Since no report is true and everyone’s words are taken out of context when it comes to realignment, Boise State and San Diego State have come on the record to deny that they are still speaking to the Mountain West about staying instead of moving to the Big East in July of 2013.
Speaking to the Idaho Statesman, Boise State president Bob Kustra denied an ESPN report that talks between the two sides have gained “greater significance” recently with more conference realignment reports coming to fruition; San Diego State athletic director Jim Sterk says he has not spoken to Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson since May.
“There is nothing new to report at this point. As previously stated, we are committed to the Big East Conference and intend to strengthen our conference with members who can contribute to a strong league,” Kustra said.
“I can say the Big East took a hit,” Sterk added. “It may take some others, but I can tell you the league will continue to be strong.”
“I’m aware of several conversations between ADs, coaches and even presidents, but I have not been in communication directly,” Thompson told the paper.
Rutgers, a member of the Big East since 1991, became the Big Ten’s 14th member yesterday by unanimous approval. Maryland joined the Big Ten from the ACC on Monday. The concern for the Big East in this latest round of conference realignment is not so much that more members would leave -- Louisville and UConn have been connected to the ACC as a possible 14th member and there simply is no way the Big East can prevent more shuffling -- but that the league has yet to nail down a TV deal.
Still, it’s expected that whatever TV deal the Big East does sign will be greater than what the Mountain West can offer. New Big East commissioner Mike Aresco (pictured) came from CBSSports and has an extensive background in television. If the money is there, Boise State and San Diego State would undoubtedly make the move.
“It made me all the more proud to work with a guy like that. He’s committed, smart, connected. He is a great leader,” Sterk told the Statesman. “It’s important to have someone like that in that role.”
Until a deal is inked, however, there are going to be rumblings.