Next week's Big 12 Conference meetings should be interesting, with Commissioner
Dan Beebe setting the mood by suggesting in recent interviews that he may hit Missouri and Nebraska with ultimatums. "We need to talk about where we're going and who's on the plane when it takes off," Beebe told Kansas City radio station WHB.
Beebe softened his language in follow-up chats with the media, but he's obviously displeased by the MU and Nebraska flirtations with the Big Ten Conference. Will Beebe give the Tigers and Cornhuskers a "Big 12: Love it or leave it!" edict?
And if Beebe throws down, what does he expect the delegations from Mizzou and Nebraska to do? Immediately defect from the Big 12 and storm out of the room? Beg for forgiveness? Throw chairs? Sign a blood oath? Assemble their state national guards at the border and prepare to invade Big 12 headquarters? Pull out mobile phones, call Big Ten Commissioner
Jim Delany and tell him that they've been grounded by their daddy, Beebe, and can't come out and play?
The Big Ten isn't close to making a decision. Nothing has been offered or accepted. Programs in all of the major conferences are waiting to see what will happen and whether the landscape will shift in a massive realignment. This isn't the time to rush, or force, any decision.
Moreover, in an interview with USA Today, Texas director of athletics
DeLoss Dodds said "nothing's off the table" regarding the Longhorns' future affiliation. Do you think Beebe will hit Texas with an ultimatum?
Nah, didn't think so.
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