The McMurphy tweet smells fishy. If Oregon already shopped themselves around, the B1G was the first place they called, so they already heard “We’ll get back to you if we decide to expand.” And for sure the B1G is already well aware of what each potential new school brings to the table, and undoubtedly has them ranked depending on scenarios: these two schools if Notre Dame doesn’t join, these three schools if they do, these different schools if the ACC grant of rights goes away, etc.
But USC/UCLA didn't pound on the table either apparently until they announced their move.
As a Beaver Believer I'm not sure how I feel about Phil Knight being an "equity partner" in the PAC, especially if Knight and Hatfield (still a Nike employee I believe) are involved in Oregon's B1G lobbying. My sense is they're just afraid of the impending Beaver dynasty anyway.
It is encouraging to realize that Phil Knight continues to be a supporter of Oregon athletics and is willing to help provide a resolution if possible.
I though, think his efforts would be better spent dealing with the Trailblazer ownership and their ridiculous decision to eliminate away game in-person broadcasting. Make them an Oregon Team.
The rules in college athletics haven't really changed since SMU was given the "death penalty". Knight and Nike have been able to call the shots for the last thirty years. The world has changed. It's not 2006 anymore. I'm not sure Knight can keep up. Going to Chicago, hat in hand, is not a good look.
There's room now for a third power conference. There won't be a fourth. Oregon and Nike can absolutely call the shots in the formation and execution of such a thing. That should be the focus. Begging to get into the B1G is not only lame in the short-term, but dumb in the long-term too.
Changing subjects just a bit, do you think Knight and Miller regret taking their beef with Jody to the NY Post? It looks to me like they badly misread the room.
Been thinking the same thing about there being room for a “third” conference. And if you get enough quality teams in it, it would be impossible to ignore when it comes to CFP access. But that would require probably the best/most desirable roughly 4-6 teams from the Pac 12, probably a similar amount from the Big 12, and maybe some from the ACC. The key would be to get enough teams, from enough regions, that the broadcasters would demand it have a seat at the table.
What is tough is how to get that done. You’d basically have to dissolve the Big 12 and Pac 12. And then you are stuck with the ACC grant of rights issue. Just doesn’t seem feasible. Apparently there were at least initial discussion about a Pac 12-Big 12 merger of some sort and it was shot down. Doesn’t seem like it’s financially attractive enough to the networks to pay significant $ for it, and also you have to decide who is “out” of the existing two conferences.
Would love to see something like this happen, if they could make it work.
The McMurphy tweet smells fishy. If Oregon already shopped themselves around, the B1G was the first place they called, so they already heard “We’ll get back to you if we decide to expand.” And for sure the B1G is already well aware of what each potential new school brings to the table, and undoubtedly has them ranked depending on scenarios: these two schools if Notre Dame doesn’t join, these three schools if they do, these different schools if the ACC grant of rights goes away, etc.
Don't put anything past Phil Knight. He is a winner all the way
Child Labor.
Love your stories whether there sports related or not. Really loved the story of your aunt.
Great story about your mother-in-law, John.
Thanks.
Greg Stark
"Oregon hasn’t been pounding on the table"
But USC/UCLA didn't pound on the table either apparently until they announced their move.
As a Beaver Believer I'm not sure how I feel about Phil Knight being an "equity partner" in the PAC, especially if Knight and Hatfield (still a Nike employee I believe) are involved in Oregon's B1G lobbying. My sense is they're just afraid of the impending Beaver dynasty anyway.
Afraid of it? If rumor is right, they are helping to fund it.
It is encouraging to realize that Phil Knight continues to be a supporter of Oregon athletics and is willing to help provide a resolution if possible.
I though, think his efforts would be better spent dealing with the Trailblazer ownership and their ridiculous decision to eliminate away game in-person broadcasting. Make them an Oregon Team.
The rules in college athletics haven't really changed since SMU was given the "death penalty". Knight and Nike have been able to call the shots for the last thirty years. The world has changed. It's not 2006 anymore. I'm not sure Knight can keep up. Going to Chicago, hat in hand, is not a good look.
There's room now for a third power conference. There won't be a fourth. Oregon and Nike can absolutely call the shots in the formation and execution of such a thing. That should be the focus. Begging to get into the B1G is not only lame in the short-term, but dumb in the long-term too.
Changing subjects just a bit, do you think Knight and Miller regret taking their beef with Jody to the NY Post? It looks to me like they badly misread the room.
Been thinking the same thing about there being room for a “third” conference. And if you get enough quality teams in it, it would be impossible to ignore when it comes to CFP access. But that would require probably the best/most desirable roughly 4-6 teams from the Pac 12, probably a similar amount from the Big 12, and maybe some from the ACC. The key would be to get enough teams, from enough regions, that the broadcasters would demand it have a seat at the table.
What is tough is how to get that done. You’d basically have to dissolve the Big 12 and Pac 12. And then you are stuck with the ACC grant of rights issue. Just doesn’t seem feasible. Apparently there were at least initial discussion about a Pac 12-Big 12 merger of some sort and it was shot down. Doesn’t seem like it’s financially attractive enough to the networks to pay significant $ for it, and also you have to decide who is “out” of the existing two conferences.
Would love to see something like this happen, if they could make it work.
You are world class writer and your vulnerability is most powerfully felt.
You remind me of my idol Wallace Stegner. Please check out “Letter, Much Too Late” and “ The Blue Winged Teal”.
I adore your writing.
When I finally sit down to relax near the end of each day, your the first thing I reach for. Great content I can trust.