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#10: The Power 4 leagues are working on a proposal that grants them the rights to manage postseason championships, such as the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, assuming control over events that have long been operated by the NCAA, according to Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, who explains the document “indicates a clear direction from the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC. They want an expansion of their previously existing autonomous legislative powers, not only for rulemaking and policy decision-making but for NCAA championships as well, controlling concepts like tournament format, revenue distribution and selection committee process. The proposal would create a new subdivision within the NCAA umbrella – an expected concept and one included in NCAA president Charlie Baker’s Project DI plan.” Each P4 commissioner has confirmed the existence of the “working document,” but SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey cautions the proposal is only a conversation starter. “There have been seven to eight months of discussions about the NCAA governance decision-making process. We have a responsibility to develop an idea. We’ve circulated this with our conferences. We’ve let the NCAA president know. This is an important time for change. We think it is important to provoke thought.” Both Sankey and Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark insist they have no desire to, as Yormark puts it, “compromise what makes college athletics so special,” but Dellenger notes there is already some concern. One FCS leader tells Dellenger: “This could be a real fight over the future of what college athletics looks like. At some point, we’re going to have to call their bluff and say, ‘Take your ball and go.’ It seems to me that we are increasingly closer to that happening.” (link)
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#9: Minnesota Football HC PJ Fleck’s reaction during the Duke’s Mayo Bowl celebrity mascot reveal is one for the ages. Check out the video, where Fleck can be heard saying “Yeaaaahhhhh boyyyy. It's Flava Flav! Holy Crap!” (link)
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#8: The 64-year old press box at Beaver Stadium is no more. As part of its $700M renovation to the venue, Penn State tore down the press box. If you’re into demolition videos, check this one out. (link)
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#7: Take a peek at Learfield’s new mural going up in its new office in Dallas. Per Learfield: “The piece celebrates the passion behind college athletics and reflects our work in the industry.” (link)
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#6: Washington State Men’s Basketball HC David Riley says a tense postgame handshake with San Francisco HC Chris Gerlufsen after the Cougars’ victory happened because USF coaches were displeased that Cougs student-athlete Dane Erikstrup took a late three with the game out of reach. Riley: "There was a [clock] differential, so I'm not sure what we should have done there." Have a look at their exchange. (link)
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#5: Northern Illinois is expected to join the Mountain West as a football-only member when the Board of Trustees meets on Tuesday, per Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, who adds: “NIU expected to receive substantially more revenue in MW than in MAC. NIU is considering several options where its non-football sports will play, sources said. Adding NIU in football plus Grand Canyon & UC Davis as non-football members are final pieces of MW’s expansion.” Per the Board of Trustees, NIU would pay $2M to join the MWC in six annual installments. Further: “The costs to support the transition to the MWC, including travel, staffing, rebranding, and exit fees will be primarily offset by increased revenues from multimedia rights, revenue distributions, and guarantees from the conference as well as anticipated enhancements in revenue from ticket sales and donations. After admission to the MWC, a ramp-up period of one year is anticipated before revenues fully reach projected levels. The university does not plan to use existing institutional funds to support the transition.” (link, link - BoT report)
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#4: KRQE News has obtained New Mexico State President Valerio Ferme’s termination letter to former AD Mario Moccia which read, in part: “This letter will serve as notice of termination of your employment as the NMSU Director of Athletics for cause, effective February 2, 2025. You will be provided with paid administrative leave for one month, beginning today and ending February 2, 2025.” In the letter, Ferme also instructed Moccia that he would have to contact HR to retrieve his personal items from his office within one week. Moccia also had 24 hours to turn over all NMSU materials, including recruiting records, keys to NMSU vehicles, credit cards, devices, and any other NMSU property. Ferme said NMSU would give him up to two weeks to return any courtesy vehicle he may have received. (link)
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#3: LSU held its annual "Dress Like Kim Mulkey Night" during its game against Auburn which featured a lookalike contest at halftime. For her part, Mulkey skipped the sequins and feathers and instead incorporated a basketball hoop into her outfit, prompting OutKick’s Amber Harding to observe: “She looks like she's auditioning to become the Miami Heat logo. A national treasure, that woman.” Have a look at the videos, including the winner of the lookalike contest, who won a signed game-worn jacket from Mulkey. (link)
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#2: With the Sugar Bowl being postponed to 4 PM ET due to the tragedy in New Orleans early Wednesday morning (link), Action Network’s Brett McMurphy reports the Gator Bowl between Ole Miss and Duke has been pushed back to an 8:05 PM kick. (link); SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey: "The decision to postpone tonight's Sugar Bowl was made in the best interest of public safety. Lives were tragically lost last night and we are appreciative that public officials and law enforcement agencies continue to work with great diligence to ensure the safety of the New Orleans community." Among those reportedly killed in the tragic attack were former Princeton football student-athlete Martin "Tiger" Bech. Additionally, two 19-year-old Fort Myers women – Elle Eisele, a University of Georgia student, and Steele Idelson, a San Diego State University student – were both critically injured. Princeton Football HC Bob Surace said of Bech: "There was no more appropriate nickname of a Princeton player I coached. He was a 'Tiger' in every way – a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend. Our last conversation was about how proud I was of the growth he showed during his time at Princeton and the success he was having after graduation. My love goes to the entire Bech family." NBC's Nicole Auerbach posted an early report on the postponement. (link)
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#1: New Mexico State has parted ways with AD Mario Moccia and appointed Deputy AD for Strategic Initiatives and Leadership/SWA Amber Burdge as Acting AD, effective immediately. President Valerio Ferme, who took over on January 1: “After carefully reviewing the recent report issued by the New Mexico Department of Justice, I felt we needed a fresh start in our athletics program. I have utter confidence in Dr. Burdge’s ability to lead our Athletic Department, and look forward to working with her in the coming months.” Ferme and Burdge will hold a press conference on Friday. The Las Cruces Sun-News' Jason Groves reported the news first. (link, link)
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