one hour ago from chip brown....
Texas considering all options ... Reply
Whether it was the political pressure put on Texas over the weekend or the Longhorns' determination to hold onto their own television network, it appears Texas is going to take its time before making any decisions about UT's future.
A source close to Texas said UT's commitment to the Longhorn Network has caused Texas officials to explore all possible scenarios involving what's left of the Big 12 before contemplating a potential jump to the Pac-12.
The Pac-12 emerged as a very real destination for Texas on Friday when Oklahoma president David Boren said no one has been more active than the Sooners in exploring potential conference homes. Boren added that OU would not be a wallflower in any college realignment.
But Texas would not be allowed to preserve the Longhorn Network as it is currently contracted in the Pac-12, where there is equal revenue sharing. Sources close to the situation have said Texas could re-work LHN to accommodate the Pac-12, but it would mean Texas giving up much of the $300 million it is set to earn from ESPN over the next 20 years.
Orangebloods.com reported on Friday night that Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe held an emergency conference call with Big 12 presidents excluding Texas, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
Sources said Beebe told the remaining Big 12 presidents to "work on Texas" with hope the Longhorns would stay in the Big 12 and possibly force OU to reconsider any thought of moving to the Pac-12.
A source close to Texas on Monday said the Longhorns will not make a quick decision and that a new possible scenario would include a potential partnership with members of the Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference.
Such a partnership would include Texas' ability to maintain the Longhorn Network, the source said without giving further details.
Sources in the Texas Legislature on Sunday told Orangebloods.com pressure would be put on UT president Bill Powers and athletic director DeLoss Dodds to slow down any movement toward the Pac-12 or any movement that would collapse the Big 12.
Stay tuned.