Now it's political football in the Big 12 with realignment - KansasCity.com
On Tuesday, the Big 12 Board of Directors met on a conference call, and the expected result was the approve West Virginia's invitation into the conference.
The Big 12 was prepared to send a delegation, led by interim commissioner Chuck Neinas, to Morgantown, W.Va., for a ceremony.
But on the call, some sentiment was expressed for Louisville, like West Virginia, a member of the Big East.
A source familiar with the call told The Kansas City Star that Oklahoma supported Louisville, while most others, including Texas, favored West Virginia. And the board went into the meeting with the idea of inviting only one.
Also on the table, according to a source, was grant-of-rights. Texas favors six years, Oklahoma at least 10. Boren was willing to give in on the reduced grant-of-rights in exchange for support for Louisville.
On Wednesday, Oklahoma State mega-booster T. Boone Pickens told The Oklahoman that wasn't sure about West Virginia.
"We'll, I've got to be convinced on West Virginia," Pickens said. "I haven't seen anything on the school."
Asked specifically about his concern, Pickens said distance.
"As I remember, you fly into Pittsburgh then drive a couple of hours. That's pretty isolated."
Could the Big 12 invite both?
According to a source, the league was intent in stopping at 10 for now and waiting on Notre Dame to determine if change is in its future