While Florida State has garnered most of the attention and headlines of this latest round of (potential) expansion, Clemson’s name hasn’t been far from the lips of many a speculator during this latest round of conference musical chairs
Thursday evening, Clemson officials ensured that’s right where their school will remain for the near future.
Following a meeting of the school’s board of trustees -- which involved the ominous phrase “executive session” that I’d hoped I’d never hear or type ever again -- officials confirmed that the they had not been involved in conversations with any other conference. That’s the good news for those weary of all of the expansion talk. The bad news? Much like their counterparts at FSU, Clemson’s board would be more than willing to listen if a conference other than the ACC came a courtin’.
“This board is going to do what’s in the best interest of Clemson University,” board chairman David Wilkins (pictured) said according to the Anderson Independent Mail. “Every decision we make is based on that – what’s best for Clemson. If we receive a viable option, a viable proposal presented to us by any league, this board has the responsibility to consider it, and we will consider it. Until then we’re committed to work and we will work to make the ACC the strongest conference possible. ...
“We haven’t received [a serious proposal from another conference], and don’t have any information to lead us to believe that we’ll receive one, but if we do, we’ll consider it.”
In other words, “I’m happily married, but if the hot chick at the end of the bar wants to slip me her number...”
Like FSU, Clemson has been connected to speculation this offseason involving expansion in the Big 12. Officials from that conference have steadfastly maintained -- for the most part -- they’ve not been in contact with any school regarding future membership, although each passing rumor makes that public stance tougher to swallow.
ACC commissioner John Swofford has stated recently that, at least publicly, he’s not concerned about the daily churning of the rumor mill and has no reason not to be confident about future stability in his conference. Based on how things have played out over the past couple of weeks, he might -- or should -- very well be concerned behind closed doors.
(Photo credit: Clemson University)