Again, John, you have given us access to information we otherwise might have never seen. Bill Walton, an active and never ceasing face of the "Conference of Champions" presents a very thoughtful and inclusive summary of the situation. I personally support his every word and appreciate Bill stating my feelings, but from a much more relevant platform. Thank you Bill, thank you John.
...these same proponents of moving to the Big 10, are the first people I have ever encountered in my life, who have claimed economic hardship and limitations in Los Angeles, and that the solution lies in the Midwest.
They won two Super Bowls, are one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world, and play in the greatest athletic facility in the history of mankind. (None of which would've happened if they stayed in Anaheim.)
Yes--the Rams moved. UCLA and USC are staying in LA and traveling all over to get more money... while spending more money--much more money--to get that extra money. Thinking someone with a sharp pencil might figure out that the overall benefit is much lower than most might think.
I do not believe there is a St Louis Ram football team anymore.??? If St Louis was such a golden opportunity, why did the franchise bail/bale after 20 years?
Nothing but FACTS here, Mr Walton! 👊 the logistics of this move are just insane. It’s about football and money. The athletes in every sport will suffer. I believe in the next 5 years, geography will once again reign for west coast college sports.
"[T]hese same proponents of moving to the Big 10, are the first people I have ever encountered in my life, who have claimed economic hardship and limitations in Los Angeles, and that the solution lies in the Midwest..."
I will never, EVER, complain about Bill Walton while he’s doing color on a basketball broadcast again! To the contrary, he’s now my biggest hero and I can’t wait to watch him!!….Kudos to Bill for using his platform to publicly call out the UCLA money grubbers and give them the tongue lashing they so deserve…
You know you are on the right track when every, single, comment is in total support of Bill Walton. The UCLA Board of Regents, led by Gov Newsom needs to needs to get actively involved.
Great job, JC. Finally someone in sports media has recognized the elephant in the room, as summed up by Walton:
“I have spoken to no one, other than the highest-level directors of athletics at UCLA, who think that this proposed move to the Big 10 is a good idea….”
Living here in LA, as near as I can tell the support for this move comes mostly from UCLA sports administrators and above. Not one fan has told me they support it. Rather, the high-handed approach by administrators has turned off many alumni. Little surprise that attendance at UCLA football is down.
I’m 100-percent with Big Bill.
I think you're going to get a lot of support.
Again, John, you have given us access to information we otherwise might have never seen. Bill Walton, an active and never ceasing face of the "Conference of Champions" presents a very thoughtful and inclusive summary of the situation. I personally support his every word and appreciate Bill stating my feelings, but from a much more relevant platform. Thank you Bill, thank you John.
Thank you for being here. It means a lot.
Throw it down BIG MAN! throw it down!!
He did. He did.
Thanks for writing this, Bill. I whole-heartedly agree. It's a travesty, fueled by the horrific vices of unbridled capitalism.
Thanks Michelle. Appreciate that you're here for it.
YES!
...these same proponents of moving to the Big 10, are the first people I have ever encountered in my life, who have claimed economic hardship and limitations in Los Angeles, and that the solution lies in the Midwest.
He makes a point... the migration west was about opportunity...
It's like the big-wigs at UCLA never read "The Grapes of Wrath."
Tomorrow: interview with Tom Joad.
Well, the Rams did move to St. Louis, so it has happened before.
How'd that turn out?
They won two Super Bowls, are one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world, and play in the greatest athletic facility in the history of mankind. (None of which would've happened if they stayed in Anaheim.)
You are aware, that great athletic facility you speak of, is in Los Angeles... right?
I cannot agree that none of that would have happened if they stayed in SoCal. And check it, they HAD to return to increase value.
I'm just saying the Bruins have a tough road ahead of them in the BIG.
Yes--the Rams moved. UCLA and USC are staying in LA and traveling all over to get more money... while spending more money--much more money--to get that extra money. Thinking someone with a sharp pencil might figure out that the overall benefit is much lower than most might think.
I do not believe there is a St Louis Ram football team anymore.??? If St Louis was such a golden opportunity, why did the franchise bail/bale after 20 years?
I've been waiting to hear Walton's thoughts. I agree 100 percent with everything he has written.
I have been waiting too.
Nothing but FACTS here, Mr Walton! 👊 the logistics of this move are just insane. It’s about football and money. The athletes in every sport will suffer. I believe in the next 5 years, geography will once again reign for west coast college sports.
Well put. Thank you.
Well thought out and presented. Bill shows the value of his education and experience. Great job John!
He's fired up about it.
When is he NOT fired up about something? Lol. But seriously, he speaks the truth. As a Cal alum, I’m stunned at the Regents’ lack of….well you know.
Slam dunk.
We’ll said BW.
I hope his voice carry’s some weight with the regents and encourages others to speak out.
I don't know how they could ignore him. He's more than a typical alum.
"[T]hese same proponents of moving to the Big 10, are the first people I have ever encountered in my life, who have claimed economic hardship and limitations in Los Angeles, and that the solution lies in the Midwest..."
Sheer brilliance!
He's channeling John Steinbeck there.
100% agree.
He's spitting a lot of truth.
I will never, EVER, complain about Bill Walton while he’s doing color on a basketball broadcast again! To the contrary, he’s now my biggest hero and I can’t wait to watch him!!….Kudos to Bill for using his platform to publicly call out the UCLA money grubbers and give them the tongue lashing they so deserve…
He's making a statement.
Who’s going to do the same with USC? Or do we not care if the door hits them on the way out?
You know you are on the right track when every, single, comment is in total support of Bill Walton. The UCLA Board of Regents, led by Gov Newsom needs to needs to get actively involved.
The audience is on board. Very telling.
Newsom has been vocal about this. The rest of the Regents? Crickets
Has Kareem chimed in yet? I love his perspective on many topics and I suspect he would share a lot of Bill's concerns.
Great job, JC. Finally someone in sports media has recognized the elephant in the room, as summed up by Walton:
“I have spoken to no one, other than the highest-level directors of athletics at UCLA, who think that this proposed move to the Big 10 is a good idea….”
Living here in LA, as near as I can tell the support for this move comes mostly from UCLA sports administrators and above. Not one fan has told me they support it. Rather, the high-handed approach by administrators has turned off many alumni. Little surprise that attendance at UCLA football is down.
Money money money...
Could not agree more..U of A alumni here.
Galvanizing... well put.