Now even Scarlett Johansson is suing the Mouse for trying to screw her over financially...


https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/...w-1-WM.pdf

(07-29-2021 09:43 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(07-29-2021 06:32 AM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  ESPN tragically misunderstands the appeal of college football and the passion of its fans. They think they can create mega conferences and that viewers will flock to their product.

What’s the incentive to watch the mega conferences if you’re school isn’t in it?

Eh, ESPN has been involved with college football for a long time now, and it has basically thrived during that time. So IMO they understand something about its appeal.

Who are the apparent losers in what is happening right now? The L8. I am not sure that the fate of college football appeal depends on what happens to the L8, just like it didn't skip a beat when the Big East collapsed 10 years ago.

Would it be a shock to fans of Iowa State or Kansas State to find themselves on the outside of the power circle? Sure. But nobody ever argued that USF losing its AQ status, or Houston losing theirs in 1995, or Toledo never having it to begin with was harming CFB as a whole. Many schools have lived outside that circle their whole program lives, and CFB survived just fine.

It will in this case too, IMO, if that is what happens.

Right - we can all complain about ESPN's influence at the end of the day, but we would be fooling ourselves if ESPN doesn't understand compelling programming.

Texas and Oklahoma now playing all of the SEC teams is the *epitome* of getting viewers to flock to your product and, frankly, I'll be one of them even as a Big Ten guy.

(07-29-2021 09:49 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  So it really boils down to the balance between those who think they can do better, and those desperate to keep the L8 intact as their best option.

That balance depends on whether any of the Big 12 remainers have any prospects to "do better". If any of them did, and Bowlsby messed them up with his attack on ESPN, then they would be out there today trying to fire Bowlsby.

But none of the eight appear to be trying to push Bowlsby out today; none have even tried to distance themselves from Bowlsby's actions. So, it looks like all eight are in the "Big 12 is our best option" category.

(07-29-2021 10:28 AM)Kyle Mack Wrote:  

(07-29-2021 08:34 AM)Captain Bearcat Wrote:  Just read the letter. It demands ESPN cease and desist by noon CT today. ESPN still has a little over 3 hours to finalize the destruction of the Big 12.

Is that the one not issued by a court?

yeah

the dont just object, they strongly object

ESPN has sent a written response to Bowlsby:

(07-29-2021 02:33 PM)Wedge Wrote:  ESPN has sent a written response to Bowlsby:

Dear Bob

This is going to hurt everyone.

ESPN is going to guarantee the league dies by 2025. The schools will collect exit fees and add a few schools (they're going for revenge on the AAC, even if it lasts for a few years only) - but ESPN is going to lowball the next offer and run a smear campaign on its members.

Cincy will enjoy a few years in the Big XII and then be right where they were now but with a few extra dollars (and maybe that's worth it, IDK).

(07-29-2021 02:33 PM)Wedge Wrote:  ESPN has sent a written response to Bowlsby:

Very brave. Lines drawn.

Now we'll see whether Bowlsby has a smoking gun or was relying on hearsay.

Put up or shut up time for Bowlsby.

(07-29-2021 08:51 AM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  

(07-29-2021 08:31 AM)shere khan Wrote:  

(07-28-2021 04:25 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  This is great. Grab the popcorn.

More fun than Big 12 football.

You dont even have to read the posts anymore, just look at which team the poster pulls for in his sig and you will already know the spin.

Its an awesome study in human nature.

As a neutral observer, the Big 12 posters have been the most level-headed across the board.

Yes they have been level headed.

They know that the 8 schools left are valuable and the AAC is no real threat at all. Even if 3 schools are left in the Big 12 the brand is still much more valuable than the AAC.

ESPN is colluding to dismantle the Big 12 then they wont be on the hook for a hundred million+.

And they think the 3 teams left will willing join the AAC and their 12 year 7 million deal

(07-29-2021 02:06 PM)Wedge Wrote:  

(07-29-2021 09:49 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  So it really boils down to the balance between those who think they can do better, and those desperate to keep the L8 intact as their best option.

That balance depends on whether any of the Big 12 remainers have any prospects to "do better". If any of them did, and Bowlsby messed them up with his attack on ESPN, then they would be out there today trying to fire Bowlsby.

But none of the eight appear to be trying to push Bowlsby out today; none have even tried to distance themselves from Bowlsby's actions. So, it looks like all eight are in the "Big 12 is our best option" category.

A couple points:

1) If I was an L8, I would be of the mindset that the Big 12 is likely where I will remain, so I would support Bowlsby's active and aggressive moves to thwart ESPN, enforce the contracts with TX and OU, etc.

2) But at the same time, I would be exploring every avenue I could to try and get out of the Big 12 and over to another power conference. I would send out feelers, beg, whatever, to try and make my case ....

... so that I could be in the same position as TX and OU.

(07-29-2021 06:21 AM)RUScarlets Wrote:  What would an 18/19 team conference look like? I mean ridiculous, no?

19 teams is fugly… maybe you have a SWC in there though with:

SouthWest: TCU, Houston, Baylor, TTech, SMU, Tulsa, Tulane, OSU, Navy?

North/East: WVU, Memphis, UC, ECU, KU, KSU, ISU, UCF, USF, Temple?

Fuggglyy… maybe split that into 3 or 4 divisions.

You add BYU and go to either 2 10 team divisions or 4 5 team pods.

(07-29-2021 02:33 PM)Wedge Wrote:  ESPN has sent a written response to Bowlsby:

Bowlsby is not going to survive this as Big 12 honcho no matter where this goes.

The Big 12 will at some point have to negotiate with ESPN, very probably the next TV contract, and I cannot see how Bowlsby can be the one doing it.