If anyone had any doubt about the character of the departing schools, and of the stooge PAC-12 commissioner Kliavkoff, this development should answer your questions. These 10 schools leave for more money, know damn well they forfeit their voice as board members, and still want to steal remaining assets on their way out the door. This may result in some settlement of asset distribution, but I don’t know how these people can stand the smell of themselves. Unbelievable!
He's the incredible shrinking man. He's devolved from the seemingly competent, reserved businessman that initially was described in John Canzano's writing when he was first named as commissioner, to a failure who couldn't push back effectively when ordered to present a ludicrous $50M counter offer in media negotiations, and finally, a weasel, who made a backroom deal with the 10 deserters to aid them in collecting as much of the conference money as they can plunder in exchange for a cut of the booty.
He should've stopped at just being a failure instead of being a craven, money grubbing, back stabbing weasel, but then, he has 10 companions instead of being reviled by all.
What does any of this have to do with the fans (of any of the schools)? It's a sure thing that nothing about this whole affair will benefit the fans of any of these schools, including any division of alleged "assets." And I'm sure the vast majority of the fans clearly see that and are perhaps as bummed about it as the fans of the two schools remaining. So I won't respond to your snark by making an insulting Beaver crack.
Like I said below, Jon, this all may be legal wrangling. But if 9 schools take action to dissolve the conference and split assets, it violates the By-Laws (from what I understand) and attempts to distribute assets they might not legally be entitled to. This isn’t about bellyaching—what’s done is done. It’s about fairness. Hopefully this will result in a pause so negotiations can take place.
Thank you, Woodburn!! I wish the Ducks well in the Big 10. They made a business decision to move forward, and it is understandable. 2 schools have been left behind and would like to rebuild. A tough road ahead but one that might be a very good road 3 to 5 years from now.
There is no section of the Bylaws that defines the process for dissolving the conference. The Bylaws only define what happens to the $ if the conference is dissolved.
The Bylaws allow 3/4 of the members to put a given member on probation or to terminate the membership of a given member should that member commit certain violations or if the member withdraws from the conference in way that does not comply with the withdrawal provision (Chptr 2 Sec 3).
It is not legally clear to me if any of the departing schools have given "a notice of withdrawal to the Conference" prior to August 1 2024. The departing schools are complying with the full term of membership. Their departure is occurring after Aug 1 2024.
So sounds like the lawyers on each side will have plenty of ammo for the arguments that they will present.
Even if formal notice was not given, constructive notice was given by joinng the new conferences, issuing press releases, doing news conferences, etc
And then to that end the conference has interpreted that to be a withdrawl - to no known objection so far - and then excluded from all formal Board actions. This was followed with UCLA/USC and then with Colorado.
It was relied upon by schools like Oregon to their betterment (before they exited) and they can't seriously argue now that it shouldn't be relied upon. They can't have it both ways. Precedent and reliance are important legal principles.
OK. File a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Pay off all creditors including Comcast (and for goodness sake file a cross-claim against Larry in the wrongful termination suit,) liquidate all assets, and give the two schools unfortunately left in the lurch a bigger piece of what's left over as negotiated among the parties.
OSU and WSU will determine the fate of the Pac12, not Oregon or UW. The 2 remaining schools will take control of all assets and orchestrate a reverse merger with the MWC. They will breathe life back into the conference. In the meantime, you can watch but you'll do nothing because you can do nothing.
Not true. The conference is NOT dead. That is the point of the lawsuit to restrain the Leavers from making any decisions in something they have no further stake or claim. The PAC has had 8, 10, and 12 schools. It almost had 14. Schools come and go in the PAC. But the name and history remain and are an asset, a Brand. The PAC is also its own entity separate and apart from the members. If two members control it for now, so be it. There will be additional members going forward to get to at least the NCAA minimum of 8 in two years. The Leavers need to get their head around the fact that their school(s) were not the PAC. The left it and can't destroy it as they leave.
What is your objective, JJ? You can clearly see that your opinions here are the minority, which is fine, but what you don't seem to understand is that your arguments make no sense given what we know about the bylaws and the precedents that have already been set. Are you being contrarian just for the hell of it?
Whiners?? LMFAO So the Beavs and Cougs should just do as told and be relegated in peace huh? What a goober you are. Be prepared to have your ass beat on the field and in court.
The 2 schools should do whatever they so desire, but it will not keep them in the Power 4 and the assets they want to grab were not created solely by the 2 schools.
I work for a company and I create assets. I do not have a personal claim to those assets. They belong to the company. If I leave the company, I also leave those assets, or any claim to them (like a bonus). The assets were never mine, anyway. And that is also a fact, Jack
I vote for the latter. As for whining? I would say ol’ Jon’s attitude is more like, “We got ours You were never any good. You’re getting what you deserved.” Pretty demented, but it is what it is.
100% true. However, all the remaining assets, and any earned this year will belong to WSU and OSU. This includes NCAA and CFP distributions which would have been divided by all members. They are losing their seat at the table in four years, but this last year will be a bounty.
It would be so hilarious to see someone win a natty, and all conference distributions go to WSU and OSU.
Jon, typically you offer some solid comments. I am caught off guard by you here. You are out in left field with these comments. Unfortunately, the biggest winners here will be the legal representatives for the various entities after they siphon off around $100 million in legal fees from the various entities over the next 12 months.
You guys are arguing a future lawsuit. This one only has to do with who still has voting rights on the board. And clearly, according to the league charter it’s only OSU and WSU
Jon, conference bylaws dictate how money is owned and allocated to members. This is what they agree to. This is how it works and this why you sign contracts.
While the focus is rightfully on the money, another problem strikes me. OSU and WSU point out that the other ten schools have forfeited their membership and can't vote, as stated in the league by-laws. Just my guess here, but two members is usually not enough to mount a quorum to hold a meeting or vote anything, and I'm guessing that's probably so for the PAC-12. If so, the two remaining schools may not themselves have a right to make any decisions regarding the league. Whether so or not, that's kind of why both sides have lawyers.
NCAA rules allow for this and give them two years to sort out membership.
College Football Playoff is another story though, that's another contract with its own rules
A conference can stay intact (with 2, in this case) and develop a scheduling relationship or any other relationship. Or seek a member, a reverse merger, or any other combination
There are all sorts of things that can happen
This happens all the time in the real world.
Those departing schools knew darn well they left assets by leaving the conference
I still think there will be some buyer's remorse out there. When ASU and Utah travel to WV in the winter, or send their non-revenue sports there, its going to get real. And this is no means a bash on anyone else or WV. It's not just practical to be traveling the country for all these students.
This was not even much of an issue until Stanford and Cal left because there's no way they could get the threshold needed with 4 remaining members, who clearly would vote against anything of the sort. Now that they left, its gang up on these two?
All these schools, and GK knew darn well that by leaving the conference they forfeit the right to the money.
There still is an intangible history of the conference...all the games..records....video, etc of 108 year conference.
and I think suffice to say the Civil War and Apple Cup are over.
I don't think it's the fans, but the university administrators have pushed this over the top.
I want to know who is the administrator that threated President Schulz. My gut is it's Oregon or Washington. They may have seriously misunderstated how far that $35M from the Big 10 won't; go when considering travel for the 19 other sports UofO sponsors outside of football.
Reality is these schools left. Bylaws are clear. In the end it may be that OSU and WSU find a different home, it may not.
Well seven schools by my count since the first three stepped aside but I wonder what are the odds that whatever school that said we should be asking for 50 million is the same one trying to get assets from the conference they are leaving
Steal??? umm every program EARNED that money. If you leave money in a safe and move out of your home...is it the new tenant's money now, even though you have let them know you absently forgot it and want it back? NO it's still yours as long as it's claimed in a timely manner...same here. NO ONE is begrudging OSU and WSU for trying...but it isn't only their money. I'd say let them (osu/wsu) have the offices, the studios and camera's etc. and their 1/12th 'share' of the money and the 1/12th share of the comcast debt and call it good.
But the money is NOT sitting in safe. A good chunk of the $ will come to the conference in future years. (As someone that is a fan of a departing school) I do not believe that the departing schools should have any right to money that will come into the conference in future years (i.e. after August 1 2024).
When it comes to voting rights it is exactly that, it is not simplistic. Legally the ten schools have given notice, it doesn't have to be by writing. Intent is there
Bowl payouts. March Madness payouts and more. It goes to the Conference. No one forced a school to leave the conference. If a school leaves they walk away from future money.
You’re forgetting who left of their own free will and who got left behind. This lawsuit has nothing to do With the money at this point, that’s probably another lawsuit down the road in which lawyers will get most of it. This lawsuit has to do with who still has a seat at the board with voting rights.
Dr. Murthy said today, "Oregon State University, Corvallis and the surrounding community, and the state of Oregon will absorb millions more in losses than the University of Oregon will collect from media rights earnings, NCAA Tournament payouts, bowl games and other payments, with its move to the Big Ten. The net negative impact on Oregon students, families and small businesses will be real."
The Schmucks did this to the Beavers. They did it on purpose. They should pay.
it's not Russia Jon. This is the USA and you can make decisions for various individual reasons. The U of O made a business decision to leave the conference. You are no longer a member of the conference and therefore forfeit your rights to membership.
They need to pull up their big boy pants and move on. This is the same for all others who made this decision. Move forward and get out the door.
Beavs and Cougs are fighting the good fight. This is integrity vs. greed. The best part is if the other schools fight it, it will make their position public. This will end up being a PR nightmare for them.
I totally agree, Craig. I always thought that if the Beavs and Cougs were aggressive defending their own interests that the other programs would not put up much of a fight due to the PR disadvantage they are at. They caused this divorce, so why should they profit from it?
It seems as if it already is a PR train wreck, especially for the devious duo. The Dux and Mutts choke in this fir awhile. The Nike “Swoosh” will take a justifiable hit as well.
Jon .... why are you so interested in seeing that OSU and WSU get screwed by the turncoats who walked away from the Pac-12? You seem to have a true hatred for these two schools.
I’m a Duck and think OSU/WSU is absolutely right to file this. It would be a bit chicken 💩 to leave the conference then attempt to rob it on the way out the door.
However, I don’t go along with the “blame Oregon/Washington” for the PAC-12 demise.
There is multiple blame for this mess, starting with clueless presidents & chancellors who enabled Larry Scott (no relation thankfully) for years and took little or no interest in what was happening to the conference or where it was heading.
Horrendous decisions and blissful ignorance created a path for the LA schools to abort the PAC, a delusional $50 million media ask finished it off.
No matter how you choose to put lipstick on the treasonous actions of U of O and UW, they were the two that stabbed the PAC-9 In the back by their intentional act by not formalizing the GOR that had been unanimously approved less than 12 hours before. Rationalizing that despicable behavior is, in itself, mindless and despicable.
If indeed it had been unanimously approved 12 hours earlier, why was there a call to approve it that Friday morning? 🤷🏻♂️
I hate what’s happened to the PAC and the direction of college football. It’s easy and convenient to put the entire realignment the sport is going through on your instate rival, ignoring everything else. It’s just not the entire story.
If that makes me mindless and despicable, so be it. At least I’m living in reality.
Actually Jim, it doesn’t seem Duck supporters are the ones finding it hard to fathom nor the ones who need to learn to accept it.
As stated, I hate what’s happened not only to the PAC, but where college football is going.
However I do understand why it’s happening and have accepted it Jim, apparently something others who seem to be complaining the most & definitely the loudest, haven’t. 🤔
I'm also a Duck...and, yes, Oregon and Washington did not create this mess. However, Oregon's new president - 30 days on the job from 9 previous years at Wisconsin - drove in the fatal dagger that finished it off. Not only did Scholz do that, he did it with no class and no integrity - none whatsoever. There was a previous agreement, the night before that fateful Friday morning, that the remaining 9 schools were going to formalize their agreement the next morning on a conference call preserving the Pac-12...along with an invitation to San Diego State, who was standing by. The next morning, Scholz didn't bother to show up for the conference call, nor did he have the courtesy to give anyone notice he wasn't showing. Instead, he had Mullens break the news to the other 8 schools that Oregon was going to the Big Ten. Washington then followed. John Karl Scholz, a Big Ten sycophant, who has no idea the difference between linear, cable and streaming, thought he was going to improve Oregon's academic status simply by bringing them into the Big Ten. That was an utterly stupid - actually ignorant -decision that will have unbelievably negative consequences for the state of Oregon and far beyond.
I'm a Duck...and I despise what the university did - it's a complete disgrace by an ignorant man who let his self-interest prevail over common sense which will result in a misguided tragedy.
The truly amazing hypocrisy here here is that 8 of the departing schools now wanting to make decisions for the conference had no qualms about shutting USC and UCLA out of conference votes when those two schools announced their departure.
One would think the willful exclusion of USC, UCLA and Colorado seriously undermines any legal claims the other departing schools have to a continued vote.
I think it comes down to the issue of whether or not the conference still exists as an entity. If so, the remaining schools in the conference would make decisions about current and future assets. If not, the assets would be divided among the 10 former and 2 current members. The Leavers want to force the conference to dissolve after they've publicly declared they've left. It's the worst kind of greedy maneuvering, and there's no possible way to justify it as being good for college athletics or higher education.
They know it. That's why they called the meeting for Wednesday, to try to get it done sneakily before anybody noticed. WSU & OSU had no choice but to file this lawsuit to save the conference from being dissolved. They're not just defending their own interests, but the interests of every athlete who ever played in the Pac-8/10/12. Without the lawsuit, the conference is dead.
Honestly WSU and OSU deserve to keep the rights and the assets. The other teams bailed and left them hung out to dry, plus what they did after the LA schools departed has precedent.
1. The entire “realignment” fiasco is really about “realigning” finances. Should we be surprised that the same self-serving presidents and chancellors who bolted are now trying to rob the bank on their way out the door?
2. They’re gutless, soulless jerks.
3. “The complaint states that a representative of a departing Pac-12 school threatened that the departing members were were poised to take action to seize control of the Pac-12. The representative wrote: “It seems obvious that any nine Members can declare the fate of the conference at any time.”
Sounds like a USC ploy to me. Perfectly unethical.
As a 50 year duck fan, if the ´ representative of a departing Pac-12 school threatened that the departing members were were poised to take action to seize control of the Pac-12. ´ was from the U of O I will root for the Beavers against the Ducks. OSU got screwed and if it weren’t for Phil Knight Oregon would be sitting together with WSU and OSU with no media market to support them.
If I read the complaint and Bylaws correctly (I'm no lawyer), the Beavers and Cougars could be sharing tens of millions of assets in the coming years. They could be splitting one or two CFP payouts! That would be so funny I'd never stop laughing.
If anyone had any doubt about the character of the departing schools, and of the stooge PAC-12 commissioner Kliavkoff, this development should answer your questions. These 10 schools leave for more money, know damn well they forfeit their voice as board members, and still want to steal remaining assets on their way out the door. This may result in some settlement of asset distribution, but I don’t know how these people can stand the smell of themselves. Unbelievable!
Amen brother!
There's not enough febreeze and pine scented cardboard Xmas trees in the world to mask the stench of the departing 10 and stooge Kliavkoff.
I think the Pac-12 somehow ended up downgrading from Larry Scott when they hired GK. What a disappointment he turned out to be.
He's the incredible shrinking man. He's devolved from the seemingly competent, reserved businessman that initially was described in John Canzano's writing when he was first named as commissioner, to a failure who couldn't push back effectively when ordered to present a ludicrous $50M counter offer in media negotiations, and finally, a weasel, who made a backroom deal with the 10 deserters to aid them in collecting as much of the conference money as they can plunder in exchange for a cut of the booty.
He should've stopped at just being a failure instead of being a craven, money grubbing, back stabbing weasel, but then, he has 10 companions instead of being reviled by all.
Ed, where is your proof that anyone is trying to 'steal' anything? The post-season money earned by the departing schools is not theirs?
Where is the logic in this? We aren't qualified to join you in the exodus out of the Pac-12 mess that we helped cause but we want the money you made.
Whiners. I'm done with your bellyaching. Go to the MW where your athletic budgets and stadium size, say you belong.
No one ever accused Duck fans of having any class - that's for damn sure
What does any of this have to do with the fans (of any of the schools)? It's a sure thing that nothing about this whole affair will benefit the fans of any of these schools, including any division of alleged "assets." And I'm sure the vast majority of the fans clearly see that and are perhaps as bummed about it as the fans of the two schools remaining. So I won't respond to your snark by making an insulting Beaver crack.
The Knight School fan you're replying to sure doesn't.
Like I said below, Jon, this all may be legal wrangling. But if 9 schools take action to dissolve the conference and split assets, it violates the By-Laws (from what I understand) and attempts to distribute assets they might not legally be entitled to. This isn’t about bellyaching—what’s done is done. It’s about fairness. Hopefully this will result in a pause so negotiations can take place.
Even if it weren’t against the by-laws, voting to dissolve the conference would be a d-bag thing to do.
Time to write to the powers that be to say I don’t support this. Hope I’m not the only Duck to feel the same way.
Amen Brother. Those assets should stay in the Pac. As my Grandfather used to say, "Pigs get fed; hogs get slaughtered. "
Thank you. Morality still exists.
Thank you, Woodburn!! I wish the Ducks well in the Big 10. They made a business decision to move forward, and it is understandable. 2 schools have been left behind and would like to rebuild. A tough road ahead but one that might be a very good road 3 to 5 years from now.
You're not, brother...lots of Ducks fans, including me, agree with you.
Go read the bylaws. They are available here.
pac-12compliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-22-P12-Handbook.V1.pdf
There is no section of the Bylaws that defines the process for dissolving the conference. The Bylaws only define what happens to the $ if the conference is dissolved.
The Bylaws allow 3/4 of the members to put a given member on probation or to terminate the membership of a given member should that member commit certain violations or if the member withdraws from the conference in way that does not comply with the withdrawal provision (Chptr 2 Sec 3).
It is not legally clear to me if any of the departing schools have given "a notice of withdrawal to the Conference" prior to August 1 2024. The departing schools are complying with the full term of membership. Their departure is occurring after Aug 1 2024.
So sounds like the lawyers on each side will have plenty of ammo for the arguments that they will present.
Even if formal notice was not given, constructive notice was given by joinng the new conferences, issuing press releases, doing news conferences, etc
And then to that end the conference has interpreted that to be a withdrawl - to no known objection so far - and then excluded from all formal Board actions. This was followed with UCLA/USC and then with Colorado.
It was relied upon by schools like Oregon to their betterment (before they exited) and they can't seriously argue now that it shouldn't be relied upon. They can't have it both ways. Precedent and reliance are important legal principles.
Precedent is EVERYTHING.
OK. File a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Pay off all creditors including Comcast (and for goodness sake file a cross-claim against Larry in the wrongful termination suit,) liquidate all assets, and give the two schools unfortunately left in the lurch a bigger piece of what's left over as negotiated among the parties.
The conference is dead. Bury it.
OSU and WSU will determine the fate of the Pac12, not Oregon or UW. The 2 remaining schools will take control of all assets and orchestrate a reverse merger with the MWC. They will breathe life back into the conference. In the meantime, you can watch but you'll do nothing because you can do nothing.
Not true. The conference is NOT dead. That is the point of the lawsuit to restrain the Leavers from making any decisions in something they have no further stake or claim. The PAC has had 8, 10, and 12 schools. It almost had 14. Schools come and go in the PAC. But the name and history remain and are an asset, a Brand. The PAC is also its own entity separate and apart from the members. If two members control it for now, so be it. There will be additional members going forward to get to at least the NCAA minimum of 8 in two years. The Leavers need to get their head around the fact that their school(s) were not the PAC. The left it and can't destroy it as they leave.
The Board of Directors would authorize any such filing. That's the whole point
You sign contracts to spell out the rights of the members. This is entirely what this is about.
You are really a novice at life,
What is your objective, JJ? You can clearly see that your opinions here are the minority, which is fine, but what you don't seem to understand is that your arguments make no sense given what we know about the bylaws and the precedents that have already been set. Are you being contrarian just for the hell of it?
It is about a signed contract that everyone signed. It's really that simple.
Whiners?? LMFAO So the Beavs and Cougs should just do as told and be relegated in peace huh? What a goober you are. Be prepared to have your ass beat on the field and in court.
It appears that your feelings are hurt? Sorry.
The 2 schools should do whatever they so desire, but it will not keep them in the Power 4 and the assets they want to grab were not created solely by the 2 schools.
That's a fact, Jack.
I work for a company and I create assets. I do not have a personal claim to those assets. They belong to the company. If I leave the company, I also leave those assets, or any claim to them (like a bonus). The assets were never mine, anyway. And that is also a fact, Jack
Exactly Brian. It's not hard to understand. Anyone like Jon Joseph pretending it is is either feigning ignorance or is woefully stupid.
I vote for the latter. As for whining? I would say ol’ Jon’s attitude is more like, “We got ours You were never any good. You’re getting what you deserved.” Pretty demented, but it is what it is.
The money went to the conference. And those teams knowingly and willingly walked away from it.
100% true. However, all the remaining assets, and any earned this year will belong to WSU and OSU. This includes NCAA and CFP distributions which would have been divided by all members. They are losing their seat at the table in four years, but this last year will be a bounty.
It would be so hilarious to see someone win a natty, and all conference distributions go to WSU and OSU.
Jon, typically you offer some solid comments. I am caught off guard by you here. You are out in left field with these comments. Unfortunately, the biggest winners here will be the legal representatives for the various entities after they siphon off around $100 million in legal fees from the various entities over the next 12 months.
Um, the bylaws, adoopted by the members, govern how it works
Your cereal box law degree is not a good one.
AWESOME comment Kalup!!!
You guys are arguing a future lawsuit. This one only has to do with who still has voting rights on the board. And clearly, according to the league charter it’s only OSU and WSU
Jon, conference bylaws dictate how money is owned and allocated to members. This is what they agree to. This is how it works and this why you sign contracts.
Grow up.
Idiot
While the focus is rightfully on the money, another problem strikes me. OSU and WSU point out that the other ten schools have forfeited their membership and can't vote, as stated in the league by-laws. Just my guess here, but two members is usually not enough to mount a quorum to hold a meeting or vote anything, and I'm guessing that's probably so for the PAC-12. If so, the two remaining schools may not themselves have a right to make any decisions regarding the league. Whether so or not, that's kind of why both sides have lawyers.
If the membership consists of 2, then 2 is a quorum
Probably so, but I'm not too sure when it comes to legal arguments.
A quorum is usually a percentage of the entire body. 2/2 is 100%. No quorum issue here.
👍
NCAA rules allow a conference less than 8 for two years.
NCAA rules allow for this and give them two years to sort out membership.
College Football Playoff is another story though, that's another contract with its own rules
A conference can stay intact (with 2, in this case) and develop a scheduling relationship or any other relationship. Or seek a member, a reverse merger, or any other combination
There are all sorts of things that can happen
This happens all the time in the real world.
Those departing schools knew darn well they left assets by leaving the conference
I still think there will be some buyer's remorse out there. When ASU and Utah travel to WV in the winter, or send their non-revenue sports there, its going to get real. And this is no means a bash on anyone else or WV. It's not just practical to be traveling the country for all these students.
This was not even much of an issue until Stanford and Cal left because there's no way they could get the threshold needed with 4 remaining members, who clearly would vote against anything of the sort. Now that they left, its gang up on these two?
All these schools, and GK knew darn well that by leaving the conference they forfeit the right to the money.
There still is an intangible history of the conference...all the games..records....video, etc of 108 year conference.
And an intangible asset. Who owns rights to the hundreds of PAC-12 games taped by the PAC network??
and I think suffice to say the Civil War and Apple Cup are over.
I don't think it's the fans, but the university administrators have pushed this over the top.
I want to know who is the administrator that threated President Schulz. My gut is it's Oregon or Washington. They may have seriously misunderstated how far that $35M from the Big 10 won't; go when considering travel for the 19 other sports UofO sponsors outside of football.
Reality is these schools left. Bylaws are clear. In the end it may be that OSU and WSU find a different home, it may not.
Right you are, sir! I’ve been having similar thoughts.
Well seven schools by my count since the first three stepped aside but I wonder what are the odds that whatever school that said we should be asking for 50 million is the same one trying to get assets from the conference they are leaving
Steal??? umm every program EARNED that money. If you leave money in a safe and move out of your home...is it the new tenant's money now, even though you have let them know you absently forgot it and want it back? NO it's still yours as long as it's claimed in a timely manner...same here. NO ONE is begrudging OSU and WSU for trying...but it isn't only their money. I'd say let them (osu/wsu) have the offices, the studios and camera's etc. and their 1/12th 'share' of the money and the 1/12th share of the comcast debt and call it good.
Resources built for the conference.
If they wanted it divided, they should have voted to dissolve before leaving.
The conference resources belong to conference members.
Last time I checked, that is OSU & WSU
Hard stop. No other voting members exist today.
But the money is NOT sitting in safe. A good chunk of the $ will come to the conference in future years. (As someone that is a fan of a departing school) I do not believe that the departing schools should have any right to money that will come into the conference in future years (i.e. after August 1 2024).
When you quit your job the money you made for your company is not yours. Your analogy only shows your credit ineptitude
Depends upon the employment agreement John. I may be due stock options, profit sharing, etc. Your analogy is too simplistic to be relevant.
When it comes to voting rights it is exactly that, it is not simplistic. Legally the ten schools have given notice, it doesn't have to be by writing. Intent is there
who earned the money??? did OSU earn it all? WSU? NO...it's bowl payouts.
All teams agreed that post season $$ belongs to the conference not individual schools.
Should have thought about before bolting
Bowl payouts. March Madness payouts and more. It goes to the Conference. No one forced a school to leave the conference. If a school leaves they walk away from future money.
You’re forgetting who left of their own free will and who got left behind. This lawsuit has nothing to do With the money at this point, that’s probably another lawsuit down the road in which lawyers will get most of it. This lawsuit has to do with who still has a seat at the board with voting rights.
Didn’t they set a precedent when they stripped USC, UCLA, and CU of their voting rights?
Seems like a good argument for WSU and OSU to make. (And they are making this argument.)
Actually it IS only their money.
RIGHT On, Ed!!!!!!
In the words of the immortal Fred Rodgers, AKA Mr. Rodgers, can you say scum bags???
Dr. Murthy said today, "Oregon State University, Corvallis and the surrounding community, and the state of Oregon will absorb millions more in losses than the University of Oregon will collect from media rights earnings, NCAA Tournament payouts, bowl games and other payments, with its move to the Big Ten. The net negative impact on Oregon students, families and small businesses will be real."
The Schmucks did this to the Beavers. They did it on purpose. They should pay.
Yes, I'm glad she's making these statements.
The schmucks are leaving at the end of an agreement wherein 12 teams pledged their media rights.
The schmucks have an obligation to carry the water for lesser endowed schools with lesser brand value. Is this Russia Danny? It's not Russia, is it?
Schmucks is too good for your school and the others who support you.
it's not Russia Jon. This is the USA and you can make decisions for various individual reasons. The U of O made a business decision to leave the conference. You are no longer a member of the conference and therefore forfeit your rights to membership.
They need to pull up their big boy pants and move on. This is the same for all others who made this decision. Move forward and get out the door.
Thank you for getting this out to your audience, John. It is what I have been demanding, and to be sure, was a little concerned the Presidents wouldn't be aggressive defending themselves and interested parties. I am proud of OSU and WSU leadership for standing up for themselves, the fans, sports programs and alumni. They will win this lawsuit, which to me is clear-cut in their favor. This article makes it clear why they will: https://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/2023/09/pac-12-chaos-washington-state-oregon-state-take-legal-action-against-the-conference-over-control-of-assets-voting-rights.html
Beavs and Cougs are fighting the good fight. This is integrity vs. greed. The best part is if the other schools fight it, it will make their position public. This will end up being a PR nightmare for them.
I totally agree, Craig. I always thought that if the Beavs and Cougs were aggressive defending their own interests that the other programs would not put up much of a fight due to the PR disadvantage they are at. They caused this divorce, so why should they profit from it?
It seems as if it already is a PR train wreck, especially for the devious duo. The Dux and Mutts choke in this fir awhile. The Nike “Swoosh” will take a justifiable hit as well.
What’s funny is that Jon and his cohorts just don’t get that. Hopefully they will, soon.
The Whitman County Superior Court Judge is a Coug and past president of the Whitman County Cougar Club. 👍
Smart they kept it out of Oregon, where knight probably has judges in his pocket
Recusal?
Jon .... why are you so interested in seeing that OSU and WSU get screwed by the turncoats who walked away from the Pac-12? You seem to have a true hatred for these two schools.
LOL!! Worried. Jon?
On Saturday, I'll be rooting for Oregon on the football field. On Monday, I'll be rooting for OSU and WSU in the courtroom.
100% me too.
I’m a Duck and think OSU/WSU is absolutely right to file this. It would be a bit chicken 💩 to leave the conference then attempt to rob it on the way out the door.
However, I don’t go along with the “blame Oregon/Washington” for the PAC-12 demise.
There is multiple blame for this mess, starting with clueless presidents & chancellors who enabled Larry Scott (no relation thankfully) for years and took little or no interest in what was happening to the conference or where it was heading.
Horrendous decisions and blissful ignorance created a path for the LA schools to abort the PAC, a delusional $50 million media ask finished it off.
No matter how you choose to put lipstick on the treasonous actions of U of O and UW, they were the two that stabbed the PAC-9 In the back by their intentional act by not formalizing the GOR that had been unanimously approved less than 12 hours before. Rationalizing that despicable behavior is, in itself, mindless and despicable.
If indeed it had been unanimously approved 12 hours earlier, why was there a call to approve it that Friday morning? 🤷🏻♂️
I hate what’s happened to the PAC and the direction of college football. It’s easy and convenient to put the entire realignment the sport is going through on your instate rival, ignoring everything else. It’s just not the entire story.
If that makes me mindless and despicable, so be it. At least I’m living in reality.
I know, its hard to fathom. Give it some time and you’ll learn to accept it.
Actually Jim, it doesn’t seem Duck supporters are the ones finding it hard to fathom nor the ones who need to learn to accept it.
As stated, I hate what’s happened not only to the PAC, but where college football is going.
However I do understand why it’s happening and have accepted it Jim, apparently something others who seem to be complaining the most & definitely the loudest, haven’t. 🤔
Zzzzzzzz…
Good one!
I'm also a Duck...and, yes, Oregon and Washington did not create this mess. However, Oregon's new president - 30 days on the job from 9 previous years at Wisconsin - drove in the fatal dagger that finished it off. Not only did Scholz do that, he did it with no class and no integrity - none whatsoever. There was a previous agreement, the night before that fateful Friday morning, that the remaining 9 schools were going to formalize their agreement the next morning on a conference call preserving the Pac-12...along with an invitation to San Diego State, who was standing by. The next morning, Scholz didn't bother to show up for the conference call, nor did he have the courtesy to give anyone notice he wasn't showing. Instead, he had Mullens break the news to the other 8 schools that Oregon was going to the Big Ten. Washington then followed. John Karl Scholz, a Big Ten sycophant, who has no idea the difference between linear, cable and streaming, thought he was going to improve Oregon's academic status simply by bringing them into the Big Ten. That was an utterly stupid - actually ignorant -decision that will have unbelievably negative consequences for the state of Oregon and far beyond.
I'm a Duck...and I despise what the university did - it's a complete disgrace by an ignorant man who let his self-interest prevail over common sense which will result in a misguided tragedy.
Thank you for encapsulating my shared thoughts succinctly & cogently.
See comment directly above. Sit and spin on it Fido
The truly amazing hypocrisy here here is that 8 of the departing schools now wanting to make decisions for the conference had no qualms about shutting USC and UCLA out of conference votes when those two schools announced their departure.
And Colorado
One would think the willful exclusion of USC, UCLA and Colorado seriously undermines any legal claims the other departing schools have to a continued vote.
I think you are correct . Let’s hope the courts agree
This is not just about money.
I think it comes down to the issue of whether or not the conference still exists as an entity. If so, the remaining schools in the conference would make decisions about current and future assets. If not, the assets would be divided among the 10 former and 2 current members. The Leavers want to force the conference to dissolve after they've publicly declared they've left. It's the worst kind of greedy maneuvering, and there's no possible way to justify it as being good for college athletics or higher education.
They know it. That's why they called the meeting for Wednesday, to try to get it done sneakily before anybody noticed. WSU & OSU had no choice but to file this lawsuit to save the conference from being dissolved. They're not just defending their own interests, but the interests of every athlete who ever played in the Pac-8/10/12. Without the lawsuit, the conference is dead.
Honestly WSU and OSU deserve to keep the rights and the assets. The other teams bailed and left them hung out to dry, plus what they did after the LA schools departed has precedent.
Like I said before. It's a good day to be a lawyer with contract law and negotiating skills. ROCK ON BEAVS & COUGS! Stand your ground.💪💪
1. The entire “realignment” fiasco is really about “realigning” finances. Should we be surprised that the same self-serving presidents and chancellors who bolted are now trying to rob the bank on their way out the door?
2. They’re gutless, soulless jerks.
3. “The complaint states that a representative of a departing Pac-12 school threatened that the departing members were were poised to take action to seize control of the Pac-12. The representative wrote: “It seems obvious that any nine Members can declare the fate of the conference at any time.”
Sounds like a USC ploy to me. Perfectly unethical.
As a 50 year duck fan, if the ´ representative of a departing Pac-12 school threatened that the departing members were were poised to take action to seize control of the Pac-12. ´ was from the U of O I will root for the Beavers against the Ducks. OSU got screwed and if it weren’t for Phil Knight Oregon would be sitting together with WSU and OSU with no media market to support them.
If George Kliavkoff had an ounce of integrity he would graciously resign.
But I guess his inactions have answered that question.
maybe he has a poison pill clause, if he resigns he owes a bunch of money.
If I read the complaint and Bylaws correctly (I'm no lawyer), the Beavers and Cougars could be sharing tens of millions of assets in the coming years. They could be splitting one or two CFP payouts! That would be so funny I'd never stop laughing.
WOW good for them!!! I am a DUCK fan BUT...The commish needs to be working FOR the PAC12 not the ones leaving...