The latest way the ACC will resolve
the expansion impasse? by inviting Virginia Tech also. We have nothing against Virginia
Tech - as a matter of fact, we'd prefer them to Syracuse or B.C. - but
this is crazy. And then there's another possibility which will really
cause some problems.
First, going to 13 schools would complicate a lot of things: it cuts the pie
an additional slice, adds to the travel issues, and aside from football and a
keen rivalry with UVa, Tech brings nothing to the table. They are not
going to add much to the TV package, and basketball is a joke.
Aside from those salient points, Tech is simultaneously suing the ACC to stop
expansion and using political pressure to try to force their way in. Apparently,
if these stories are true, it's working. Memo to all aspirants to the
conference: file suit as quickly as possible, and make a deal with the governor
of Virginia.
To paraphrase the old TV show: 12 Is Enough.
And the afore-mentioned possibility? Changing the ACC bylaws:
while it takes seven schools to pass expansion, it only takes six to change the
number of yes votes from seven to six. If that happened, it would be bound
to cause very hard feelings.
This is all because The University of Virginia is buckling under political pressure and
lacks the cojones to vote yes, even though it's pretty much understood that
they are the seventh vote. After filing suit, Tech President Charles M.
Steger said "if Virginia Tech was offered an invitation to join the ACC
right now, we would turn it down." Oh, really.
On the positive side, it will be absolutely hilarious to see the reaction
from Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who has been busy patting
himself on the back for delaying expansion. Will he sue Virginia Tech
next?
We don't completely understand the pressure on Virginia, because we learned
while reading about all this that the state of Virginia only contributes a small
amount of UVa's budget - less than 10% if we remember correctly. Obviously
10% ain't chicken feed, but it's not like it's UNC or N.C. State, where the
budgets are overwhelmingly supplied by taxpayers.
On another front, this afternoon, we were thinking that Duke was in a great
situation. With UVa President John Casteen apparently saying he can't be the
deciding vote, and UNC firmly against expansion, Duke was in a position - and
could still be, depending on how things work out - of having a disproportionate
influence on how things ultimately play out. Before this latest stupidity
was entertained, Duke, very briefly, was at the absolute historical apex of
influence in the ACC. We're hoping Nan Keohane is a smooth enough
politician to extract everything possible in Duke's favor while keeping the
expansion number at 12.
Then again, there is the possibility that this is all an elaborate
ploy: if Virginia Tech declines to drop out of the lawsuit, then Casteen
can vote yes with less pressure. And important to note: alone so far among his
colleagues in the press, Durham's Al Featherston quotes a source who says
it's just an idea and hasn't been formally approved. It would certainly throw
the Big East off balance, to say the least, and thus would be a useful strategic
offensive, even if it turns out to be a fake-out.
According to the Washington Post, Tech will be given 48 hours to make a
decision, and will have to pull out of the lawsuit to be considered.
They'll also have to deal with an amazing amount of negative publicity.
- Tech
in the mix? - Expansion
may test ACC-Big Ten series - Reports: Va.
Tech in the mix - Rivals
Duke, UNC united in opposition -
ACC
bylaws could be changed - ACC
tradition may be lost cause - Old
Southwest schools can relate to Big East - RICHMOND:
stop expansion. - ACC
May Add Hokies - Cavalier
Daily - Yes On Expansion - Expansion:
More talk, no vote