Tuesday, June 15, 2010

What Did We Learn From This?

I have worked in the media and appreciate the media. But in this Internet society, the Big 12 Conference story again reminds us that a story isn't really news unless it becomes news.

Several media outlets declared the Big 12 dead. The Pac-10 would swoop up six total members and kill the conference. Colorado was the first official prize and the next five would be a matter of days

Well, obviously the sure thing wasn't the sure thing. Texas decided to stay in the Big 12 and the other Texas and Oklahoma schools followed. Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Iowa State and Baylor didn't want to go anywhere and these schools received their wish. Even with only 10 schools, the Big 12 is still alive.

The media was partly correct. Texas held the biggest poker chip and the conference survival did hinge on the Longhorns. The Longhorns turned down the Pac-10 marriage proposal and life in the mid section of the country is again all well.

The other big winner in this Big 12 love feast is commissioner Dan Beebe. He worked feverishly to save the league and save his job. He accomplished both.

It will be interested to see how this reworked 10-member conference functions. But for most people in Big 12 country they are jusy happy it is still functioning.

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