I'm sorry, I wasn't clear. Nobody is considering NMSU. I just picked the first non-MWC/PAC school west of the Mississippi that popped into my head because I didn't want the argument to focus on whether or not this or that MWC team might jump if offered. So I picked somebody who would almost certainly jump if offered to illustrate the matter.
If SDSU accepts the MWC's offer before June 30, then I think that the exit penalty applies and they would owe the nBE the $5 mil. The fact that the nBE is "probably" not going to add another western school between January 31 and June 30 is irrelevant; they have the right to try. The exit penalty isn't waived until June 30, 2013 and if SDSU accepts the MWC's offer before then I think they owe the exit penalty.
Or at least it is enough of a legal question that it complicates the whole negotiation. If the MWC demands an answer by Jan 31 and is unwilling to help with the exit penalty, if it is owed, then SDSU would theoretically have to actually pay $5 mil ($6.5 mil including the Big West?) to rejoin the MWC. That's a whole different kettle of fish than if they only had to pay the BW. So the Aztec fans who want to stay in the nBE could possibly get their wish -- not because their administration wants to stay but because they can't afford to buy their freedom. Unlike entrance fees, which can be spread out over several years, exit fees require a lump sum payment within "X" number of days of leaving the conference.
Further, this could force SDSU to be a much more active nBE partner in trying to find a way to take more western members in that, the nBE might be more favorably inclined to renegotiate that exit penalty if SDSU works with them. But they might not be too; I don't know. I'm beginning to think that if the nBE sells the name to the C-7 then they should rename themselves the Big Exit Fee Conference.
Just for clarity, everything that I've said here is speculation except that I'm about 99% certain that the contract gives the nBE until June 30 to find another western member and the exit fee is not eliminated until that date passes and they have failed to do so.
Yoda out...
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Well if the jerseyguy is correct, then SDSU and the nbe would have appeared to have agreed to just part company. Which means that either I was full of **** or that they agreed to just part company as friends.
http://ajerseyguy.com/?p=4783
Either way, if it is true, then welcome back Aztecs -- even if you don't want to be here...
Yoda out again...
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