We talk to Brett McMurphy for a review of all things Big East expansion as we get his take on:
*The latest with the Villanova saga
*If he sees Houston fitting into the BE plans
*Who's on deck if Villanova is a no go-UCF, ECU?
*If he thinks the BE's new TV contract can match the ACC's
*His take on the 12/20 hybrid and/or the 12 all-sport
and more
(expansion talk begins around 12 minutes, and it is followed by an interview with former Cardinal and current Houston Texan Amobi Okoye)

Louisville Sports Live's interview with NY Times Blogger Brett McMurphy

Thanks for the link...enjoyed our show again!

McMurphy got a job with the Times? News to me...

No speakers.

Basically he says UCF should be there now, Nova will probably be added, Houston would be a surprise and isn't likely, and other candidates are ECU and Memphis.

He was a longtime Tampa sportswriter, correct? He's certainly never worked in Texas. This probably explains his bias.

I can't believe you got Amobi Okoye on your podcast! That was very cool to hear about his foundational work.

(04-13-2011 10:28 PM)CougarRed Wrote:  He was a longtime Tampa sportswriter, correct?

Yes...he was the USF beat writer for the Tampa Tribune for many years.

Good List of guests. Its nice you are able to get them on the show. Brett has alot of Big East connections.

McMurphy was the USF beat writer for the Tampa Tribune for many years. His relationship with Leavitt and other coaches turned sour and he generally had an axe to grind with USF. His coverage of USF turned so negative that eventually he got fired. He then signed on with AOL Fanhouse and was instrumental in getting Jim Leavitt fired. AOL Fanhouse was bought by Sporting News and was dissolved and McMurphy was let go. He now is a freelance writer and has done some articles for the NY Times. He does have BE connections and was one of the first ones to break the TCU to BE story.

(04-13-2011 10:28 PM)CougarRed Wrote:  He was a longtime Tampa sportswriter, correct? He's certainly never worked in Texas. This probably explains his bias.

I don't think there's any bias, if you actually listened to the interview. He actually was big on the idea that UCF was the next front runner, but said that the longer they waited on Villanova, he's done a complete 180 on UCF or anyone being invited before Villanova, still. He thinks Nova will get their facilities act together in time and will still be added.

Wow. he thinks UCF is a perfect fit..but thinks Villanova will egt a stadium plan and join. he says UCF basiclly is a no go and he cannot understand why. He says Houston..no way. He won't even say ECU or Memphis is worth of inclusion in a 12 team Big east. It's all a bit shocking to me. Thanks for the podacst link. Probably the most info I have found on this.