I think Joe’s providing answers in his notes, but we aren’t here for answers, except to say that UCLA and USC joining the Big Ten is, without a doubt, great for the NIT. Why? We said no answers.
Now, let’s ask some questions.
But, like, when?
I heard 2024. Does that mean 2024 or does it mean 2026? Do a bunch of contracts renew on July 1st? Would that make it mean 2025?
How committed is BYU to the Big 12? And how much does the Pac-12 hate God now that USC’s out of the room?
USC, famously, loathes the Creator. The Pac-12 allegedly did too, which is why they never joined up with BYU. Now, though, does BYU go to the Pac-12? Does BYU own the Pac-12, now? Who holds the deed to the Pac-12?
Could Gonzaga start a football team?
They had pretty good baseball this year, and it’s not like they don’t have money. Look at that basketball recruiting. Also, they seem fairly competent, as an athletic department. In five years, could they beat UCLA? In six, could they beat USC?
Could Saint Mary’s start a football team?
Or would it have to be Australian football?
How does this impact Nebraska’s recruiting in Southern California?
If we don’t get an Instagram of Herbie Husker in a swimsuit on a beach next next next fall captioned “#CaliVibes,” I will join those calling for the aggressive regulation of big tech.
How grumpy is Purdue about having to travel to Los Angeles?
Purdue’s in a tough spot here, because they definitely think they’re smarter than the SEC, but they also now have to deal with even libber libs than the libs they know. At least Northwestern students are too anguished to smoke pot.
What exactly does it mean for the Big Ten Network to be adding media markets? Were they not previously included in as basic of cable packages in Los Angeles? Will they just get more advertising revenue from this? Will they have more leverage in their negotiations with various television providers? How does the dawn of streaming impact all of this?
Well?
How does this offend Texas A&M?
I know A&M is somehow offended by this, but I don’t know how. Someone please enlighten me.
Oh wow the Big East still exists, doesn’t it.
Sorry, I know it’s not a question. I just forgot all about the Big East.
Mason Ramsey’s Weekend Plans
Mason Ramsey will, per WSIL TV, be performing prior to the fireworks celebration tomorrow night in his hometown of Golconda, Illinois.
Formula 1’s Old Friend
Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone said today he would “take a bullet” for…uh, it says here he was talking about Putin. Yep. That Putin. No, no, not a different Putin. In a shocking twist, someone heavily associated with Formula 1 is all about a murderous dictator.
F1, to its credit, released words through a spokesperson that—paraphrased—said, “Oh no! This is bad! We do not like this!” So, they get it. F1 gets it, guys. Now, how many grands prix are in Saudi Arabia next year?
Vincent Kompany’s Latest Spendings
Burnley will reportedly be acquiring Jackson Muleka and Samuel Bastien, Congolese teammates at Standard Liège over in Belgium (where Kompany was coaching Anderlecht). Muleka, a forward, is the focus, but Bastien, a midfielder, is exciting too. I’m assuming the sales are coming, and that Burnley isn’t holding onto everyone they’ve yet to lose, but lot of young talent coming in. Or at least young players. Sure hope they’ve got talent!
Pierre Dorion’s New Assistants
Pierre Dorion got two new assistant GM’s today, with Trent Mann promoted and Ryan Bowness acquired from the Penguins, where he was the head of pro scouting. Positions needed filling, sounds like good fillers. Meanwhile, Adam Gaudette won’t be getting a qualifying offer, which could mean Micaela Gaudette’s rituals are going to turn on the Sens. Be warned.
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Viewing schedule:
1:10 PM EDT: Twins @ Guardians (MLB TV)
At this point, if a Guardians game is close, you turn it on late to see if Josh Naylor will do something dramatic. And with Josh Naylor batting, close means anywhere between a zero and seven-run game. The guy is like Willians Astudillo and Aaron Judge had a baby.
8:05 PM EDT: Reds @ Cubs (MLB TV)
The vibes were good last night. I don’t want to get too excited about tonight, but let’s appreciate that last night’s vibes were good. They can be good again, everybody. They can be good again.
10:10 PM EDT: Padres @ Dodgers (FS1)
Good late-night game here. Especially for a Thursday. I will say: The AL West has given us some good fights this year and the NL West hasn’t reciprocated. Pretty lame of the NL West, don’t you think?
