The conference realignment wars of 2011 are over ... at least momentarily. After weeks of swirling rumors, Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott released a statement on Tuesday night, in the wake of reports his conference may add Oklahoma, Texas and others, effectively putting an end to the madness. Scott said he felt the conference was best served staying at 12 schools, stopping some of the wheels of expansion.
Here is the statement, in its entirety.
WALNUT CREEK, Calif.– In light of the widespread speculation about potential scenarios for Conference re-alignment, the Pac-12 Presidents and Chancellors have affirmed their decision to remain a 12-team conference. Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said, "after careful review we have determined that it is in the best interests of our member institutions, student-athletes and fans to remain a 12-team conference. While we have great respect for all of the institutions that have contacted us, and certain expansion proposals were financially attractive, we have a strong conference structure and culture of equality that we are committed to preserve. With new landmark TV agreements and plans to launch our innovative television networks, we are going to focus solely on these great assets, our strong heritage and the bright future in front of us.""
So for now, that's it, if Scott is to be believed. The ridiculousness of the past few weeks may finally be over, and nothing has changed in the Pac-12. And finally, we can get back to our lives.
However, this doesn't mean conference realignment is a dead idea. It seems these same rumors pop up every year, and we can all expect to go through this again next year, if not sooner.
We'll be back with more on conference realignment as it becomes available here. For all your Pac-12 news needs, head over to Pacific Takes. Be sure to visit our local college blogs: CougCenter, for Washington State fans, and UW Dawg Pound, for Washington fans.