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SOURCES: ARKANSAS EYEING BIG 12
Orangebloods.com contacted three exeuctive sources in the Big 12 on Thursday and was told by one executive that Arkansas joinining the Big 12 was "a long shot."
Another said, "Arkansas has definitely put feelers out about joining the Big 12."
A third executive said, "If anybody can make the math (money) work, it's Jerry Jones."
That executive went on to lay out the only scenario he thought it might work for the Big 12: if the money can be adjusted by the Big 12 TV partners - ABC/ESPN and Fox Sports Net - to accommodate Arkansas (possibly with the help of Jerry Jones), then adding Arkansas could make sense, the source said.
That source went on to say if Arkansas joined the Big 12 and realignment started back up with the SEC having to replace a school and possibly looking to get to 14 or even 16, Notre Dame could be back in play.
Several sources, including a source close to the discussions that took place between Notre Dame and the Big Ten over the past month, indicated Notre Dame would remain independent unless it appeared super conferences were forming.
And now that the Big Ten is at 12 schools already, Notre Dame might be more interested in joining the Big 12, where it might be the 12th school added to the league (along with Arkansas).
Notre Dame could also explore having its own TV network inside the Big 12, whereas that would not be an option in the Big Ten, which has a conference network that requires everyone to share their inventory.
A source close to Texas said athletic director DeLoss Dodds and Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick have "a very close" relationship. The source said Dodds has helped serve as a mentor to Swarbrick since Swarbrick took over as Notre Dame's AD in June of 2008.
ARKANSAS DENIES LOOKING AROUND
Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long issued a statement Wednesday denying any reports that the Razorbacks are looking around.
"In recent weeks and months there has been much national dialogue regarding conference affiliation in intercollegiate athletics," Long said.
"In the course of that dialogue some have suggested that the University of Arkansas was an institution that may be pursued by other conferences.
"From the beginning, we have been very clear that the University of Arkansas is a proud member of the Southeastern Conference and has no interest in joining another conference.
"Chancellor Gearhart has been unwavering in his support of our institution's continued membership in the SEC. Recent events have not in any way altered our commitment or desire to remain a member of what we believe is the strongest conference in the nation."
Orangebloods.com contacted three exeuctive sources in the Big 12 on Thursday and was told by one executive that Arkansas joinining the Big 12 was "a long shot."
Another said, "Arkansas has definitely put feelers out about joining the Big 12."
A third executive said, "If anybody can make the math (money) work, it's Jerry Jones."
That executive went on to lay out the only scenario he thought it might work for the Big 12: if the money can be adjusted by the Big 12 TV partners - ABC/ESPN and Fox Sports Net - to accommodate Arkansas (possibly with the help of Jerry Jones), then adding Arkansas could make sense, the source said.
That source went on to say if Arkansas joined the Big 12 and realignment started back up with the SEC having to replace a school and possibly looking to get to 14 or even 16, Notre Dame could be back in play.
Several sources, including a source close to the discussions that took place between Notre Dame and the Big Ten over the past month, indicated Notre Dame would remain independent unless it appeared super conferences were forming.
And now that the Big Ten is at 12 schools already, Notre Dame might be more interested in joining the Big 12, where it might be the 12th school added to the league (along with Arkansas).
Notre Dame could also explore having its own TV network inside the Big 12, whereas that would not be an option in the Big Ten, which has a conference network that requires everyone to share their inventory.
A source close to Texas said athletic director DeLoss Dodds and Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick have "a very close" relationship. The source said Dodds has helped serve as a mentor to Swarbrick since Swarbrick took over as Notre Dame's AD in June of 2008.
ARKANSAS DENIES LOOKING AROUND
Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long issued a statement Wednesday denying any reports that the Razorbacks are looking around.
"In recent weeks and months there has been much national dialogue regarding conference affiliation in intercollegiate athletics," Long said.
"In the course of that dialogue some have suggested that the University of Arkansas was an institution that may be pursued by other conferences.
"From the beginning, we have been very clear that the University of Arkansas is a proud member of the Southeastern Conference and has no interest in joining another conference.
"Chancellor Gearhart has been unwavering in his support of our institution's continued membership in the SEC. Recent events have not in any way altered our commitment or desire to remain a member of what we believe is the strongest conference in the nation."
