, Joseph R. [mailto:jcastiglione@ou.edu]
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2011 11:20 PM
To: Tim Pernetti
Subject: Re: A&M
Ugh.
From: Tim Pernetti [mailto:trp90@scarletknights.com]
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2011 07:47 PM
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: A&M
http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1257714
Sent by Tim Pernetti
*** This message contains confidential information and is
intended only for the individual named. If you are not the
named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute or
copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by
e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete
this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be
guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be
intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or
incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not
accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of
this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission.
If verification is required please request a hard-copy version.
Rutgers University - DIA
83 Rockafeller Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
www.scarletknights.com ***
*** This message contains confidential information and is
intended only for the individual named. If you are not the
named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute or
copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by
e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete
this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be
guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be
intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or
incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not
accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of
this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission.
If verification is required please request a hard-copy version.
Rutgers University - DIA
83 Rockafeller Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
www.scarletknights.com ***
ORO Gillham 128
10/25/11
From: Mossman, Kenneth S.
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.; Bishop, Catherine F.
Subject: RE: A&M
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 10:46:32 AM
J Not sure we have to, but I think a statement of disappointment along with commitment to the
league might be appropriate if that fits out viewpoint.
From: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 10:46 AM
To: Mossman, Kenneth S.; Bishop, Catherine F.
Subject: RE: A&M
You have me so focused on saying nothing I am not sure what to say about what aspect.
From: Mossman, Kenneth S.
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 10:44 AM
To: Bishop, Catherine F.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: A&M
The media are asking for statements from the President and Joe C. Should we coordinate
something?
Kenny Mossman | Sr. Associate Athletics Director/Communications
University of Oklahoma | McClendon Center for Intercollegiate Athletics
180 W. Brooks St. | Norman, OK | 73019
Work: 405.325.8228 | Cell: 405.249.5891
ORO Gillham 129
10/25/11
From: Bill Farley
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Re: Billboards
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 10:25:09 AM
Thanks so much Joe for getting back to me - I will follow up accordingly –
Boy, you are right, there is so much going on for sure ... Sure seems like the Big 12 hasn’t
been overly “proactive” to me. But, that’s an outside opinion – why couldn’t they invite
others to join us and form the first Mega (16 teams) Conference; TCU, Houston, BYU,
Louisville, Pitt, Memphis, others would love to join this great league ??? I realize these
are not SEC / Pac 12 caliber schools so maybe that’s their hesitation ... And, that would
mean less money to go around for the existing schools, so maybe not a good idea ... ...
Thanks so very much and keep up the great job.. Happy for Dave Hart, what a great man
he is ...
Bill
From: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 10:07 AM
To: Bill Farley
Subject: RE: Billboards
Hi Bill:
I’m not sure if I sent a response to you or not (so many crazy things going on). I checked with
Compliance and as long as Jason approves this (in writing) I think we would be ok.
If you have something from Jason approving this would you be able to forward it to me?
Thanks for checking. Hope all is well with you, Bill.
Joe
From: Bill Farley [mailto:billfarley23@cox.net]
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 4:09 PM
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Fw: Billboards
Hello Joe ..
Praying for you Brother Joe as conference alignment seems like it would be very tough to
tackle week in and week out.
I always appreciated Miami, Oklahoma for honoring Steve Owens as you drive into town ....
ORO Gillham 130
10/25/11
With that in mind, I am working with some people in Tuttle to honor Jason White and his
OU career. There is not money involved, just a sponsor who would pay for the building of
sign and then agree to keep it maintained – however, the sponsor would like to use the
back of the sign as real ad signage while leaving town.
When we met we wanted to first make sure OU Compliance had a chance to review
this and let us know if they have any issues.
This is just a first “initial design concept”, so please let me know thoughts from
Compliance as you receive them back ...
Thanks Joe for the great job that you do ...
Bill Farley
ORO Gillham 131
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From: vpthamel@yahoo.com
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Re: Confidential
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 6:47:03 PM
David,
Thanks for the e-mail. As a former Oklahoma resident and frequent visitor for games, I'm
well aware of Oklahoma's attributes as a university. (Although, certainly not to the specifics
in which you detailed, so I appreciate you passing them along.)
Its the academic reputation of your future travel partner, Oklahoma State, that's obviously
raised more academic concerns. But OU not being an AAU school has been brought up to me
by numerous folks out West, which is why I've brought up academics in my articles. (I
checked quickly last night, and you are tied for seventh with Oregon in the US News
rankings among current Pac-12 schools. OSU would be second-to last). I can see why it'd be
hard to for the presidents to spin it as a positive academic move.
We can debate the merit of those academic barometers, and I'm sure you know exponentially
more about them than me. But I'm relaying the concerns relayed to me.
Question for you since we're confidentially e-mailing: How certain are you of a soft landing
in the Pac-12? I made a lot of calls on this yesterday, and there was consistently moderate to
cool interest among Pac-12 school officials that I talked to in OU and OSU. And even a lot
of skepticism if Texas came along. Maybe I'm talking to all the wrong people. Or maybe
you're going to fool everyone and go to a different league, but I'm wondering what
impression you've received.
Thanks
Pete Thamel
From: "Boren, David L."
To: "vpthamel@yahoo.com"
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 6:37 PM
Subject: Confidential
Dear Pete,
I have been reading your column for a long time on various athletic subjects and always
learned from them. I have also noted your understanding and knowledge of Oklahoma as a
state. From reading your last two articles, it is clear to me that you have not been brought up
to date on academic developments at the University of Oklahoma over the past few years.
Without regard to other matters, Oklahoma’s academic stature has not been an issue in any
discussions about conference realignment. I wanted to share with you just a few facts.
1. The University of Oklahoma ranks 1st among all public universities in the nation
in National Merit Scholars enrolled. OU had over 200 National Merit Scholars in a
freshman class of 4000 this year.
ORO Gillham 132
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2. The average ACT score of our entering freshmen this year was in excess of 26
which compares very favorably with the top public universities across the country.
3. Last year OU gained admission to the top tier of Carnegie ranked research
institutions.
4. OU is a leading producer of several student scholarships with our 28th Rhodes
Scholar this year and a ranking in the top 15 nationwide in Goldwater Scholars in
math and science for the past dozen years.
5. The number of endowed professorships at OU has grown from approximately 100
to 580 in just 15 years. One of the most rapid increases in the country.
6. The Debate Team has won the national title 3 of the last 5 years.
7. Last year our Drama School swept the National Kennedy Center honors for
university competition.
I could list many other areas of progress, but this will give you an idea of our academic
stature.
Other conferences which have expressed interest in us have expressed to me that our
academic strength, which has grown dramatically over the last 20 years, has been viewed in
a very positive light.
Since you now live away from Oklahoma I thought you might not be aware of some of the
dramatic changes that have been taking place academically at OU. We feel we have now
realized the dream of Dr. George Cross in building a great university of which the football
team can be proud. I am not being critical since I know there perhaps is no reason why you
should have been following these changes.
Sincerely,
David Boren
ORO Gillham 133
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From: Rick Dunning
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Re: Media
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 2:00:59 PM
I do not intend to discuss the matter with anyone and will stick to this response even if I am being
waterboaded........Rick
On 9/12/11 12:03 PM, "Boren, David L." wrote:
Dear Regents,
As we agreed yesterday if any media of any kind calls to discuss conference
realignment we should simply say “It would not be appropriate for me to comment at
this time” and no matter what the question is that should be the only response.
Many thanks.
David
--
Richard R. Dunning
123 S. Hudson
Oklahoma City, Ok. 73102
405-231-2476
ORO Gillham 134
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From: McGruder, Ann C. on behalf of Deaton, Brady (Chancellor)
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: RE: Note from Chancellor Deaton
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 12:55:57 PM
Thanks David, I appreciate this.
We will not hold the meeting and I’ll send a note to fellow members here in a minute.
Thanks again,
Brady
From: Boren, David L. [mailto:dboren@ou.edu]
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 12:30 PM
To: Deaton, Brady (Chancellor)
Subject: RE: Note from Chancellor Deaton
Brady,
Unfortunately I am not available on either date. I also don’t think it serves any purpose to have a
meeting that involves us unless we have resolved some internal decisions by the time a meeting is
held. These issues are not yet resolved. Hopefully they will be resolved within a couple of weeks. I
think some other institutions are in the same position.
As always, thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David
From: McGruder, Ann C. [mailto:mcgrudera@missouri.edu] On Behalf Of Deaton, Brady (Chancellor)
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 9:23 AM
To: Bill Powers (Texas) (wcp228@po.utexas.edu); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M) (loftin@tamu.edu);
Boren, David L.
Cc: Kathy Bartsch (Texas) (KBartsch@law.utexas.edu); Cullen, Tracy B (tcullen@tamu.edu); Evans,
Sherry L.; McGruder, Ann C.
Good morning,
Subject: FW: Note from Chancellor Deaton
It is looking like the 16th and 18th are the best dates for the others. Do either of these
look reasonable for your schedules?
Warmest regards,
Ann
ORO Gillham 135
10/25/11
From: McGruder, Ann C.
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2011 10:13 AM
To: 'Melanie Ellis'; Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Deaton, Brady (Chancellor);
Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State); David Boren (Oklahoma); Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey
(Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz (Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M); Dan Beebe
(Dan@Big12Sports.com); Kevin Sweeney (KSweeney@Polsinelli.com)
Cc: Dana Hastings (Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark (Baylor); Gay Clock
(Kansas) ; Jessica Carrillo (Texas Tech); Judy Carpenter (Baylor); McGruder, Ann C.; Kathy Bartsch
(Texas); Sherry Evans (Oklahoma); Shirley Knipfel (Iowa State); Tracy Cullen (Texas A&M)
Subject: Note from Chancellor Deaton
Good morning,
I am contacting you to determine the advisability of holding an Executive Board
session between now and our next regularly scheduled board meeting on October 24,
2011. As I expressed in our teleconference yesterday, I feel that such a meeting could
be constructive. I would appreciate your frank feedback on the advisability of such a
session.
My thought is that we would hold this meeting at an airport hotel in Dallas when all or
most of us can be present. The dates I can attend are: September 15, 16, 18, 20, 21,
22. If any of these will work for you, please let me know by noon on September 12.
I recognize that accommodating this meeting will require each of you to adjust your
very busy schedules.
I have asked Commissioner Beebe and Counsel Sweeney to be available as needed.
Sincerely,
Brady
ORO Gillham 136
10/25/11
From: McGruder, Ann C. on behalf of Deaton, Brady (Chancellor)
To: "Melanie Ellis"; Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Deaton, Brady (Chancellor); Burns Hargis
(Oklahoma State); Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr
(Baylor); Kirk Schulz (Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M); Dan Beebe (Dan@Big12Sports.com); Kevin
Sweeney (KSweeney@Polsinelli.com)
Cc: Dana Hastings (Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark (Baylor); Gay Clock (Kansas) ;
Jessica Carrillo (Texas Tech); Judy Carpenter (Baylor); Kathy Bartsch (Texas); Evans, Sherry L.; Shirley Knipfel
(Iowa State); Tracy Cullen (Texas A&M)
Subject: RE: Note from Chancellor Deaton
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 1:07:24 PM
Good afternoon,
Given feedback and availability, we have decided to not hold this meeting.
Thank you all for your time and consideration.
Brady
From: McGruder, Ann C.
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2011 10:13 AM
To: 'Melanie Ellis'; Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Deaton, Brady (Chancellor);
Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State); David Boren (Oklahoma); Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey
(Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz (Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M); Dan Beebe
(Dan@Big12Sports.com); Kevin Sweeney (KSweeney@Polsinelli.com)
Cc: Dana Hastings (Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark (Baylor); Gay Clock
(Kansas) ; Jessica Carrillo (Texas Tech); Judy Carpenter (Baylor); McGruder, Ann C.; Kathy Bartsch
(Texas); Sherry Evans (Oklahoma); Shirley Knipfel (Iowa State); Tracy Cullen (Texas A&M)
Subject: Note from Chancellor Deaton
Good morning,
I am contacting you to determine the advisability of holding an Executive Board
session between now and our next regularly scheduled board meeting on October 24,
2011. As I expressed in our teleconference yesterday, I feel that such a meeting could
be constructive. I would appreciate your frank feedback on the advisability of such a
session.
My thought is that we would hold this meeting at an airport hotel in Dallas when all or
most of us can be present. The dates I can attend are: September 15, 16, 18, 20, 21,
22. If any of these will work for you, please let me know by noon on September 12.
I recognize that accommodating this meeting will require each of you to adjust your
very busy schedules.
I have asked Commissioner Beebe and Counsel Sweeney to be available as needed.
Sincerely,
Brady
ORO Gillham 137
10/25/11
From: Mossman, Kenneth S.
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Re: statement
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 10:40:22 PM
Too late now anyway. Personally, I don't see it as a big deal.
Kenny Mossman
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 31, 2011, at 10:35 PM, "Castiglione, Joseph R."
wrote:
Haven't heard anything yet.
From: Mossman, Kenneth S.
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 08:39 PM
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: statement
We are disappointed by today's announcement that Texas A&M plans to leave the Big 12
Conference. The conference is working through difficult period, but maintains a
membership that is committed to its success. The University of Oklahoma is joining with
peer institutions in seeking the preservation of the Big 12. Everyone associated with OU
can rest assured that we are acting decisively and with great awareness of the
circumstances we face. The actions we take will always represent those that are in the
best and long-term interest of the University.
ORO Gillham 138
10/25/11
From: Mossman, Kenneth S.
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: RE: Stoops Comments
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 10:33:29 AM
I heard all of his comments and he was supportive of the Big 12. This is a handful of sentences out
of a 45-minute presser. They ventured into some hypotheticals that perhaps would have been
better left alone, but this story references several quotes that are a year old. He did not utter
those things again yesterday. And Dave interpreted the “landing” quote as a reference to moving
to a new league, but I took it to mean that Bob was saying we would always be in a good position
regardless of our affiliation. He was not discounting the Big 12.
From: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 10:29 AM
To: Mossman, Kenneth S.
Subject: FW: Stoops Comments
From: Dan Beebe [mailto:Dan@Big12Sports.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 9:53 AM
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Fw: Stoops Comments
Joe--Please call me as soon as you can regarding this. Thx.
----- Original Message -----
From: Tim Allen
To: Donnie Duncan; Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser
Sent: Wed Aug 31 09:41:28 2011
Subject: FW: Stoops Comments
Dave Sittler: Bob Stoops pondering life without a Big 12
by: DAVE SITTLER World Sports Columnist
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
8/31/2011 5:13:36 AM
________________________________
NORMAN - Would a watered-down Big 12 Conference make Bob Stoops rethink his future at Oklahoma?
When I posed that question to OU's football coach after his Tuesday press conference, Stoops' silence spoke
volumes.
Stoops confirmed that watching the ongoing conference realignment around the country reinforces the necessity for
the Big 12 to take swift and dramatic action.
The Sooner Nation has lived through several tense situations as other schools came after Stoops. But no one would
have thought a crumbling Big 12 might cost them a coach who obviously doesn't want to leave.
ORO Gillham 139
10/25/11
Stoops said he is somewhat surprised he will start his 13th season at OU with Saturday's opener against Tulsa. But
from recent conversations I've had with him, it seems clear that Stoops, who turns 51 on Sept. 9, now hopes to
coach the Sooners for perhaps another decade.
During his first 10 years, rumors of Stoops leaving for another job were relentless. But after he rejected several
opportunities, including Notre Dame and Florida (twice), athletic directors finally got the message that he is happy
at OU.
So why would he bolt now? Because he's a competitor who wants to continue chasing national championships,
which is easier at a school in a strong BCS conference.
The original Big 12 provided the perfect avenue for Stoops to win the 2000 national championship and to take the
Sooners to three more BCS title games.
But the already weakened Big 12 could absorb a fatal blow when Texas A&M jumps to the SEC. The loss of the
tradition-rich Aggies, along with Colorado and perennial powerhouse Nebraska, has left the league a mere shell of
its former powerful self.
Big 12 leaders are scrambling to find a replacement for A&M so the league can continue its survival plan of 10
teams. But Stoops said during his press conference that the future is larger conferences.
"Do I like the 10-team thing? Sure," Stoops said. "Did I like it better with 12 teams? Probably.
"Ten would have been fine, but 12 in today's landscape and with the (league) championship game is probably
better."
The Big 12's downsizing prohibits it from conducting a championship contest. And there apparently aren't enough
BCS-level schools seeking membership so the league could expand to the 12 required for a title game.
"We'll land in a strong position," said Stoops, in an apparent reference to OU finding a new conference home. "I
believe that (because) we've got too strong a hand here."
Stoops knows a league requires strength in numbers. One or two strong programs in a 10-member conference won't
cut it if the expansion trend continues to 14- and 16-team conferences.
A year ago, Stoops endorsed the idea of OU joining the then-Pac-10 when that league attempted to expand to 16
members. He confirmed Tuesday that membership in a Pac-16 still excites him.
"Think about it," Stoops said. "A (league) championship game in the Rose Bowl, going to USC to play, the Rose
Bowl and playing UCLA (the storied stadium serves as the Bruins' home field) ..."
Stoops also still believes if the Sooners eventually head west that it's vital to take at least three Big 12 teams with
them. When commissioner Larry Scott was trying to grow the Pac-10 to 16 teams, he wanted to add OU,
Oklahoma State, Texas and possibly Texas Tech.
"It's very important, because of (playing) games in this area and recruiting in Texas is still going to matter to us,"
Stoops said of at least two Texas-based Big 12 teams joining OU on the Left Coast. "Half our games would be here,
and then we'd have a couple down there (Texas) for recruiting purposes."
The perfect storm for Stoops would be for the Big 12 to rebuild by adding three teams with reputation that will
restore the league's tarnished national image. He loves the Big 12's reported Hail Mary attempt to attract Notre
Dame.
"We have to play (Notre Dame) next year anyway," said Stoops, who semi-joked that the contest with the Irish
"might as well be in the conference.
"Sure, I'd like to see them come in. Who wouldn't?"
ORO Gillham 140
10/25/11
Notre Dame officials reconfirmed Monday the school's intentions to remain an independent. Unless Arkansas and a
couple of other BCS schools decide to join the Big 12, the long-term future looks bleak.
Or maybe not. The Big 12 is reportedly relying on the secret efforts of the two men Stoops said are why he is still at
OU - president David Boren and athletic director Joe Castiglione.
Sources close to those mapping out the Big 12's strategy said yesterday "the key players remain David Boren and
Joe Castiglione in many ways. They have the key ideas."
Boren and Castiglione haven't even acknowledged their involvement in the Big 12's fight for survival. But the
league isn't the only one depending on them.
Acknowledging that he's a bit stunned he's still at OU, Stoops said, "the strongest reason why, is the administration
and their support.
"I keep in touch with Joe and President Boren (about expansion). They keep me up to date with how things are
going and what the latest is."
Boren and Castiglione obviously know what the latest news is on their football coach - Stoops wants the security of
knowing the Sooners' conference future is strong enough to keep him at OU for the long haul.
ORO Gillham 141
10/25/11
From: Hathaway, Nicholas S.
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: RE: Update
Date: Thursday, August 25, 2011 4:08:21 PM
Thanks Joe. I never replied but I certainly appreciate your efforts to keep me in the loop.
Nick
From: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 5:09 PM
To: Hathaway, Nicholas S.
Subject: FW: Update
FYI
From: Boren, David L.
Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 2:02 PM
To: john.bell@okcclinic.com; momksce@aol.com; Rick Dunning; jstuart@tulsacoxmail.com;
mweitzenhoffer@cox.net; cbennett@dorcap.com
Cc: Purcell, Chris A.; Castiglione, Joseph R.; Watson, Julie A.
Subject: Update
Dear John, Leslie, Rick, Tom, Jon, Max and Clay,
I wanted to let you know that the Big 12 Presidents today adopted my proposal for a one year
moratorium on the broadcast of high school games on the networks of any member institution. We
further voted to recommend that the NCAA also impose a one year moratorium while they
consider the issue. The vote was 9 in favor with one abstention. You can guess which university
abstained. I just wanted to keep you posted on this matter.
Sincerely,
David
ORO Gillham 142
10/25/11
From: Lee H. Berke
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Re: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how credible thi...
Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011 9:24:06 AM
Thanks. It’s tempting, but I don’t see Notre Dame & Texas making a joint presentation
to the Big Ten and awaiting their response, with the deal terms made public that
night. If it ever happens, it would be the Big Ten courting each school separately, with
the process being kept much more confidential. Big Ten did a pretty good job of
keeping the specifics of their expansion negotiations out of the media last time
around.
Lee
On 9/9/11 2:27 PM, "Joseph Castiglione" wrote:
From: PetticrewR@aol.com [mailto:PetticrewR@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2011 12:25 PM
To: Boren, David L.; Castiglione, Joseph R.; btramel@opubco.com;
jayflintoncpa@aol.com
Cc: PetticrewR@aol.com
Subject: Fwd: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how credible thi...
Depending on its credibility, this e-mail is very timely and informative!
Rick Petticrew
From: paulpetticrew@aol.com
To: PetticrewR@aol.com
Sent: 9/9/2011 11:53:40 A.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Fwd: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how
credible this is-posted Thursday
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Lunsford
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Sent: Fri, Sep 9, 2011 10:18 am
ORO Gillham 143
10/25/11
Subject: Very intriguing post about B10 expansion-I have no idea how
credible this is-posted Thursday
Terms Presented by Notre Dame and Texas Reply
Earlier this evening, Notre Dame and Texas jointly presented the Big Ten
Conference with their proposed terms of entry into the conference. These
terms resulted from lengthy discussions among both schools and the Big
Ten over the past several months.
The major items include:
1. The preservation of an eight game (plus championship) conference
football schedule. Both ND and Texas wish to preserve rivalries with non-
Big Ten universities on a regular basis. This would require the Big Ten to
abandon its current plans of a 9 game conference schedule.
2. The staggering of the schedule to allow for mid-season scheduling with
non-conference football opponents.
3. The preservation of the status quo conference makeup until
approximately 2014, unless the Big XII fails to retain key (NOT including
A&M) conference members. This will provide the member schools, acting in
unison, with the greatest leverage negotiating ongoing television contracts,
particularly with ESPN.
4. Should Texas depart the conference for the Big Ten before ND due to
the further disintegration of the Big XII, ND will remain independent until
approximately 2014
5. The Longhorn Network would remain independent until approximately
2014, at which point the network would become a part of an expanded Big
Ten Network (specifically referred to as "BTN2"), likely either in partnership
with Fox, NBC, or less likely ABC
The Big Ten just wrapped up a meeting to initially consider all of the terms
presented by the schools, including the aforementioned.
Notably, there is a general discontent with the reporting of the situation by
ESPN with specific regard to Texas. ESPN has, for self-serving purposes,
drastically exaggerated the lean of Texas to the Pac12 conference in nearly
all commentary. ESPN has essentially waged a propaganda campaign to
drive support among the Texas stakeholders to the Pac12 conference.
ESPN has gone so far as to attempt to accelerate the disintegration of the
Big XII to pressure Texas into making an immediate conference change
decision. Texas has steadfastly resisted change, and will do so until the
appropriate time occurs for Texas to stand in a strong position to
renegotiate television contracts, including with ESPN.
In reality, the preference expressed by Texas' relevant leadership is to
depart the Big XII for the Big Ten at the time that gives Texas the greatest
leverage in negotiating a new television rights deal. The Big Ten and Texas
agreed that Texas should do what is best for Texas, which they also both
agree is a move by Texas to join the Big Ten Conference. Delaney's top
priority has been to create an environment for Texas and Notre Dame to
join the conference on mutually benefical terms.
Notre Dame has an interest in preserving its traditional rivalries, three of
which occur already in the Big Ten, and creating a new national rivalry with
a traditional powerhouse. The Big Ten believes that ND prefers
independence, but realizes that it will soon have no choice but to join a
ORO Gillham 144
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conference. The Big Ten also believes that ND is trying to position itself so
that if it must join a conference, it does so on the most favorable terms
possible. Hence the return to the 8 game schedule and a protected game
with national power Texas. The Big Ten will attempt to create a mutually
beneficial environment for ND that allows it to preserve a great deal of
independence to retain all its traditional rivalries within the conference
context.
The initial mood at the Big Ten to the terms provided by the two schools is
"receptive."
ORO Gillham 145
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From: Kirk Richardson
To: davidboren@ou.edu; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Realignment - a fan"s perspective
Date: Thursday, September 08, 2011 11:08:44 AM
President Boren & Vice-President Castiglione,
I have my doubts whether this email will actually make it to either one of
you. I'm sure your email volume is such that it must be pre-screened
due to your time demands and limited availability. You have much more
important responsibilities than reading every email an OU fan may send
you. No need to have anyone send me a reply.
I'm 51, a professional manger in the I.T. field, and an avid OU fan that
lives just outside of Omaha, have since 1987. I was born in OKC and
grew up rooting for the Sooners. I married a Husker girl and have to deal
with my 7 yr old daughter that likes the Huskers over OU :)
I was very upset last summer as all the Big 12 drama unfolded. Could
not have been more disappointed about Nebraska leaving. I am not
a "Texas hater" but love the rivalry and love to see us beat them each
October. I was happy to see President Boren make his comments this
past Friday and make it clear that OU would dictate it's own future,
regardless of what any other university did - in particular, Texas.
In my opinion, Texas has worn out their welcome and caused most of the
problems that are at the root of the Big 12's very public dysfunction. My
hope is that we separate ourselves from them in regards to conference
affiliation. The sooner, the better. The price of staying with them feels
like a "Pyrrhic victory". The value received is less than the cost. It's
causing collateral damage to OU's reputation and image. I'd like to go
back to just playing them out of conference every year, if that's still
possible.
I can't begin to know all the factors and pressures involved in your
consideration of OU's conference affiliation future. I also understand that
there are groups of fans and alumni that like the different conference
options we may have - PAC-12, B1G, SEC. My personal opinion is that
the Big 12 is not worth remaining in if it includes Texas. I feel the SEC's
culture does not match the image you have been shaping of OU for
several years. The B1G is probably out if they won't take OSU with us.
So, we may be left with the PAC-12, which I prefer over the others
anyway. The travel issues, especially for the non-revenue producing
sports, would be significant. I understand Sheri Coale's and others'
resistance to moving in that direction. Ultimately though, I feel that is
the best direction for OU. While I would (and already do) feel bad for the
Big 12 conference members that would have fewer options, it shouldn't
mean that we have to stay in a conference that is going to allow Texas to
ORO Gillham 146
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rule over it - and by use of any means. If you choose to stay in the Big
12 with Texas, my hope is that it includes the conditions of equal
revenue for all members, stiff restrictions on school networks - what they
can show, and a new commissioner that is not hand-picked by Texas.
There are two other, out-of-the box scenarios that I would ask you to
consider;
(1) Give the Big 12 notice that you are leaving. Do not submit an invite
to any other conference at this time. Make yourself a free-agent that is
not in a hurry to decide where you'll ultimately reside. I realize this may
be impractical do to the extreme difficulty in making schedules for all the
teams. Would giving (almost) two years notice reduce this burden?
(2) Leave and start a new conference. No Texas. I know, that if you lead,
others will follow.You could decide who to invite and shape it in your
image of what makes a conference successful. You have both the athletic
prowess to pull this off, but also the political power and respect needed
for such an adventurous undertaking. This may be my most preferred
choice. Think what this would do for OU's image ten or twenty years from
now.
In closing, I want you to know how proud I am of both of you and the
manner in which you have handled yourselves during this realignment
process - including all of the difficult times in the summer of 2010. I am
truly appreciative of your genuine efforts to do the right thing for the
conference as a whole, while also having the ultimate responsibility to do
what is best for OU long-term. I feel the same way about Bob Stoops.
He's a class guy that runs a class program.
It's time for difficult decisions to be made. Godspeed and best wishes
during these most trying of times.
Thanks,
Kirk Richardson
ORO Gillham 147
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From: Kirk Richardson
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Realignment - a fan"s perspective
Date: Thursday, September 08, 2011 12:36:38 PM
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kirk Richardson
Date: Thu, Sep 8, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Subject: Realignment - a fan's perspective
To: davidboren@ou.edu, jcastiglione@ou.edu
President Boren & Vice-President Castiglione,
I have my doubts whether this email will actually make it to either one of
you. I'm sure your email volume is such that it must be pre-screened
due to your time demands and limited availability. You have much more
important responsibilities than reading every email an OU fan may send
you. No need to have anyone send me a reply.
I'm 51, a professional manger in the I.T. field, and an avid OU fan that
lives just outside of Omaha, have since 1987. I was born in OKC and
grew up rooting for the Sooners. I married a Husker girl and have to deal
with my 7 yr old daughter that likes the Huskers over OU :)
I was very upset last summer as all the Big 12 drama unfolded. Could
not have been more disappointed about Nebraska leaving. I am not
a "Texas hater" but love the rivalry and love to see us beat them each
October. I was happy to see President Boren make his comments this
past Friday and make it clear that OU would dictate it's own future,
regardless of what any other university did - in particular, Texas.
In my opinion, Texas has worn out their welcome and caused most of the
problems that are at the root of the Big 12's very public dysfunction. My
hope is that we separate ourselves from them in regards to conference
affiliation. The sooner, the better. The price of staying with them feels
like a "Pyrrhic victory". The value received is less than the cost. It's
causing collateral damage to OU's reputation and image. I'd like to go
back to just playing them out of conference every year, if that's still
possible.
I can't begin to know all the factors and pressures involved in your
consideration of OU's conference affiliation future. I also understand that
there are groups of fans and alumni that like the different conference
options we may have - PAC-12, B1G, SEC. My personal opinion is that
the Big 12 is not worth remaining in if it includes Texas. I feel the SEC's
culture does not match the image you have been shaping of OU for
ORO Gillham 148
10/25/11
several years. The B1G is probably out if they won't take OSU with us.
So, we may be left with the PAC-12, which I prefer over the others
anyway. The travel issues, especially for the non-revenue producing
sports, would be significant. I understand Sheri Coale's and others'
resistance to moving in that direction. Ultimately though, I feel that is
the best direction for OU. While I would (and already do) feel bad for the
Big 12 conference members that would have fewer options, it shouldn't
mean that we have to stay in a conference that is going to allow Texas to
rule over it - and by use of any means. If you choose to stay in the Big
12 with Texas, my hope is that it includes the conditions of equal
revenue for all members, stiff restrictions on school networks - what they
can show, and a new commissioner that is not hand-picked by Texas.
There are two other, out-of-the box scenarios that I would ask you to
consider;
(1) Give the Big 12 notice that you are leaving. Do not submit an invite
to any other conference at this time. Make yourself a free-agent that is
not in a hurry to decide where you'll ultimately reside. I realize this may
be impractical do to the extreme difficulty in making schedules for all the
teams. Would giving (almost) two years notice reduce this burden?
(2) Leave and start a new conference. No Texas. I know, that if you lead,
others will follow.You could decide who to invite and shape it in your
image of what makes a conference successful. You have both the athletic
prowess to pull this off, but also the political power and respect needed
for such an adventurous undertaking. This may be my most preferred
choice. Think what this would do for OU's image ten or twenty years from
now.
In closing, I want you to know how proud I am of both of you and the
manner in which you have handled yourselves during this realignment
process - including all of the difficult times in the summer of 2010. I am
truly appreciative of your genuine efforts to do the right thing for the
conference as a whole, while also having the ultimate responsibility to do
what is best for OU long-term. I feel the same way about Bob Stoops.
He's a class guy that runs a class program.
It's time for difficult decisions to be made. Godspeed and best wishes
during these most trying of times.
Thanks,
Kirk Richardson
--
Kirk
ORO Gillham 149
10/25/11
From: Jeff Smith
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: realignment
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 2:36:26 PM
David,
I know I am an insignificant KU fan, but I just wanted to e-mail you in an attempt to get you to save
the Big 12.
The Big 12 is one of the top 2 or 3 conferences in the country and with OU and Texas will always be
that, throw KU
in there for BB. Come on you have to admit A&M isn't that big of a loss, what have they really brought
to the conference
over the years, except for whining about them being equal to OU and Texas when in reality KU is
ahead of them when it comes
to total revenue. Please take into consideration the travel, starting times of games for TV and
numerous other things that will
effect the fans and student athletes. The Longhorn network is a joke, no one even carries it, you are
OU and are very powerful.
Please get this done. Thanks for your time.
Thank you,
Jeff Smith
ORO Gillham 150
10/25/11
From: Clark, Jerry L - TULSA OK
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Realignment
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011 10:55:46 AM
Attachments: ole0.bmp
President Boren,
My vote on realignment would be, first to remain in the Big
12 and, second move to the Pac 10 (only if absolutely
necessary). I have attended 45 consecutive OU/texas games
but do not care to continue this series under the present
administration at Texas. Thank you for everything you have
done for OU.
Jerry Clark
Worcester House – fall of 1965 – we were there together.
Thanks again.
Jerry L. Clark, CFP
Vice President
Wealth Manager
918-586-8127
888-763-6295
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ORO Gillham 151
10/25/11
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ORO Gillham 152
10/25/11
From: Shero, John C Mr CIV USA MEDCOM HQ
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Save Big 12 Athletics
Date: Friday, September 09, 2011 4:22:50 PM
President Boren,
I am proud of the legendary football heritage of our great state. I cannot imagine any
better rivalries than those that exist among the great Oklahoma and Texas teams. Are
you seriously convinced that these historic relationships have no more benefit? Do
you really believe Oklahoma is stronger when its football future is governed by
conference offices in California and Florida? I sincerely request that you to recommit
your loyalties to the Big 12, our students, student athletes, their families and to the
taxpayers who have entrusted our states' future to your leadership.
Respectfully,
John Shero
ORO Gillham 153
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From: Julian Walters
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Say NO to the Pac 1_
Date: Friday, September 02, 2011 11:36:30 PM
Mr. Boren,
While I wish all of the focus right now was on things dealing with the actual sport of college football,
fans are forced to care about something that they have absolutely no influence on. Thus, I'm e-mailing
you.
In a nutshell, I'm a lifelong OU fan, an alum and a donor. And, the idea of OU going to the Pac 12
makes me want to mail my diploma back to my alma mater.
That conference offers absolutely no intrigue for me as a college football fan. Passion and the Pac 12
are not things that go together. They simply don't care about college football the same way that people
in our state do. It's a horrible fit, especially when this whole mess is about football and TV contracts -
NOT academics.
If OU goes to the Pac 12, my days of traveling to OU road games are over. I want to spend my time,
money and energy traveling to CFB venues that are notorious hot spots for CFB fans. Besides, in a Pac
16, we won't be going to the more enticing venues very often. Autzen Stadium? We'll go there once a
decade. Husky Stadium? We'll go there once a decade. Lubbock? Every other year. Tempe? Couldn't
care less about watching a football game in the desert sun.
However, the SEC and Big 10 are worthy of our program's history and tradition. The fans care. The
stadiums are huge and are full.
Most importantly, the schedules would be fun and worth my entertainment dollar. I'd gladly pay more
as a donor to ensure that I keep my season tickets for an SEC West schedule. And, I'd gladly pay more
per head for a home conference schedule that consisted of Michigan, Nebraska, Penn State and Purdue.
The Pac 1_ is simply an awful fit for OU in every single way. Geographically, conference fan support,
intriguing conference competition. You name it and the SEC and Big 10 are monumentally better
destinations than the Pac 1_. I would prefer saving the Big 12 than going to a league that simply
doesn't fit OU.
By the way, if OU never ever plays OSU again in any sporting event, that would be absolutely fine by
me. I wouldn't miss it at all. I miss Nebraska. And, I'd miss Texas in the Cotton Bowl. But OSU?
They are irrelevant to me.
Give me brats in the midwest or grits in the south on gameday. Both of those conferences are worthy
of us and we are worthy of them. The Pac 1_? Please.
Live on university,
Julian Walters
Class of '72
ORO Gillham 154
10/25/11
From: Lee H. Berke
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.; Naifeh, Larry E.; Gollahalli, Anil V.
Subject: Scott/Pac-12 Article
Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011 10:19:15 AM
Article/interview running in various media outlets across the country. At least for
public consumption, Scott’s sending signals:
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/article_04cea6b8-c8e3-5e79-9952-
d922c93142fd.html
Lee H. Berke
President & CEO
LHB Sports, Entertainment & Media, Inc.
258 Nelson Rd.
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-954-1740
lhberke@lhbmedia.com
www.lhbmedia.com
ORO Gillham 155
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From: Stansel, Randy
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: SEC
Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011 9:50:03 PM
With all due respect President Boren, your insistence on not considering the SEC is frustrating to me
and many other OU fans, many are alumni of OU. The SEC is:
-A natural fit geographically, as an SEC school sits 20 miles off of our border. Norman actually sits
"south" of four current SEC schools.
-A fit culturally, as Oklahomans are very southern in their speech, food and friendliness. The road trip
to Tuscaloosa in 2003 was described by most Sooners that were there as the best road game
experience they had ever had. Bama fans said the same thing after their 2002 trip to Norman.
- The SEC is the very best conference in America and has been such for many years now. It is
managed the best and the teams are the very best.
-The SEC has some very good schools academically, as at least four or five schools are rated higher
than OU is presently.
-The SEC would be a much more convenient travel location for OU fans to see their beloved Sooners
play.
-The SEC covets the University of Oklahoma. Your first choice, the PAC 12 does not. Your second choice
the Big Ten, does not.
-With the PAC 12 and the Big Ten not interested in OU, and your rejection of the SEC, leaves OU with
the Big XII, and now not only do we have a conference becoming weaker each year, we have one that
will start paying OU less money.
President Boren, I know you can see the downside here that is developing. This could turn out very bad
for OU, despite your feelings that everyone wants OU. Not everyone President Boren, just the vey best
wants OU, and aren't we the very best too? I ask you to do your due diligence and check out the SEC.
See what A&M likes. Maybe when you see the big picture, you will like it too. I and countless other OU
fans think you will.
Thank you Sir for your time, BOOMER SOONER !
Randy Stansel
BBA 1977
_from Chip Brown of Orangebloods.com______________________________
Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott notified Oklahoma and Oklahoma State on Thursday the Pac-12 would
not be expanding at this time, multiple sources have told Orangebloods.com.
Scott's declaration - reiterated in comments he made to reporters at the Arizona State-Missouri game
Friday night - raise questions about what Oklahoma's conference options are at this time.
"We haven't spent one minute thinking about going further, that's not our desire," Scott told reporters
Friday about possible expansion. "It's when all this discussion started happening in the Big 12 and it
seems like the SEC is going to go beyond 12 and teams started approaching, let's take a step back and
look at the future - if the landscape is going to change."
Added Scott, "We think 12 is a good number and when we look at our peer conferences, they're at 12,
too, so we think it's an evenly balanced, competitive landscape. And with the new TV deal that we've
got done, the new network we've got, we're thrilled with our position. We've pretty completely
repositioned where the Pac-12 fits in the overall landscape and we've got some real work to do to make
12 work."
Oklahoma president David Boren last Friday sent shockwaves through the Big 12 by telling reporters the
Sooners were being active in exploring their conference options.
Subsequent reports out of Oklahoma said the Sooners were focused solely on the Pac-12. But that
ORO Gillham 156
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appears to be a dead end. For now.
The Southeastern Conference has expressed interest in OU, dating to last year's realignment, sources
said. Texas A&M also tried to convince OU to make the move to the SEC over the past month, sources
said.
But OU has repeatedly indicated there is not interest in the SEC.
So what are the Sooners' options at this point?
Unless OU changes its mind about the SEC, the Sooners' options may be limited.
There are varying viewpoints within the Big 12 about whether Oklahoma would go anywhere without
Texas. And Texas doesn't want to go anywhere. The Longhorns are working to hold the Big 12
together, so UT can hang onto its Longhorn Network.
But Texas may have to work a little harder to convince OU's president and board of regents the Big 12
is worth sticking around for.
Sources reiterated on Saturday that Texas appears willing to make some concessions to try and hold the
league together. Orangebloods.com reported on Friday that sources indicate Texas is supportive of
equal revenue sharing from the league's Tier 1 television deal with ABC/ESPN.
But that doesn't necessarily help OU from a financial standpoint. In fact, it probably hurts the Sooners.
OU is already one of the haves in the Big 12 when it comes to making more money from the Tier 1
contract (which pays the most to those who appear the most on TV). So sharing that revenue equally
would probably mean a reduction in TV revenue for OU.
Another source close to the situation said, "Texas needs to extend a hand to A&M and resolve the
issues. Keeping A&M is the only way to save the Big 12."
But A&M is focused solely on getting to the Southeastern Conference despite the threat of legal action
from a handful of members in the Big 12 this week.
"The events of this week have not changed our plans in regards to the Big 12," an A&M official told
Orangebloods.com. "Our primary focus is on the SEC at this time."
In other words, if holding A&M in the Big 12 is the only way to save the conference, the conference
remains firmly in jeopardy no matter how long this forced marriage continues.
Sounds like it's time for the Big 12 and its members to get creative in a hurry to figure things out during
this pause in realignment.
Or other conferences could use the time to get creative and entice members of the Big 12 to make
plans to leave in a year or two - whenever A&M feels like it can get away.
Stay tuned.
This post was edited on 9/10 1:03 PM by ChipBrown
Thank you,
Alan Moody
Shift Team Leader
IPR-GDF SUEZ North America, Generation
4601 Brookhollow Drive
Midlothian, Tx 76065
alan.moody@gdfsuezna.com
Cell 817-773-3088
Fax 972-923-7470
ORO Gillham 157
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From: Billy Melton
To: Boren, David L.; Meeks, Janis D.; Purcell, Chris A.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: SEC Please!
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 3:02:27 PM
SEC!
ORO Gillham 159
10/25/11
From: stan scism
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Cc: Boren, David L.
Subject: Secure OU
Date: Friday, September 02, 2011 10:25:27 PM
Dear Sir
As a OU grad, I think that we should leave
the Big 12 conference. With the departure
of Colorado, Nebraska last year and
now Texa A&M, It will be impossible to
replace the departed teams with other
teams that have the stature of the teams
that departed. I felt that is was a grave
mistake when Colorado and Nebraska left
the conference not to aline with the Pac-
10 . Now the the departure of Texas A&M
, the Big 12 is defunct. It is my hope that
we aline OU with the Pac-10 and
secure the best possible future for OU.
Stan Scism
Class of 1970
ORO Gillham 160
10/25/11
From: Melanie Ellis
To: Brady Deaton; Ken Starr; Burns Hargis; Boren, David L.; William "Bill" Powers; Gregory Geoffroy; R. Bowen
Loftin; Kirk Schulz; Guy Bailey; Bernadette Gray-Little
Cc: Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; Kevin Sweeney; Brian Wallace; Susan Loomis
Subject: Statement
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 5:49:14 PM
FYI
September 7, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from Big 12 Conference commissioner Dan Beebe on the conditional acceptance
of Texas A&M by the Southeastern Conference
“This is the first time to my knowledge that a conference has been requested to waive any
legal claims toward another conference for any damages suffered with a membership
change. The Big 12 Conference was asked by Texas A&M University and the Southeastern
Conference to waive any such claim to help facilitate Texas A&M’s departure from the
Conference without any consideration to the Big 12. Although they were not obligated to
do so, the Big 12 Board of Directors decided to accommodate that request as it relates to
The Big 12 Conference, Inc., which is reflected in the September 2 letter sent to SEC
commissioner Mike Slive. However, the waiver did not and could not bind the individual
member institutions’ governing boards to waive institutional rights. If the departure of
Texas A&M results in significant changes in the Big 12 membership, several institutions
may be severely affected after counting on revenue streams from contracts that were
approved unanimously by our members, including Texas A&M. In some cases, members
reasonably relied on such approval to embark on obligations that will cost millions of
dollars.”
Bob Burda
Big 12 Conference
469/524-1007
All Big 12. All the time. Big12Sports.com.
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
________________________________
From: Dan Beebe
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 4:25 PM
To: Brian Wallace; Bob Burda; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen
Cc: Kevin Sweeney; Melanie Ellis
Subject: RE: Updated Statement
Bob: Please clean up our attorney’s version and I will send to Brady. Thanks.
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
ORO Gillham 161
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Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail:
dan@big12sports.com
Website:
www.big12sports.com
________________________________
From: Brian Wallace
[mailto:BWallace@Polsinelli.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 4:22 PM
To: Dan Beebe; Bob Burda; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen
Cc: Kevin Sweeney; Melanie Ellis
Subject: RE: Updated Statement
Dan,
Attached are comments from me and Kevin. Please call me if you have any questions and
I can patch Kevin in. Thanks.
Brian
BRIAN G. WALLACE | Polsinelli Shughart PC | Attorney
700 W. 47th Street, Suite 1000, Kansas City, MO 64112 | 816.360.4325 direct |
816.572.5325 fax
________________________________
From: Kevin Sweeney
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 3:57 PM
To: Brian Wallace
Subject: Fwd: Updated Statement
Sent from my IPad.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Tim Weiser
tweiser@Big12Sports.com>
Date: September 7, 2011 3:53:00 PM CDT
To: Bob Burda
Bob@Big12Sports.com>, Dan Beebe
Dan@Big12Sports.com>, Tim Allen
Tima@Big12Sports.com>, Kevin Sweeney
KSweeney@Polsinelli.com>
Cc: Melanie Ellis
Melanie@Big12Sports.com>
Subject: RE: Updated Statement
Unanimously and every conference member is redundant
________________________________
ORO Gillham 162
10/25/11
From: Bob Burda
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 3:49 PM
To: Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; 'Kevin Sweeney'
Cc: Melanie Ellis
Subject: RE: Updated Statement
Dan and all-
Cleaned this up to read more like a statement from the Commissioner. Is it good to go?
Statement from Big 12 Conference commissioner Dan Beebe on conditional acceptance of
Texas A&M by the Southeastern Conference:
“This is the first time to my knowledge that a conference has been requested to waive any
legal claims toward another conference for any damages suffered with a membership
change. The Big 12 members decided to accommodate that request as it relates to Big 12
Conference, Inc., which is reflected in the September 2 letter sent to SEC commissioner
Mike Slive. However, the waiver did not and could not bind the individual member
institutions’ governing boards to waive institutional rights. If the departure of Texas A&M
results in significant changes in the Big 12 membership, several institutions may be
severely affected after counting on revenue streams from contracts that were approved
unanimously by every Conference member, including Texas A&M. In some cases,
members reasonably relied on such approval to embark on obligations that will cost
millions of dollars.”
Bob Burda
Big 12 Conference
469/524-1007
All Big 12. All the time. Big12Sports.com.
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
________________________________
From: Dan Beebe
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 3:32 PM
To: Bob Burda; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; 'Kevin Sweeney'
Cc: Melanie Ellis
Subject: RE: Updated Statement
Thanks. I rewrote it. More legalistic than a release, but that may be how we have to do
it.
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail:
dan@big12sports.com
Website:
www.big12sports.com
From: Bob Burda
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 2:29 PM
ORO Gillham 163
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To: Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; 'Kevin Sweeney'
Cc: Melanie Ellis
Subject: Updated Statement
Dan, Kevin and Tims-
DRAFT
This is the first time to our knowledge that a conference has been requested to waive any
legal claims toward another conference for any damages suffered for a membership
change. The Big 12 members decided to accommodate that request as it relates to the
Big 12 Conference, Inc., which is reflected in the September 2 letter sent by
Commissioner Dan Beebe to SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. The waiver did not and could
not, however, bind the individual member institutions’ governing boards to waive
institutional rights. If the departure of Texas A&M results in significant changes in the Big
12 membership, several institutions may be severely affected after counting on revenue
streams from contracts that were approved unanimously by every Conference member,
including Texas A&M. In some cases, members reasonably relied on such approval to
embark on obligations that will cost millions of dollars.
Bob Burda
Big 12 Conference
469/524-1007
All Big 12. All the time. Big12Sports.com.
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
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ORO Gillham 164
10/25/11
From: Simon, Stephanie S
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Surprising?
Date: Monday, August 29, 2011 8:14:28 AM
Or no? Saw this on Sports Business Daily this AM and thought I’d take your temperature on it. I’m
actually headed to OK this Wednesday – so Dr. McGinnis can do my ACL reconstruction. Can you
believe it? At least it’s on my other knee. Hope all is well!
Texas A&M Expected To Announce Big 12 Departure This Week
The Big 12 expects Texas A&M Univ. officials to announce this week that the school "plans to leave
the conference." A source said that A&M officials "talked about their anticipated departure" during
a conference BOD meeting on Saturday. The source added that "likely the only thing that could
keep that from happening would be if the 12-team SEC determines it is not ready to add any more
teams at this point" (AP, 8/28).
Stephanie S. Simon I The Private Bank at J.P. Morgan I HEDgE FunD PrIncIPAlS TEAM
p: (212) 464-2365 | f: (212) 464-1312 | e: stephanie.s.simon@jpmorgan.com
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ORO Gillham 165
10/25/11
From: Mike Martinez
To: Plonsky, Chris; deloss.dodds@athletics.utexas.edu; Post, Elizabeth S.; Boren, David L.; Castiglione, Joseph R.;
president@po.utexas.edu
Subject: SW Super Conference
Date: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 4:42:47 PM
To all,
I am sure much thought is going into conference realignment, and although I am not in favor of
this chain of events, fact is that College Football is just about on the precipice of a major overhaul.
Therefore I felt compelled to share with you my personal opinion of a way the Big 12 could be
proactive. Consider this email a longhorn fan’s perspective (FYI – I am a University of Texas -
Longhorn Foundation Donor). As you will note by the addressees to this email I believe that OU and
Texas combined have more strength working together than if we are divided. So I base this
communication on the hopes that the two universities have similar goals.
If we assume that “super conferences” are the future of college football and if we assume there
will be four primary super conferences (out of the current 11 Division 1A conferences) it is my
opinion that you create these by geographical region of the US (SW, NW, SE, NE). This will be the
best chance of maintaining some of the traditional rivalries which is one of the major reasons why
college athletics is so great and exciting to watch. Additionally, this could be a catalyst for creating
some sort of football playoff scenario (possibly a Plus 1 system). I think you could align four major
BCS bowls with each conference and then add in one additional bowl which could fit into a rotation
which would hold the National Championship.
In effort to keep the existing Big 12 intact (9 teams) and taking the Southern (regionally speaking)
portion of the Pac 10 and then adding in some independents and/or other regional schools - my
make-up of the first Super Conference – SW Super Conference - would be:
Arizona [ORV; ORV]
Arizona St. [ORV; ORV]
Baylor [ ; ]
BYU [ORV; ORV]
California [ ; ]
Colorado [ ; ]
*Iowa St. [ ; ]
Kansas [ ; ]
Kansas St. [ ; ]
**Missouri [21; 21]
Notre Dame [16; 18]
Oklahoma [1;1]
Oklahoma St. [9;8]
Texas [ORV; 24]
Texas Tech [ ; ]
UCLA [ ; ]
USC [25; ]
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Utah [ORV; ORV]
Possible additions:
(4) Air Force [ORV; ORV]
Army [ ; ]
(3) Boise St. [5; 7]
Houston [ORV; ORV]
Navy [ ; ]
Nevada [ORV; ORV]
New Mexico [ ; ]
San Diego State [ ; ]
SMU [ ; ]
(2) Stanford [7; 6]
(1) TCU [14; 15]
UNLV [ ; ]
Ideally a Super Conference has between 16 and 20 teams with the max being 24
Number in brackets [Preseason AP ranking; Preseason USA Today ranking]
[ORV = others receiving votes]
Number in parenthesis represents order of preference for first few out of the “possible” category.
*Probably should go to another super conference
**Maybe to another super conference
Alternative SW Super Conference – Combine Pac 10 with part of Big 12 (Texas, Oklahoma, Texas
Tech, Oklahoma State; leaving the remainder of the Big 12 to move amongst the other super
conferences)
As for the other three super conferences, possibilities are:
SE Super Conference – Combine the SEC with the ACC
NW Super Conference – Combine the Pac 10 (12) north with the Mountain West & WAC
NE Super Conference – Combine the Big 10 (12) with the Big East
Obviously there will be some teams left out of the mix but there will be casualties under most
realignment scenarios. And of course some of the other existing conferences (MAC, Conference
USA, Sunbelt) could contribute.
I realize there are many other factors (e.g. Longhorn Network, TV contracts, probably the US
Congress, etc.) which come into play but obviously someone needs to create the first Super
Conference so now is as a good of time as any. Should you wish to have any additional input I
would be more than happy to become involved. Lastly, if you would be so kind as to forward this
on to the Big 12’s offices, in particular, Mr. Dan Beebe, that would be very much appreciated since
their website has not contact info.
Sincere thanks for your time and consideration as you ponder and ultimately make decisions on
ORO Gillham 167
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this topic.
Regards,
Mike Martinez
Office: (817) 870-0130
Fax: (817) 870-0133
4388 Vickery Blvd, Suite 100
Fort Worth, TX 76107
www.EdgeResourcesLLC.com
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ORO Gillham 168
10/25/11
From: Dan Beebe
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M)
Cc: Kevin Sweeney; Tim Weiser; Bob Burda; Melanie Ellis; Tim Allen
Subject: Texas A&M
Date: Monday, August 29, 2011 9:04:46 PM
Dear Board of Directors:
Bowen Loftin notified Brady Deaton tonight that Texas A&M will be sending us a notice to
withdraw in the next day or two. Media reports already are citing Texas A&M sources about
this decision and, therefore, we wanted to get the word to you tonight. We want to
emphasize that we do NOT have the official notice from Texas A&M and request that you
refrain from comment until such notice is received.
Brady and I will work with our assistants to set up teleconferences of the Expansion
Committee and Board of Directors in the next couple of days to address this issue and future
actions.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Dan
Dan Beebe
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Direct Phone: 469-524-1013
Fax: 469-524-1047
E-mail: dan@big12sports.com
Website: www.big12sports.com
ORO Gillham 169
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From: Starr, Ken
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: Thoughtfully considering the future
Date: Sunday, September 04, 2011 11:49:00 AM
David:
For decades, you have had – and continue to win -- my deepest respect and highest admiration.
Watching you in Washington was to see a rarity in modern public life – a true statesman. I know that,
by God’s grace, your statesmanship can preserve this conference. Boards of Regents come and go.
But their legacy will remain forever. And hanging in the balance is this great conference of the
heartland.
The great coaching staff of the University of Oklahoma has thrived and will continue to do so in the Big
12 Conference. Moreover, your wonderful student athletes, and those in their precious families benefit
greatly by the close proximity of your institution to our current Big 12 members.
I hope and, frankly, fervently pray that you can persuade your Board that to bring the conference of the
heartland to a nigh-unto-death experience is inconsistent with the best interests of the families who
believe in the University of Oklahoma.
My Sunday morning pre-worship thought is this: You, an acclaimed Governor, Senator and university
president for seventeen years, have been summoned to serve for a time like this. I urge you to hold
this conference together.
Respectfully, Ken
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From: Christopher.D.Layman.ctr@nga.mil
To: Boren, David L.; Meeks, Janis D.; Purcell, Chris A.; Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: Time for change!!!
Date: Thursday, September 01, 2011 6:55:31 AM
Gentlemen--
I'm sure you are very busy dealing with the myriad of responsibilities connected to your jobs as President and
Athletic Director at the University of Oklahoma, but I hope to take up a little bit of your time regarding the
precarious situation that is the Big 12 Conference. As rumors are floating around the internet and media, I feel
that it is important for you both to hear from a variety of people on this topic--from OU regents, professors,
students, fans, other individuals from fellow member institutions and yes, from people like me as well--before
you make a decision that can either benefit or damage the future of the school and institution that I have
devoted a tremendous amount of love, time and money toward through the decades. I grew up in an OU family
[I'm 38 years old], born and raised in Norman, went to school at OU and attended more games than I can count.
So, I feel an intense connection to the university and feel I would be doing myself a disfavor by not attempting
to address my concerns regarding the ever increasing erosion of what is known as the Big 12.
Simply put gentlemen--the time is now to leave this conference. You both tried valiantly to hang onto it after
Nebraska and Colorado left, but it is clear that this is a wounded and dying entity. OU must be pro-active to
stop itself from harming the brand that many have worked so hard to create and maintain [you two deserve
much credit for increasing this brand to a new level, so you have my appreciation]. To stubbornly deny this
while other institutions bolt for greener pastures can do long-term damage to the greatness that I believe IS the
University of Oklahoma. If rumors are true and Texas A & M [and Missouri, again] are trying to get into the SEC,
replacing them with second-tier schools such as Houston, TCU, SMU, Louisville and the like will not re-stamp the
new-look Big 12 as a national power, it will just be the creation of the Southwestern Conference. OU being in
this sort of conference will hurt the schools’ reputation, both academically and athletically in my opinion. This is
the perception of many, people I have talked to about this. All you need to do is look online, listen to the radio,
look at polls--the people do NOT want this to happen.
It is in OU's best interest as an athletic program, academic institution and national brand to remove ourselves
from a conference in which we really do not have any traditional connection. The Big 12 is a recent creation.
Leaving it to join a more stable, fair and equal conference will not be the end of something OU fans and
supporters have loved and cherished. No, that conference died when the Big 12 was formed and it was called
the Big 8 Conference. The formation of the Big 12 destroyed the tradition filled and beloved Big 8 Conference
for many individuals, including myself. The Texas schools, primarily the University of Texas, came into a
conference filled with rivals and university partners, who had worked together to create a solid, proud
conference and in little more than a decade, destroyed pretty much all the elements that made the Big 8 great.
Maybe this is the simplistic version, but that is the version that holds weight with a lot of people regarding what
went wrong with the merging of these institutions.
What is abundantly clear to practically everyone is that OU happens to share a conference with an out of control
institution that does not care what happens to its fellow conference members. The University of Texas’ actions,
driven by ego, greed and the struggle for endless power, have been to the detriment of every other university
with which they share a conference. Nebraska realized this and now finds themselves in the Big Ten. I envy
Nebraska for getting out of the Big 12. The idea that OU needs to be in a conference with Texas is a completely
new idea--OU existed quite nicely playing them in sports out of conference for about 90 years before we rescued
the defunct SWC teams by letting them into the Big 12. And now they run roughshod on all schools, regardless
of long-term ramifications. OU is better than that. Oklahomans are better than that. We are a proud, proud
people and I'd rather not play Texas in athletic events than to continuously be beneath their boot-heel as they
ORO Gillham 171
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create another sham of a conference that will give into their every desire--be it TV network, staffing every
conference official in the state, etc, etc, etc. We all know that the list of demands from the University of Texas is
long and they are used to getting their way. Not this time. Enough is enough! By permanently linking OU to
Texas decisions is a disastrous mistake that could have horrific consequences if [and when] Texas goes
independent and OU is left without an offer in the Pac-12, SEC or Big Ten because those conferences are done
expanding. I don't relish the idea of sharing a conference with mid-major programs and calling it something
else. That's the sort of delusion that the Big 12 is heading toward now with sub-par institutions replacing those
that left. I'm sorry gentleman, but delusional is the perfect word choice if you think replacing Nebraska with
Houston is a good option.
Since I've taken up a few minutes of your time I might as well say what my choice would be if OU decides to be
pro-active: Pac-12 for academics and SEC for football. Since that cannot happen, I would vote for the PAC-12 as
the football is extremely well respected and the academics are exemplary. With their recent announcement of a
shared TV network, where it appears that ALL universities are working with one another and strong leadership by
their commissioner Larry Scott, I would love to see OU join with the Pac-12. It's not just about sports as there
are some fine academic institutions that OU could be connected to--Stanford, Cal, USC, UCLA to name a few--and
it would a benefit to OU to align ourselves with these universities athletically, academically and culturally. If OU
stays tied to Texas in a blown-up, newly born Southwestern Conference, I won't be disappointed; I'll be
discouraged at the damage that will come to the university I love so whole heartedly.
I have trust in both of you to do the right thing for the University of Oklahoma because I know you both have
more invested than I do in the institution. You both have fine legacies for the work that you have done for the
university and I am extremely proud and grateful that you are the President and Athletic Director. But, this
decision to stay aligned with a university that has such disdain and a lack of regard for its fellow conference
members can only bring significant damage to OU. Do the right thing gentlemen. Be pro-active. Be an
individual, strong in your convictions, unafraid to take a brave step to make the future of the University of
Oklahoma better. These are shared traits of Oklahoma people and I call on you both to dig deep inside
yourselves for the courage, strength and determination that will allow you to do what is right for OU, not only
the near future but in the decades to come.
Thanks for your time and efforts in all that you do for the University of Oklahoma.
Sincerely,
V/r
Chris Layman
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From: WEBER, JEFF G
To: Castiglione, Joseph R.
Subject: unsolicited input from a fan...
Date: Sunday, September 04, 2011 8:21:57 AM
... is typically worth what you pay for it, and is certainly true in this case.
I know you have a ton of people providing their input on what OU should do next from a conference
alignment perspective. I will offer up my view, and be completely OK if you toss it in the trash bin!
I think it is time to move on to the Pac 12/16. My rationale is simple.
- The Big 12 is clearly unstable, and brings nothing beyond OU and Texas to the table.
- Assuming Texas follows, the Pac 12 regional TV deal structure offer a way to mitigate the impact
of the LHN. Essentially, LHN becomes just another regional feed. There will surely be some
accommodations given their different starting point, but it should be materially less significant an
advantage than it is today.
- Regional TV structure allows an OU channel like we have discussed, but provides a built in
infrastructure to mitigate the start up costs/risks. Any ability to maintain the national wireless options
would be great.
- If Texas doesn't come, they run the risk of being isolated with the old SWC teams. In this case
Kansas would be great to add given basketball, but I think it would be tough to add K-State. If they
could come in a pair with Missouri then I think it would be an excellent fit.
- A super conference provides the best opportunity to get to a playoff like environment while still
maintaining the current BCS/bowl structure. A 16 team conference can easily support adding a semi-
final round to its championship game. This obviously brings a lot of revenue to the expanded league
(which helps pay for the additional teams), but brings in a true playoff format in front of the BCS
games. How does OU-USC & Oregon-Texas sound before OU beats Oregon for the Pac 16
Championship? Those results would figure into the BCS equation (just like they do today.) With 4
super conferences, that is essentially a 16 team, 3 round playoff, for the national championship. The
non super conference teams/independents would still have access to the BCS as they do today, though
strength of schedule would tilt more towards the super conference winners. This adds 1 game for the
four semi-final teams to the schedule, and the bowl games are still in place. Seems like a good fit for
all.
- As a fan, the incremental travel to the West seems significantly more attractive than any road
games today. Since Boulder is no longer an option, I would not consider travel to any away game other
than Baylor (and that, only because it is so close) or possibly Kansas for KC. The rest are far enough
away that I need to fly, and not attractive enough to warrant the time/money. Trips to LA, The Bay
area, Phoenix, Oregon and Washington state and Salt Lake City are all more attractive trips over the
years than today's options.
- The Pac 12 seems to be a better fit than the SEC from a University and a style perspective. I
know that is pretty soft, but I see OU fitting in better overall.
- Finally, do everything you can to maintain the Texas game, regardless of conference affiliation. It
worked before we were in the same conference, I assume it can work going forward.
Sorry to fill your inbox with this, but wanted to pass along my thoughts. Best of luck as you navigate
through this current maze. Obviously, if there is any way I can help please let me know.
Sincerely,
Jeff
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From: Melanie Ellis
To: Bernadette Gray-Little (Kansas); Bill Powers (Texas); Brady Deaton (Missouri); Burns Hargis (Oklahoma State);
Boren, David L.; Gregory Geoffroy (Iowa State); Guy Bailey (Texas Tech); Ken Starr (Baylor); Kirk Schulz
(Kansas State); R. Bowen Loftin (Texas A&M)
Cc: Dan Beebe; Tim Weiser; Tim Allen; KSweeney@Polsinelli.com; Susan Loomis; Ann McGruder (Missouri); Dana
Hastings (Kansas State); Debbie Lane (Oklahoma State); Epiphany Clark (Baylor); Gay Clock (Kansas) ; Jessica
Carrillo (Texas Tech); Judy Carpenter (Baylor); Kathy Bartsch (Texas); Evans, Sherry L.; Shirley Knipfel (Iowa
State); Tracy Cullen (Texas A&M)
Subject: URGENT-Board of Directors Teleconference at noon today
Date: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 9:20:07 AM
Chancellor Deaton has called a Board of Directors teleconference of all ten members at noon today.
Call-in information will be provided in advance.
Thank you.
Melanie Ellis
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner/Manager of Executive Affairs
Big 12 Conference
400 East John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
(469) 524-1001 Direct
(469) 524-1000 Main
(469) 524-1047 Fax
melanie@big12sports.com
All Big 12. All the time. Big12sports.com
Follow the Big 12 on Facebook and Twitter.
ORO Gillham 174
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From: Joshua Peck
To: Boren, David L.; Castiglione, Joseph R.; Purcell, Chris A.
Subject: With Texas A & M"s departure today it is time to move OU into the PAC-16!
Date: Thursday, August 25, 2011 3:02:38 PM
To whom it may concern:
I've written before regarding the current woeful state that is the shrinking Big-12
Conference, but feel the need to write again since we seem to languish in a perpetual
state of stasis regarding staying linked to the conference, no matter the long-term
damage it will cause OU as an institution. Since Texas A & M has announced today they
are officially going to remove themselves from the Big 12--it's time for OU to be pro-
active and do the same thing and go to the best fit to ensure our own long-term success:
Pac-12.
This is the perfect fit athletically, academically and nationally for the University of
Oklahoma. The fans want it, the alumni want it, the student body wants it--everyone
seems to want it except for the president, athletic director and board of regents. It's time
that you listen to the people and move OU into a conference that is stable, fair to all its
members and one that will be powerfully national for decades to come. The Big 12
Conference is none of those things and by adding such middling institutions such as
Houston and their ilk, you will only be insulting the great history and tradition that the
University of Oklahoma has as its own.
It's time to do the right thing and remove OU from the Big 12 and join the Pac-12! Do
not let this opportunity pass us by AGAIN or you will be risking long-term damage to the
University of Oklahoma. Be bold! Have some vision! Let's do something to secure OU's
connection with other tremendous institutions such as UCLA, USC, Stanford, Cal,
Washington and Oregon. Doesn't that sound wonderful to be tied to schools like that
rather than the embarrassing leftovers of a conference that doesn't know when it is dying
like we have with the Big 12?
Sincerely,
Joshua Peck
Tulsa, Oklahoma
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From: Mark Fried
To: Boren, David L.
Subject: You"re mind is already made up
Date: Friday, September 02, 2011 11:50:17 PM
Mr. Boren,
I know the comments you made today were a veiled hint aimed at laying the groundwork for the
eventual move to the Pac 20. Please don't do this.
With OU's history and tradition, we deserve to be in a conference where the rest of the schools care
about football the way we do. The Pac 24 will not come close to replicating the atmospheres that exist
in the Big 10 or SEC. Simply put, the Pac 30 is not worthy of OU.
I am absolutely not alone on this. There are many, many OU fans that hate the idea of playing
conference games at venues 1600 miles away. I won't be traveling to conference road games
anymore. If we were in the SEC, I'd pay higher prices for home games and I'd go on the road 2-3
times per year to play teams that are worthy programs. I'd do the same if we were in the Big 10.
Like I said, I know this decision has already been made and you are now working out the details. The
most depressing part of it all is that you are making this decision with Oklahoma State in mind. It's
nonsensical to have their well being in mind. If they were a viable entity, then they'd be pursued by
other top conferences. Instead, you're allowing them to enjoy premiere status without earning it like
we have.
Please shut this down and find another option because the Pac 44 is a terrible one.
Sincerely,
Mark Fried
1996 Alumni
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