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The Big 12 conference sent a “cease and desist” letter to ESPN, citing the broadcaster’s violation of the rights grant agreement.
Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel first reported the news.
The letter, obtained by SI, indicates that ESPN – in addition to its “potential involvement” with Texas and Oklahoma’s decision to leave the Big 12 for the SEC – has been “actively engaged in discussions with at least another conference concerning this conference inducing additional members of the Big 12 Conference to leave the Big 12 Conference.
ESPN, in a statement to AL.com, said that “the assertions in the letter have no basis.”
Further, the letter – written by Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby – states that ESPN is in violation of the amended and restated Rights Grant Agreement by attempting to violate contractual obligations for the benefit of ESPN.
Thamel Reports, citing sources, the Big 12 say they have “hard evidence” of ESPN and at least one other league plotting to undermine the Big 12.
According to the letter, and citing the amended and restated agreement, ESPN will “take no action that would infringe, or (which are) inconsistent with, the conference of any rights acquired under that agreement.”
The letter is the latest development in what has turned out to be the biggest college football story since it erupted during SEC Media Days last week.
On Monday, Texas and Oklahoma – in a joint statement – said they informed the Big 12 that they have no plans to extend their media rights grants beyond their current expiration in 2025.
A day later, Texas and Oklahoma formally applied for membership in the SEC in a letter to Commissioner Greg Sankey.
John Talty of AL.com contributed to this report.
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