Louisville's Athletic Director Reportedly Says Cardinals Want Out of Big East

Just when you thought the moving, shaking and conference realigning was completed in the Big East, a report leaks that Louisville wants out.

Here we go again. 

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Before you leave, someone must want you RT @BearcatPalinFan: @DanWolken Louisville's AD apparently told the Big East they want out

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) May 10, 2012"

Yesterday, Andy Katz of ESPN reported that Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich informed other members of the conference that his school is looking to shift its alliance:

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Multiple sources with direct knowledge of their situations told ESPN.com that Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich told the Big East board of directors that the Cardinals want to be in the Big 12 or the ACC, opting for transparency by making members aware of his school's true intentions.

No invitation has arrived as of yet and the only likely one would be from the Big 12 if new commissioner Bob Bowlsby sees the need to recommend to his board that an expansion to 12 teams is in the league's interest. Last year, Louisville made a strong push to get into the Big 12 over West Virginia but was rebuffed in the 11th hour.

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But what school would the Big 12 try to pair with Louisville if it was serious about expanding the conference once again? And how would the bi-coastal Big East go about replacing Louisville after already having suffered defections by Nebraska, Colorado and Missouri?

As always, the wild card in all of this remains Notre Dame's independence in football. If the Irish were willing to join the Big East, the conference would practically push Louisville out the door. And if the Cards were willing to shift toward the ACC in basketball—and possibly even football, though that seems unlikely—Louisville would have a school to pair with in a conference shift.

This is all pure speculation, of course, but Wolken is right—Louisville won't be going to a new party without an invitation. For now, it will awkwardly remain a Big East member.

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