Let the explanation of previous comments about Florida State and the Big 12 begin.
The ACC’s spring meetings commence today with rumors abound that one or more schools -- namely those rhyming with sorta slate -- could be departing for the Big 12. The speculation itself was more or less contained last week when FSU athletic director Randy Spetman said the school was committed to the ACC. That all changed Saturday when coach Jimbo Fisher* and Board of Trustee’s chairman Andy Haggard voiced their support for exploring a shift in conferences.
(*In fairness, Fisher’s words were much less direct)
In the process, Fisher and Haggard completely and untimely undermined Spetman’s words to the point where the president of the university had to step in, fueling “Office Space” references that someone didn’t get the realignment etiquette memo.
Speaking to reporters today, Fisher expanded (sort of) on his previous comments.
“I’m not a decision-maker [on conference affiliation]” he said. When Sports Illustrated’s Andy Staples followed that answer with a point that Fisher could influence a decision, the coach of the Seminoles simply laughed.
As a refresher, Fisher previously said the following to the Orlando Sentinel:
“There have been no official talks, but I think you always have to look out there to see what’s best for Florida State. If that [jumping to the Big 12] is what’s best for Florida State, then that’s what we need to do.”
There’s no denying the Florida State story has picked up momentum in recent days -- far more than I certainly anticipated, that’s for sure -- but that momentum has been based off the factually incorrect words of one man, as well as the opinion of another, who by his own admission, has zero say in the issue.
Because no one in the media can afford to fall behind in this day and age, Haggard’s words, however irresponsible, have forced this situation to become a talking point.
Normally, if there’s even the slightest merit to a report, it will get picked up by another credible source either confirming/advancing the story with some meaningful addition to the process. That hasn’t happened yet, and until it does, I’ll remain incredulous.