Had the NCAA rendered the "Death Penalty" upon Penn State, would the B1G have followed suit, by expelling the Nittany Lions? In fact, the NCAA threatened a 4-year suspension of the football program, per PSU-President Rodney Erickson.
In that event, would the B1G have had a choice?
Yet, many have pointed out the NCAA's sanctions are even more devastating. A four-year bowl ban and the loss of forty scholarships, extends Penn State's misery to almost a half-decade - if not longer.
We know the B1G considered expelling Penn State. So, why did the B1G not do so? Did the timing of the NCAA's announcement stay the B1G's hand? Is the B1G, waiting? Consider the following:
from The Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors -
"(T)he COPC reserved the right to impose sanctions, corrective or other disciplinary measures in this matter in the event that adverse findings were made in the areas of institutional control, ethical conduct and/or other Conference related matters." Could "other Conference related matters" include potential, future fallout from the criminal/civil actions (etc.), not yet underway?
"Censure: The accepted findings support the conclusion that our colleagues at Penn State, individuals that we have known and with whom we have worked for many years, have egregiously failed on many levels—morally, ethically and potentially criminally. They have failed their great university, their faculty and staff, their students and alumni, their community and state—and they have failed their fellow member institutions in the Big Ten Conference. For these failures, committed at the highest level of the institution, we hereby condemn this conduct and officially censure Penn State." Not only is this statement, a reflection of opinion and harsh rebuke - this is a unanimous declaration. A line has been drawn, by the other eleven members.
And in the coming months, the Big Ten Branding Committee will observe and advise: "The Branding Committee will serve as consultants to the Big Ten Network in developing and strengthening the network's brand and ensuring that the core values of the Big Ten Conference are reflected through all programming and advertising." (http://www.bigten.org/genrel/102506aaa.html)
It, likely, would have been impossible for the B1G to have replied to the NCAA, by expelling Penn State, this morning.
However, I would not be surprised if Penn State is asked to leave the B1G, at the end of the 2012 football season.
What do you think?
I listened to the B1G conference call today and that question was asked to Delany. He said they would not kick out Penn State and they are not looking into expansion.
"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying." - Woody Hayes
I know. I heard the same thing. But, I think Delany's pretty shrewd. Maybe, he was wearing his poker-face.
I think this should be considered I don't like the fact that Ohio State and other conferences schools will be associated with this. Think about the headlines for the PSU/OSU game this year and that is just the start of it .