Unholy Big 12 Alliance Brings Little Peace

The freak show led by Big Boss Jim Delany, boot keeper Dan Bebee, and court jester John Marinatto certainly has provided college football fans with some good entertainment this summer.

And just when you think the last deal has been made and the final lawyer's threat uttered, rebellious Aggieland refuses to bow.

A&M president R. Bowen Loftin said the following this week: "A key part of Texas A&M's decision to remain in the Big 12 earlier this summer was the commissioner's commitment that Texas A&M would receive a minimum of $20 million annually in future conference distributions. We remain committed to the conference and fully anticipate that the Big 12 will honor its commitment to Texas A&M."

Wasn't it about time a vested party spoke out regarding oral promises and alleged guaranteed money? After all, the Big 12 has been resurrected by a lot of talk. You don't have to live in cattle country to know that bull and money often equivocate to "I got you sucker."

A rabid and growing group of A&M fans have been thinking President Lofton would be good kindle for the next bonfire.

What he may not have done in the whirlwind turnabout to keep the Aggies partnered with dominate big brother TU rankles fans more than anything else.

Just who made the decision to stay in a reformatted Big 12?

Why did this decision maker believe playing home games against Big 12 opponents is superior to hosting SEC foes? 

How many fans actually contacted the president? How many supported the Big 12?

Regardless of Lofton's motivation to speak out now, he is correct to apply pressure. After all, Bebee looked like a confused weakling at the outset of Big 12 meetings. For him to suddenly emerge as the great peace keeper promising lots of cash with no written contracts is circumspect.

Moving on, and in the eyes of many Texas A&M fans, moving up would have been the advantages of SEC membership.

Larry Scott deserves credit for A&M's quick strike opportunity to join old rivals Arkansas and LSU in the SEC. His oneupmanship caused Delany's chagrined expression, providing comedy to the entire spectacle.

Then here is the ever industrious John Marinatto from the Big East. John sent the Big 12 commissioner roses (I didn't believe it, either) for keeping the status quo.

However uneasily, the peace has been kept--for now.

That's right, John, go ahead and plan your summer vacation.

John isn't getting a summer's peace, though, nor is Bebee. Boss Jim is talking about "looking East" again, John Swofford is hinting at developing an ACC expansion plan, and Mike Silve still has one.

Best of all, A&M is ready to raise some good Aggie hell if promises aren't kept.