Beebe: ‘Case for Big 12 as strong today as it was last year’

No, seriously. he did.

In response to the news today that the presidents at Oklahoma and Texas have been authorized to pursue all conference options, the Big 12 has released a statement attributed to commissioner Dan Beebe addressing this latest development. And I say “attributed to” because I find it hard to believe that any individual with their head buried this far in the sand would still be able to maintain the ability to type a statement, especially one that contains this many words.

“The actions taken today by the governing boards of the universities of Oklahoma and Texas was anticipated. It is my opinion that the case for the Big 12 Conference continues to be as strong today for all of our current members as it was last year, especially considering the welfare of those to whom we owe the greatest responsibility-the student-athletes. We continue to apply all effort and resources toward assuring our members that maintaining the Big 12 is in the best interest for their institutions.”

The case for the Big 12 Conference continues to be as strong today for all the current members as it was last year? With Nebraska, Colorado and Texas A&M already out the door, and OU and UT -- and by extension Oklahoma State and Texas Tech -- following suit? Really? Hold on a second...

There, that’s better.

Look, I get that Beebe has to put the best public face on this situation he can, but the spin needs to be a little bit closer to reality to have any chance at making an impact. Especially when the best face you could put on the situation was that the actions taken by your two most influential members today were anticipated.

If that doesn’t tell you the Big 12 is on its last legs, nothing will. Well, that and the fact that, this time next month, the Big XII could be whittled down to the Big V.