[ad_1]
American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco has denied claims that his conference and ESPN have “strategically aligned or conspired to influence conference structures,” adding that any suggestion to the contrary was “a totally indictment. unfounded and grossly irresponsible “.
Last week Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby suggested that ESPN and an unnamed conference took on several remaining Big 12 teams and told CBS Sports the American sued three to five teams. of his conference. Aresco vehemently hit back at that claim on Wednesday.
“Our conference has never aligned or strategically planned with ESPN to influence conference structures,” Aresco said at a Virtual Media Day event. “We wouldn’t do that, ESPN never did and wouldn’t do it. We consult with our TV and business partners on matters related to our conference; everyone does. But any suggestions or statements we have made with ESPN regarding the structure of any other conference is a totally unfounded and grossly irresponsible accusation, and that’s all I really have to say about it at this point. “
In a cease and desist letter Bowlsby sent to ESPN last week, he wrote that the network had “actively engaged in discussions with at least one other conference regarding this conference urging additional members of the Big 12 Conference to leave the Big 12. Conference. “
ESPN responded last week, saying the claims in the letter “had no basis.”
After Texas and Oklahoma announced their departure for the SEC last week, the future of the Big 12, with just eight members remaining, is increasingly under scrutiny. With 11 conference schools and attractive members including Cincinnati and UCF in the United States, speculation has focused on this conference and its long-term future.
Although Aresco said the league has not specifically contacted other schools, he would not say if the schools have contacted his league. But he said, “If there are schools interested in us that would improve our brand and be a good cultural and competitive fit, then why wouldn’t we consider them?” Whatever happens on the road, we will continue to focus on growth and excellence. “
“Any suggestion or statement we have made with ESPN regarding the structure of any other conference is a totally unfounded and grossly irresponsible accusation, and that’s all I really have to say about it at this point.”
American Sports Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco
Aresco has repeatedly said he believes his conference is strong and unified, but acknowledged the uncertainty in the university landscape as schools and leagues scramble to determine what comes next.
“We discussed with our members our strategic vision for this conference and why it would be wise for them to stay in this conference, which is a growth conference, which is a strong and stable conference,” said Aresco. “We don’t know what’s going to happen, so we just want everyone to take a step back and look at the situation, and we basically stay calm and just analyze the situation.”
Regarding the proposed model for the 12-team college football playoffs, Aresco said the American remains in favor of it – although new concerns have been raised because SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has been l one of the architects of the plan. With Texas and Oklahoma in the mix now, the SEC has even more to gain in a 12-team model.
But Aresco said that was also the case for the American, who has looked away for all of CFP history despite several undefeated teams at the end of the regular season, including UCF (2017, ‘ 18) and Cincinnati (2020). The Bearcats, as the preseason pick to win the American, could find themselves in the playoff discussion again this year.
The CFP Board of Directors will then meet in September to hear comments from all conferences and stakeholders involved.
“The CFP plan is good,” Aresco said. “The current expansion speculation should not derail or delay the process. I see no reason for this. The CFP plan has received broad support, so it should move forward. who deserved a shot in previous seasons and didn’t.
“No one will ever convince me that some of our teams couldn’t have competed and done really well and maybe won a national championship. We think the 12 teams create opportunities, and that’s key. The playoffs become a little bland when you have the same teams over and over again. That’s a real problem. What it does, it will energize college football. “
New UCF coach Gus Malzahn has also expressed support for the 12-team format.
“You see the change in two teams added to the SEC and you hear people say, ‘Oh, that’s going to push it back,’” said Malzahn. “I think that’s a bunch of bulls, man. Best for college football is to move forward as soon as possible, to have all 12 teams, and hopefully that will happen.”
With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing in the United States, Aresco said the league has been encouraging vaccinations throughout the conference – especially since the league will not be rescheduling games this year.
Aresco has announced that if a team is unable to play due to an outbreak, it will result in a forfeit, following similar measures previously announced by the SEC and Big 12.
[ad_2]
Source link