The Demise of the ACC

RE: The Demise of the ACC

Let me be clear. In my not so humble opinion, much of the drama associated with NCAA conference realignment seems possibly more than just self-serving hype and hyperbole. Whether it is just the ranting of clueless sportswriters (certainly a possibility) or whether it is part of a wider effort to influence the structure and direction of college sports and its close relationship with for-profit broadcasting organizations (e.g. ESPN, CBS) -- it is hard to be certain. But if I saw similar activity regarding publically-traded companies, I would be reporting the incidents to the SEC for a criminal investigation. H

Since so many of the companies closely tied to conference and NCAA broadcast rights are owned by publically-traded companies, and since these same companies through other affiliates are also attempting to influence public opinion and investor relations without full disclosure, then a full review by regulatory agencies should be pursued completely.

RE: The Demise of the ACC

We've all seen the recent reports of Florida State. Clemson and VT flirting with the possibility of bolting from the ACC. I ignored these rumors at first, but when it's reported in Forbes magazine, well, the rumors start to gain credence. What are your thoughts? I hate the thought of the ACC losing teams, especially at a time when it's "eat or be eaten" by the larger conferences.
- Posted by jgunn

Do not give any special importance to "Forbes". Treat it just like a random poster here at wralsportsfan, not the level of validity you give to those you know and see as having something to contribute to the discussion.

Most of the recent Forbes posts are by Chris Smith who appears to me to be totally clueless. From his bio, he was once a summer intern at Forbes and has been a contributor since fall 2011. The more of his posts I read, the less I believe any of it. Form your own opinions. He is obviously trying to stir the pot, why I'm not sure. But trying really, really hard. As an objective sports reporter he is far below the local varieties, below average for those who post here for fun. Do not encourage such self-promoting drivel.

Forbes magazine online in general, is often little more than a series of blogs these days. And Steve Forbes himself is not an "impartial observer". SF is involved in sports and sports broadcasting at many levels. Whether there is some deliberate actions on the part of SF and Forbes editorially isn't clear to me. But I am past the point of giving SF the doubt and excusing him as just being a really rich twit.

If the posts by Chris Smith were made by one of us, how would you respond? Just because some kid "contributes" to Forbes, or ESPN, or ... should not obscure the fact that he is fresh out of college and probably knows less than you do.
- Posted by unc70

I believe Chris Smith is behind the quote from Forbes that I read in the N&O. At one time, Forbes was a credible source, but from what you say, that is no longer the case. I wasn't reacting solely to Forbes - there's been chatter on sports radio as well. At any rate, hopefully that's all it is: chatter - and speculation.

BTW, I really enjoyed your post in the NC State baseball game thread - good stuff.

RE: The Demise of the ACC

I don't think it's as bad as this kid at Forbes speculates. The ACC exit fee is now 20 million, not a paltry sum - even for the deep pockets of well heeled alums of schools like Clemson, Miami, and VT. FSU lucked into a better deal, but I didn't like it when they joined the ACC and won't miss them.

I also think that enormous sums of money reserved for certain conferences and their bowl games is more than enough evidence of anti-trust practices. Do these bowls also grease the wheels of politicos too? Absolutely. But that's one of the issues too - accounting is not completely transparent, either at the conference level or the school level. Lawsuits will remedy that and once the books are opened the outrage could be truly huge, but actually may not be - remember the networks are also in bed with the money making schools too.

Still I think the courts will offer the best solutions. The BCS did not even try to make a move toward a playoff until the NCAA was issued a letter from the DOJ asking why there was no playoff. http://www.attorneygeneral.utah.gov/cmsdocuments/bcs_letter.pdf

If just a letter can spark the lumbering beast of the BCS to action, imagine what fear a successful lawsuit would bring - none of these schools/bowls want to go through the discovery that a trial would bring to light. So keep lining your pockets while you can, those left out will not be happy and they will act.
- Posted by scousler

Very good points, scousler. I guess the "bottom line" - as in the Benjamins - will be a huge factor in whether teams leave or stay. Money - and fear of a lawsuit - may keep teams from bolting. It seems the motivation for teams to leave - the almighty dollar - may just also be the deciding factor in keeping the teams in the ACC.

RE: The Demise of the ACC

jgunn,

I started noticing the poor quality of Forbes because the iPhone markets app show headlines from a number of sources. After too many mediocre ones, realized Forbes had more than its share. Not the only place.

Chris Smith seems to write 1-2 items a week down on the ACC.

RE: The Demise of the ACC

^^^^^

Thanks, '70.

WRAL Sports Fan

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