Boone Pickens is one the biggest and most recognizable boosters around college football. After all, the Oklahoma State Cowboys play at Boone Pickens Stadium.
When the billionaire speaks, people tend to listen.
In a recent interview with the Austin American-Statesman, it’s what Pickens didn’t say that spoke the loudest.
The Cowboys are currently 5-4 with difficult upcoming contests against the Texas Longhorns, No. 7 Baylor Bears and Oklahoma Sooners. Pickens was specifically asked whether or not the booster was supportive of Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy.
“My response to that is I’m certainly supportive of Oklahoma State University,” Pickens replied. “I’m always going to be for OSU, I don’t care who coaches ‘em.”
Gundy hasn’t exactly had a great relationship with the university in recent years. The coach was been a rumored candidate for multiple openings during the last two offseasons. Apparently, Pickens wouldn’t be sad to see Gundy go or dip into his pockets to keep him around.
Otherwise, Pickens continues to support his alma mater, and he’ll be in Stillwater Saturday to watch the contest against the Longhorns. Texas is considered a slight favorite even as the visiting team.
“I’ll just go with the line; looks like it’ll be a close game,” Pickens said. “And I’ll be there.”
The billionaire booster was also asked about the state of the Big 12 Conference. Pickens mentioned two interesting targets if the league ever decides to return to 12 teams.
”...Memphis wants in it,” Pickens said. “I was vocal back when we were expanding that we needed to take TCU, and Texas didn’t want TCU in. … TCU deserves to be in the conference. It’s an old Southwest Conference school. If we’re going to expand, I’d take SMU, but they’re not competitive.”
There you go. Pickens talked. We listened (or read about it). He apparently isn’t a fan of Gundy, and SMU is a fit for the Big 12.