That's ok too. There are a lot of circumstances these days where people are not willing to point out the obvious in public or they simply refuse to acknowledge the obvious to themselves.
The big advantage that Oregon has that Washington doesn't have and can't manufacture overnight is 25 years of brilliant national marketing of not just a winning program, but a program that is always fun to watch. That's why every Oregon recruiting class these days has at least one player from another part of the country who claims that Oregon was their dream school. That's not something you're likely to hear from a Washington recruit from outside their geographic footprint, even though they played in the championship game just two years ago.
I'm an Oregon alum who grew up in a little town in Central Maine. A few years ago, I attended my high school's state championship football game at the University of Maine stadium and spotted a woman in our cheering section wearing a Ducks cap. I had to ask her what her connection was to the U of O, thinking maybe her child was a student there. "I just like their football team" was her response.
The kicker for me: Our high school team is the Huskies!
I never feel sorry for UW with regards to resources. A much larger university, much larger city, larger stadium, and an area filled with Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amazon millionaires. UW should have all the money they need.
Most of the millionaires from those tech companies went to schools other than UW, and as we’ve seen with Jensen Huang, tech people aren’t always making big donations to athletic departments even at the schools they did attend.
John, I don’t have an hour to spend watching you interview Chun.
But wondering, did you ask his opinion of Nick Rolovich’s $25M wrongful termination case now in front of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the DOJ having issued an amicus brief in support? Nick is claiming under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Chun’s hands are all over that potential invoice coming due from his former employer, WSU, should Nick prevail. Pat is the one who denied Nick’s exemption while employed there and is accused of holding animus toward Rolovich’s religious beliefs.
Nick’s case is just the most high profile in State of Washington. More than 2,100 other state employees were fired, resigned or retired early because of the Covid requirement, and they are watching 9th results that should come out between now and Dec.
It is a good thing for plaintiff — if the case gets appealed up to SCOTUS. My guess is the 9th will kick the case back down however- and instruct a jury trial. This far, all rulings have been from judges only.
The Snohomish 8 (firefighters fired for same reason as Rolo) are appealing their wrongful termination to SCOTUS. Not sure if highest court will hear it - but SCOTUS has formally asked (compelled) the Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue (in Jun ‘26) to respond in writing, why they shouldn’t. If SRFR doesn’t come up with convincing written reason, then this is going to highest court in the land.
I remember reading an article in the 1990s. It was regarding how the PAC-10 should (based on talks within the conference) kick out Oregon and Oregon State because they couldn’t compete long term in athletics based on their athletic budgets.
In the article it was pointed out that Washington had a near $40 million dollar budget while Oregon was just about $17 million. That Washington was consistently spending 60% more than Oregon to remain competitive and it wasn’t fair to be dragged down by schools unwilling to budget to be competitive. They pointed to the fact they should have been unanimous National Champions but had to split the natty because it was widely believed the PAC-10 was not as competitive.
So forgive me if I don’t want to hear any whining from the University of Washington about Oregon’s billionaire philanthropist, willing to use his money and company to make Oregon one of the most recognizable and competitive brands in all of college sports and even beyond.
I think Chun’s most interesting comments were on the death of the Pac-12 as we once knew it. He’s right on when he says that the bad decisions of the conference gave schools no choice but to go elsewhere.
As he put it, “that last deal that was on the table was untenable … [and] would have would have bankrupt 10 schools.” That echoes what other AD’d and presidents have stated.
There’s a lot of bitterness around here when the subject comes up, but it’s very obvious that Washington and Oregon had no choice but to move on. Engaging in a 10 member suicide pact would have made no sense.
Oh, I don’t like that it happened at all. I wish more than anything that the Pac had been able to nab the Texas/Oklahoma group and was now serving as the west coast balance to the B1G and SEC. Alas, between Larry Scott and George K, the whole thing came crashing down.
Wise man, Pat Chung. Have always like him and, though Oregon is my Ride or Die, felt awful for WAZZU when he went to the dark, er....West side, even as I understand why he left. That's where we are.
I appreciate you sharing the excerpts. I'm just not a video/YouTube guy. Much as I love your columns, I haven't watched an episode yet. I appreciate I'm probably in a very small minority.
John - I listened to you corresponding BFT radio show where you expressed shock at the hate still targeted at Chun from WSU fans. I don’t know if this is feigned ignorance or what. Most Oregon State and WSU fans see the final nail in the pac12 coffin being Oregon and UW going to the big10. Most WSU fans including myself knew Chun was applying to every job out there and we were prepared to wish him well as long as he did not go to ONE school. Covering this conference for the fallout and subsequent rebuild and being taken aback by Washington State fans feelings of betrayal should not come as a shock if you don’t have your head in the sand. So much so I will be cancelling my subscription to your blog.
As a reporter who says they keep their finger on the pulse of the pac12 this was an absolute faceplant. Also to add context to why Dickert is still disliked by fans is because he preached “us against the world” and “loyalty” using both these to lecture fans while leaving when he got first offer. Rogers never did that and is not nearly as disliked as Dickert. The feigned ignorance act is tiring John, do better.
“We recognize what they have as an advantage, and we’ve got to try to figure out what our advantages are at UW.” That statement is going to land on Husky fans like a loud and smelly fart in church. It was either a calculated call for more money or the dumbest statement I’ve read in quite some time from what I assume is a highly intelligent person.
I’m reading his comments on the rivalry with Oregon. I see no mention of a billionaire PHILanthopist. Also detect no whining. If you feel that’s Chun’s intent, perhaps Uncle Phil IS Oregon’s sole advantage. Just sayin’ ( to quote my favorite poster, Charlie)
Big revenue college sport is a business. America is the home of free enterprise. Let the various entities duke it out in the marketplace. That's what they have pursued and that's what they should get, "good and hard" (thanks to H.L. Mencken).
I guess UW will just have to be content with having a world-class public university and outstanding medical center, and somehow survive the horror of not having two indoor practice facilities.
He said a whole lot of nothing.
He said that currently it's all about getting more money. Loud and Clear.
He’s Captain Obvious.
That's ok too. There are a lot of circumstances these days where people are not willing to point out the obvious in public or they simply refuse to acknowledge the obvious to themselves.
I stopped reading when I came across something about their rivalry being with Oregon. It was early in the article.
The big advantage that Oregon has that Washington doesn't have and can't manufacture overnight is 25 years of brilliant national marketing of not just a winning program, but a program that is always fun to watch. That's why every Oregon recruiting class these days has at least one player from another part of the country who claims that Oregon was their dream school. That's not something you're likely to hear from a Washington recruit from outside their geographic footprint, even though they played in the championship game just two years ago.
I'm an Oregon alum who grew up in a little town in Central Maine. A few years ago, I attended my high school's state championship football game at the University of Maine stadium and spotted a woman in our cheering section wearing a Ducks cap. I had to ask her what her connection was to the U of O, thinking maybe her child was a student there. "I just like their football team" was her response.
The kicker for me: Our high school team is the Huskies!
I never feel sorry for UW with regards to resources. A much larger university, much larger city, larger stadium, and an area filled with Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amazon millionaires. UW should have all the money they need.
Most of the millionaires from those tech companies went to schools other than UW, and as we’ve seen with Jensen Huang, tech people aren’t always making big donations to athletic departments even at the schools they did attend.
And many of these wealthy can't get out of modern day Washington fast enough.
Great word salad
John, I don’t have an hour to spend watching you interview Chun.
But wondering, did you ask his opinion of Nick Rolovich’s $25M wrongful termination case now in front of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the DOJ having issued an amicus brief in support? Nick is claiming under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Chun’s hands are all over that potential invoice coming due from his former employer, WSU, should Nick prevail. Pat is the one who denied Nick’s exemption while employed there and is accused of holding animus toward Rolovich’s religious beliefs.
Nick’s case is just the most high profile in State of Washington. More than 2,100 other state employees were fired, resigned or retired early because of the Covid requirement, and they are watching 9th results that should come out between now and Dec.
I think and hope the state of Washington loses this case. The covid hysteria in Washington was epic. So happy Washington is no longer home.
I'm not sure having the current DOJ on your side for anything is a good thing.
It is a good thing for plaintiff — if the case gets appealed up to SCOTUS. My guess is the 9th will kick the case back down however- and instruct a jury trial. This far, all rulings have been from judges only.
A federal jury IN eastern Washington would be great. WSU is on very thin ice here and even the famously leftists on the 9th know it.
The Snohomish 8 (firefighters fired for same reason as Rolo) are appealing their wrongful termination to SCOTUS. Not sure if highest court will hear it - but SCOTUS has formally asked (compelled) the Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue (in Jun ‘26) to respond in writing, why they shouldn’t. If SRFR doesn’t come up with convincing written reason, then this is going to highest court in the land.
https://www.snoho.com/news/2026/jun/10/supreme-court-orders-srfr-to-reply-on-potential-snohomish-8-case/
Yeah, like ferry system having scheduling issues because trained folks bailed rather than take the shot.
It's interesting that not one interview I have seen even touches on it. All they will say is that lack of trained crew is a problem.
“We’re very different than Oregon on so many different levels”. Ain’t that the truth.
I remember reading an article in the 1990s. It was regarding how the PAC-10 should (based on talks within the conference) kick out Oregon and Oregon State because they couldn’t compete long term in athletics based on their athletic budgets.
In the article it was pointed out that Washington had a near $40 million dollar budget while Oregon was just about $17 million. That Washington was consistently spending 60% more than Oregon to remain competitive and it wasn’t fair to be dragged down by schools unwilling to budget to be competitive. They pointed to the fact they should have been unanimous National Champions but had to split the natty because it was widely believed the PAC-10 was not as competitive.
So forgive me if I don’t want to hear any whining from the University of Washington about Oregon’s billionaire philanthropist, willing to use his money and company to make Oregon one of the most recognizable and competitive brands in all of college sports and even beyond.
Thanks, JC.
NFL - It makes a difference when the billionaires get along.
I think Chun’s most interesting comments were on the death of the Pac-12 as we once knew it. He’s right on when he says that the bad decisions of the conference gave schools no choice but to go elsewhere.
As he put it, “that last deal that was on the table was untenable … [and] would have would have bankrupt 10 schools.” That echoes what other AD’d and presidents have stated.
There’s a lot of bitterness around here when the subject comes up, but it’s very obvious that Washington and Oregon had no choice but to move on. Engaging in a 10 member suicide pact would have made no sense.
Looking forward to hearing from Bob Thompson!
Dear Drew--If you feel so good about the defection, you shouldn't be so sensitive to the comments. You come across as more defensive than anything.
Better to just laugh, own it, and enjoy your new ride.
And hint: Continuing to drum the word "bitterness" doesn't help with group healing or harmony here.
Oh, I don’t like that it happened at all. I wish more than anything that the Pac had been able to nab the Texas/Oklahoma group and was now serving as the west coast balance to the B1G and SEC. Alas, between Larry Scott and George K, the whole thing came crashing down.
Because a group of Presidents and Chancellors couldn't effectively oversee Larry & George, the whole thing came crashing down.
Spot on!!
Wise man, Pat Chung. Have always like him and, though Oregon is my Ride or Die, felt awful for WAZZU when he went to the dark, er....West side, even as I understand why he left. That's where we are.
My Cougar friends feel betrayed by Chun. I don't. When he left, WSU didn't have a freaking conference.
I appreciate you sharing the excerpts. I'm just not a video/YouTube guy. Much as I love your columns, I haven't watched an episode yet. I appreciate I'm probably in a very small minority.
John - I listened to you corresponding BFT radio show where you expressed shock at the hate still targeted at Chun from WSU fans. I don’t know if this is feigned ignorance or what. Most Oregon State and WSU fans see the final nail in the pac12 coffin being Oregon and UW going to the big10. Most WSU fans including myself knew Chun was applying to every job out there and we were prepared to wish him well as long as he did not go to ONE school. Covering this conference for the fallout and subsequent rebuild and being taken aback by Washington State fans feelings of betrayal should not come as a shock if you don’t have your head in the sand. So much so I will be cancelling my subscription to your blog.
As a reporter who says they keep their finger on the pulse of the pac12 this was an absolute faceplant. Also to add context to why Dickert is still disliked by fans is because he preached “us against the world” and “loyalty” using both these to lecture fans while leaving when he got first offer. Rogers never did that and is not nearly as disliked as Dickert. The feigned ignorance act is tiring John, do better.
“We recognize what they have as an advantage, and we’ve got to try to figure out what our advantages are at UW.” That statement is going to land on Husky fans like a loud and smelly fart in church. It was either a calculated call for more money or the dumbest statement I’ve read in quite some time from what I assume is a highly intelligent person.
Sorry, was replying to Rick Francis’ post
I’m reading his comments on the rivalry with Oregon. I see no mention of a billionaire PHILanthopist. Also detect no whining. If you feel that’s Chun’s intent, perhaps Uncle Phil IS Oregon’s sole advantage. Just sayin’ ( to quote my favorite poster, Charlie)
It actually was a spot-on analysis.
Big revenue college sport is a business. America is the home of free enterprise. Let the various entities duke it out in the marketplace. That's what they have pursued and that's what they should get, "good and hard" (thanks to H.L. Mencken).
Washington Huskies:
still busy searching for our Phil Knight.
I guess UW will just have to be content with having a world-class public university and outstanding medical center, and somehow survive the horror of not having two indoor practice facilities.
You have him but his interests lie elsewhere. Hint: think BG and JE.