Goodness...

I tried laying out the SEC's view of ECU. Nevertheless, stadium size, fan support, and a can-do attitude continue to come up as reasons the SEC should take a gamble on ECU. The SEC added the flagship universities of South Carolina and Arkansas in the early 90's. A few years ago, they added one of the flagships of Texas and the flagship of Missouri. Does this seem like a conference that takes gambles?

This is the land of opportunity, and I am a free market capitalist as much as the next guy. However, this situation is like trying to earn or work your way into new family. The SEC has made it clear by recent precedent and statements about as explicit as Slive ever gets that the only new additions to the SEC will be successful flagships of states that fit the geographical, cultural, and academic profile. It doesn't matter how much ECU wants to be in the SEC "family" or even how much they may surpass the SEC schools in academics, athletics, culture, money... anything. They are not the flagship school. They do not fit the profile. Many, many, many fine schools do not fit the SEC profile. Anyone who is part of a family, fraternity, alumni group, or social club has to understand this concept. It is not elitist; it is a matter of fit. If ECU is upset that it does not fit the SEC profile, then petition the N.C. legislature to make you the flagship school.