Logically, this can be tossed into the "no way" file.
But just in case smoke is always an indication of fire, there’s speculation within the Big East population that Boston College might listen to suggestions about returning.
The issue has been a casual topic almost from the day BC left to join the ACC. Of late, however, it’s been given some attention by ESPN and a newspaper or two in the Northeast.
At a glance, it all sounds fairly preposterous, but so did those early reports in 2003 that the ACC would raid the Big East for BC, Miami and Syracuse, which was ready leave until Virginia Tech broke in line.
• Money game
BC, a private school, eventually had to fork over a $1 million exit penalty to the Big East, plus $3 million in ACC initiation fees, when its jump was finalized in 2005.
In football and men’s basketball, the switch has been productive enough on the field.
The football team has gone 21-11 in the league and played in the past two championship games (losing both). That’s compared to 14-13 in its final four seasons of Big East competition.
The basketball team has gone 34-30 (skewed somewhat by 4-12 in ‘07-’08) in ACC regular-season games and have received three NCAA invitations. In their final four Big East seasons, Al Skinner’s teams went 41-23 with three NCAA trips.
But on the travel front, the Eagles have done a ton of heavy lifting during a rapidly decaying economy that’s unlikely to fully rebound soon. With a small fan base, BC’s football teams have been shipped to Idaho, Charlotte, Orlando and Nashville, where they’ve won three times and fell 16-14 to Vanderbilt last season in their only loss.
At the same time, ACC schedules have done little to stoke emotion among BC fans, who understandably miss their games against old rivals, particularly Syracuse and Connecticut.
• New deal time
As usual, the X-factor could be television contract negotiations. The eight Big East football coaches have been clamoring for expansion in their sport for the past two years. There’s no question that adding ninth and 10th teams would significantly upgrade the league’s football inventory.
The rub, of course, is what to do about the already overloaded 16-school basketball membership. But have no fear, if the money’s right, the minds will get right.
Meanwhile, the ACC is sorting through its presentation packages for football and basketball contracts that will expire after the 2010-11 school year.
The current football deal ($258 million over seven years) could be difficult to exceed unless ACC teams have more national success this season than of late. The roughly $300 million basketball contract should get bump, primarily because North Carolina has won two of the past five NCAA championships and came close to grabbing a third.
But overall, the additions of Miami and Boston College haven’t made huge television impacts nationally or regionally. Virginia Tech’s football team has been a valuable commodity by giving the ACC at least a reasonable national presence at a time when Florida State, Miami and Clemson have slipped.
There’s also the matter of possible low ceilings for BC and Miami in football. In short order, the Eagles have gone from Tom O’Brien to Jeff Jagodzinski to career defensive assistant Frank Spanziani on the sideline.
Miami has gone from Larry Coker to Randy Shannon while failing to post a double-digit win total since 2003. Since joining the ACC, the Hurricanes are 20-20 in the league and have won only two of their past 12 games against ranked opponents.
Odds are, the ACC’s status quo will be maintained as it enters Phase II of TV life as a 12-team conference. But don’t expect the second-guessing at Boston College and elsewhere in the league to wane as the expansion saga — and surprises — continue to unfold.
Comments
ACC Now - Tudor's Take:
Sun, 11/08/2009 - 00:03 — stevengagnon32ACC Now - Tudor's Take: Smoke or joke? | newsobserver.com blogs How Grow Taller
Come on, really?
Thu, 08/13/2009 - 09:37 — BCMike22"Fine folks, fine school ..... who cares? If they left it would be several years before anyone knew they were gone."
Well, one might notice someone else playing in the ACC Championship game, or another top 25 basketball team.
I honestly don't get where all of the BC venom comes from.
As a BC alum, we *LOVE* being in the ACC. It's been a HUGE hit for our students (we have brought in more kids from the south than ever before), alums enjoy the competition better, and it's a much, MUCH better fit academically than the BigEast ever was.
It's also been a huge financial hit for Boston College. Despite all of these unfounded reports that BC is losing money, the ACC isn't enjoying it's media contract that it thought it would grab with the northeast market, etc., it's all hogwash. Both the ACC and BC have BOTH enjoyed financial success as a result of the expansion.
Out of all of the BC folks I've ever talked to, there's only ONE thing that we miss about playing in the BigEast in ANY sport...that's playing at Madison Square Garden for the conference tourney. That's pretty darn cool, I have to admit. But past that, everything...and I do mean EVERYTHING else is 100% pro-ACC.
If you don't like us for whatever reason, that's fine and your right. But please don't tell us we don't like it here and/or it's been bad for us. It's been great for BC in every way, shape, and form.
You may hate BC, but we love the ACC.
Why the BC Hatred - Jealousy?
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 19:05 — wsobchakLet's look at some of the ways BC is not a good fit for the ACC...
Academic Excellence
The ACC claims (shakily) that it a good academic conference. But only Duke could lay claim that it is a better school (8th in SATs for incoming freshmen). BC is second at 17th nationally. The "runts" are NC State at a horrid 78th place, and FSU at a truly embarrassing 112th place.
There are two teams that don't fit the ACC from an academic perspective. BC is not one of them.
"Clean" Programs
I am sure every sports program cuts corners, but only two teams rank as academically "clean" programs every year - BC and Duke.
Athletic Success
Over the last four years, what ACC team has had the most cumulative successful in the two major sports? How about all-time? BC football is 31st all-time in wins. Compare that to NC State's 58th place. BC has also placed more than 50 players in the NFL than NC State.
BC has a mediocre sports history. But in the ACC, it’s one of the “big fish”, not a “runt”.
Revenue Generation
Two years ago, BC brought more money into the ACC (in football) than any other team. BC ranked fourth in revenue this year. NC State ranked 11th. As far as anemic TV ratings go, BC's typical 15% of the Boston TV market share is 1.5 times higher than the entire Raleigh market in terms of viewership.
BC may be an afterthought in the Boston market, but when the pond is that big, marketers don't care. They care about number of eyeballs, not percentages.
Geographic Distance
BC is closer to Maryland than Clemson, Atlanta, Tallahassee, or Miami. BC is about 40 mile further away from Tobacco Road than Miami. If BC is too far away, then so is Miami.
Not a "Cultural" Fit
I am not sure what complaints like this alludes to, unless it's some sort of "southern" bias thing. But I bet most alums and fans of MD, UNC, VT, Virginia, and VT see themselves as culturally closer to BC than some other ACC schools. The reality is that outside of Tobacco Road, there isn't any of this "culture difference" discussion - even from the truly southern schools.
Yes, the college football fanbase is not what it is in the south. The lack of a regional rival, as well as some 50 (literally) colleges in the Boston area that hate us doesn't help. But what is totally missed is the 15-year war against BC by the city of Boston - no tailgating, ticketing and towing cars, etc. This has been a campaign by the mayor to show he is a "neighborhood guy" to a local group of activists who moved next to a football stadium, and the became peeved that they played football games there. Compare that to Clemson, where the entire town opens up, and the police do every thing they can to assist fans. I graduated from BC in 1974, and all the games were sellouts then. Oh yeah, and the students have to pay for their tickets.
Summary
If the intent is to improve the ACC by jettisoning teams that don't contribute anything, then why not dump, for example, NC State? Academically mediocre, poor sports performance. Or does NC State get a pass for being a "founding" member?
You "Tobacco Road" types need to realize that there are eight other teams in the ACC that don't give a whit about your history. Do you think your opinions or “standing” is somehow more important than BC’s just because you’ve been in the league longer?
Remember who asked who to join. Show some gratitude that BC deigned to join the ACC to give it a little more credibility on the national stage.
your summary!
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 22:34 — gvillegatri;ll be going to my local grocer in the morning to stock up on my popcorn for this show ...
"If the intent is to improve the ACC by jettisoning teams that don't contribute anything, then why not dump, for example, NC State? Academically mediocre, poor sports performance. Or does NC State get a pass for being a "founding" member?"
this ought to be really good! I'll take my front row seat now! somebody pass me a beer!! ...
From a BC Fan
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 12:10 — CSOM_97I can't speak for long-time ACC schools' fans obviously, but BC and most BC fans love being in the ACC. Fans in the ACC are much more likely to respect their opponents and at least acknowledge the importance of academic reputations. BC fans continue to return from road trips raving about other schools' fans and their willingness to share a drink and exchange info on each others' teams. Clemson, UNC, and FSU are all frequently mentioned for this. That doesn't exist in the Big East. Rutgers, WVU, and UConn have repugnant fan bases that would as soon throw a beer at you as share one.
ACC schools are generally institutions of greater academic distinction and which draw from more of a national student base (though clearly there are some exceptions). BC shares these characteristics. Also, BC makes far more money in the ACC than we did in the Big East (about a 40% increase I believe).
The travel argument is a bunch of junk advanced by folks that haven't looked at the facts. For football, the average Big East school is very marginally closer than the average ACC school (I believe the difference is less than 30 miles). BC would fly to every Big East school except UConn, maybe Rutgers (5ish hours drive), and maybe Cuse (6 hours drive if the weather is good).
BC fans are not interested in the WV, UConn, Cincinatti football schools in the Big East. The football schools in the Big East are pretty much all big public schools, with spotty at best academic records (Rutgers might be the lone academic exception, not that their football program respects it very much). BC and Syracuse share some history, and have agreed to a long term football OOC matchup which makes sense.
Plus, other than UConn, the closest Big East football schools are much harder to reach than Maryland or the Charlotte schools from the Boston area. Syracuse is a pain in the ass to fly into, and is a 6 hour drive if it isn't snowing in upstate NY. Rutgers is a solid drive from the nearest airport.
The schools BC identified with in the Big East were the basketball-only schools: Georgetown, Providence College, Villanova, etc. Academicly focused private religious colleges. BC can still play the basketball schools non-conference (indeed, we have a long term home-home with PC and are exploring playing St. Johns as well).
In addition, the Big East is very likely to split into two football and non-football conferences soon - this is why the new basketball schools were brought in (to preserve NCAA bid for that group after the breakup). BC would end up with USF, WVU, Cincinatti, Cuse, UConn, Rutgers, Pitt, and Louisville. No BC fan has any interest in that horror show.
So, I can't speak for how you feel about us, but we couldn't be more pleased with the ACC as a conference and as a collection of fellow fans.
welcome to the South
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 22:41 — gvillegatrno matter what goes on during a message board rant, you can ALWAYS have a beer at a football game wiht any one of us.
no one has a problem with BC or its fans, per say. its just that change is hard to come by whether its your sports league or your idiot of a fricking president who is drawing a line b/tn the people of this country more than any other president ever has in all the years.
i wonder if all you Hussein Obama fans are still happy you voted for this anti-American Socialist? not to mention not born in the States. it'll come out soon enough ...
BC is a plus
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 13:09 — heelsno1BC is a class-act school with a great fan base. Several years ago, UNC upset BC 14-13 at Kenan Stadium. The BC faithful showed up in full force, and the atmosphere for the game was terrific. The BC fans were enthusiastic and respectful.
The addition of BC to the ACC was a "win-win" situation. I remain disappointed that the current 2 division format has eliminated some long-time football rivalries (but this change was not BC's fault). For example, the Wake-UNC football match-up had occurred every fall for close to 100 years. Now, the Heels play WFU about every 5th year.
From my perspective, I hope that BC remains in the ACC for a long time.
ECU will never be in the ACC
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 09:17 — TonyPlutoniumIn addition to the fact that UNC wouldn't go for it, there's no way that the non-North Carolina schools in the conference would allow a fifth school from North Carolina in. They already constantly complain about how NC-centric the conference is. While I think a lot of the other suggestions (WVU, the "other" Carolina, etc) are unlikely, ECU has got to be the longest odds.
And before the Purple People-Eaters jump all over me, I'm not arguing merits, I'm arguing politics.
Trade
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 23:10 — ballshouseThe most reasonable move (if the academic reputation is a non-issue) would be to trade Boston College for West Virginia. The Mountaineers could maintain an out-of-conference rivalry with Pittsburgh, but they belong in a conference with Maryland, Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Also, they add strong football and basketball programs to the ACC.
ACC Moves
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 22:49 — LetsGoPittIt has never made sense for ECU to be in a conference where more than half the teams are in Texas/Oklahoma/Louisiana. Geography should play a larger role in who's in which conference, and there are several changes needed. But to look at BC, I never understood why the ACC wanted them.
1. New Englanders live and die for the Red Sox.
2. When they aren't playing, it's the Celtics they follow.
3. The Patriots have only recently captured the attention and following of Bostonians as they had mostly had losing seasons in the last century.
4. College sports? It is hockey that everyone loves in New England, not college hooops, nor D-1 footballs. College hockey has a very passioante following and most people in NE went to small colleges so they like to follow their D-2 and 1-AA schools.
Therefor, the ACC should have let BC stay in the Big East, not to mention the travel.
As for a new ACC team: Richmond.
ECU should go to the Big East, along with Army and Navy and Notre Dame to give them a 12-team league.
Thanks, Anthony
wrong New England school
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 22:45 — PauliGI've always maintained that the ACC poached the wrong northeastern school out of the Big East - UConn would have been a much better fit for the ACC than BC.
ECU to ACC
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 22:34 — JbyrrdI would love to see ECU join the ACC. Although I'm not sure that it would be the best environment for ECU to thrive, it would be extremely satisfying to watch the Pirates get equal money, 4-5 star recruits and beat up on all of the NC BCS schools. Why so satisfying? Because it's what all of those schools fear the most. They are threatened by ECU's success and it shows by their over the top superiortiy complex (see xpukguy). The gap b/w ECU and NC BCS schools is pretty small if there is one at all(basketball aside), regarding on field performance.
hard to argue
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 22:43 — gvillegatrpoints are well founded.
New Divisions
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 22:16 — ballshouseThis is somewhat off topic but the ACC needs to change the division format. Put Boston College, Maryland, Virginia, and Virginia Tech in the North, North Carolina, NC State, Duke, and Wake Forest in the Central, and Clemson, Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Miami in the South. For football, have the 3 division winners and a wildcard play a 4-team ACC championship. In basketball, you'd play a home and home within your division, home games against one division, and away games against the other. This would cut down on travel, maintain rivalries, and make it feel like a smaller conference. After several years, I still have trouble remembering who is in the Atlantic and Coastal divisions and never know who plays twice in basketball.
The obvious answer...
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 21:09 — MarvinSchwartz...for the ACC if and when the dominoes start falling into place is...
Penn State.
Penn State has always seemed slightly out of place in the midwestern-centered Big 10. And while it is a large public school, I'm sure having to send the non-revenue teams to Iowa is a strain on the budget.
Penn State gives the ACC geographic continuity, access to both the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets, a natural rivalry with Maryland, and another recognizable football power. Besides, half the northern ex-patriates in Wake County are from western PA!
Let's do a three-way deal: BC to the Big East, Notre Dame to the Big 10, and Penn State to the ACC. Makes sense on so many levels.
If Penn St. were to ever
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 07:02 — HeHateMeTooIf Penn St. were to ever leave the Big 10, it wouldn't be to join the ACC. A more logical fit for Penn St. would be the Big East, geographically speaking and football wise.
Logical rivalries with Pitt and WV, plus the football team would be huge favorites for a BCS bowl almost every year.
This makes No Sense on so
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 22:00 — psh0117This makes No Sense on so many levels.
acc is wrong fit for pirates
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 20:01 — psh0117As an ECU fan and Alum, I would not want to see ECU in the ACC. Everyone else in the state already has no respect for our program, and Joining the acc would not change that. ECU would better off joining the Big East. It would be too tough to compete against the other 4 NC schools. ECU is already treated like a step child to state, unc, wake and duke. If ECU were to be invited to the acc, we would still be looked down on. People talk about how the acc doesn’t want ECU and that’s why they didn’t ask them to join the first time, But ECU is better off in Cusa and playing top quality non conference match ups every year, than playing in an average acc with 2 dominate schools and still being treated with no respect. The Big east serves as a better situation for our program.
you're wrong
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 21:05 — gvillegatra fans perception is not the same as Greensboro's perception of ECU.
All Greensboro cares about, first and foremost, is the all mighty dollar and the Greenville market simply can't provide it.
what we care about here at ACCNow has no bearing whatsoever.
my 2 cents....
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 19:43 — WuptdoBC does NOT belong in the ACC. Tennessee or West Virginia would of been much better choices.
Talk to the kids about the bus rides to Boston.
WVa and LVille
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 21:07 — gvillegatrboth would have made good fits as far as football and baskets go. both would have prolly come, too.
why would Tennessee or WV
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 20:04 — psh0117why would Tennessee or WV move to the Acc? neither of them are on the atlantic coast. plus, Tenn would never leave the SEC, that would be like unc, state, duke or wake leaving the acc, it's not going to happen.
But i do agree about BC.
ND could come into play if BC leaves
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 19:16 — riddickfieldIf you remember Notre Dame was offered the 12th spot in the ACC during expansion, they declined and BC came in. About a week later they reconsidered and asked to be admitted. Swofford said no thanks. the ACC didn't want 13 teams. Lose BC, add ND and that will make for a handsome TV contract, boost ticket sales and national interest in the league. Although they aren't really aligned with the conference geographically, its a TV money game and ND brings that in heaps. They have shown interest in the past, they may yet again.
Nothing like a few bus trips
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 20:04 — AgentPierceNothing like a few bus trips to South Bend for the field hockey team. Miami to South Bend would be a trek ..... at least a four Waffle House trip I'd guess.
Granted this is off topic ...
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 17:46 — mikbarrett... but in State's defense, let me know when Carolina ever grows the balls to play ECU in Greenville in basketball, much less the guts to play a team like Appalachian State in football anywhere.
Not serious
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 12:13 — SurferCertainly, you are not serious. This is a joke, right?
Hasn't ECU won like 1 out of
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 22:29 — Heels20Hasn't ECU won like 1 out of 60 games against the ACC? I'm not making that statistic up either. I'm not sure about the 60, but give our take 3 games and it's right in that interval. mik, after that comment, you deserve absolutely no credibility for anything you say on this blog. Considering we're playing against MSU, at Kentucky, and a virtual away game at Texas, I think a game at ECU in basketbally would LITERALLY be a practice. I do give Brock Young credit, he can play, but even little kids would laugh at the comment you just made.
As far as basketball..
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 19:06 — UNC1998anybody who wants a butt kicking from UNC can have it arranged, I'm sure. I'll agree with you about ASU, but until relatively recently I don't think anybody was really lining up to play them. After all, when they played Michigan that was what was then thought of as a formal practice. ASU proved otherwise, which is good news for everybody (except UM and it's fans).
c'mon mik
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 19:05 — gvillegatrUNC going to Minges to play a basketall game would just create a circus. it has nothing to do with growing balls. The Heels would not have lost at Minges in thier 8-20 year.
c'mon mik
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 21:15 — Guitarman51"The Heels would not have lost at Minges in thier 8-20 year."
Have to disagree with you about that one. About the time that UNC went 8-20, ECU was beating Marquette( with Dwayne Wade) two years in a row including the year that they went to the final four. ECU was playing some ball back then.
Marquette
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 22:39 — gvillegatrgot hot in the tourney. they were not an exceptional team prior to.
ECU
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 17:34 — Guitarman51If my memory is correct, ECU's men's basketball team defeated an ACC team within the last couple of years. Haven't seen any State fans mention that one on here, and it should factor into the discussion about ECU's suitability for membership.
Memory
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 12:07 — SurferSorry, but I have a small opening here. State fans can only remember one score at a time.
Comedy
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 17:11 — mikbarrettI'm really trying to wrap my mind around the fact that this dude actually just threw out Richmond as a better alternative than ECU. I simply cannot believe you just suggested that.
Exactly. Absurd. Just
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 18:05 — HeHateMeTooExactly. Absurd. Just as thinking that ECU is currently a realistic, viable candidate to join the ACC. That was my point.
A financial argument can be made that Richmond would be a more lucrative addition to the ACC than ECU. If you think any addition to the ACC would not come down to finances, than you are not living in the 21st century.
Inviting Richmond to join the ACC is absurd? Yes, of course. So is the thinking that ECU has a realistic shot at receiving a like invitation.
Richmond?
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 17:50 — JPDOhioNo way. Too big of a jump.
If BC were to leave (I don't see Md going anywhere), the replacement will come from the Big East or C-USA. USF, UCF or Memphis. Please forget about Syracuse.
For those that laugh about ECU, imagine what it would do for their recruiting if they became part of the ACC. They may be kept out because of politics and those who argue against another adding NC team have a point, but they could get more competitive in a hurry with a BCS conference affiliation.
Why would the ACC add ECU?
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 17:04 — HeHateMeTooWhy would the ACC add ECU? Outside of a small - albeit passionate - regional fan base (but limited to football), ECU brings nothing.
ECU's share of any league payout (especially basketball) would cause a net financial loss to the other members. BC, at the very least, pays for itself due to its Boston TV market and regular NCAA tourney appearances.
Financially speaking, with their proximity to D.C. - let alone their own TV market (59th vs Greenville's 103rd) - and their basketball tradition, having Richmond step up to the FBS and joining the ACC makes more sense than inviting ECU. Sorry Pirates, you simply are not wanted.
Never say never, but ECU in the ACC will not happen, at least, not in this half of the century.
To dream the impossible dream
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 15:42 — mikbarrettGiven the viable options, which don't include South Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, Louisville, or any other university someone is likely to suggest, East Carolina would make the most sense. But the bigwigs in charge would never let it happen. The basketball rep doesn't help, because they truly do have a meaningless program. And that's coming from an ECU alum. It would be nice to see some political pressure placed on the other state universities for supporting ECU's inclusion (similar to what Virginia's governor did in 2003 by pressuring the UVa chancellor to insist on admitting Virginia Tech). But Mike Easley was too much of a wimp to stand up for the state's third largest university back then. And I doubt Bev Perdue would be willing to do much more.
I wouldn't say Easley was
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 17:56 — HeHateMeTooI wouldn't say Easley was "too much of a wimp...". I'd have to blame ECU for his failure to back the state's third largest university.
How much did ECU offer Easley to be their advocate? Did ECU offer Queen Mary a high paying salary to show up a few hours a week? Did ECU offer Mike a house at the Beach? Plane trips? European junkits? C'mon ECU, you gotta pay to play.
Yep, I have to blame ECU for their non-inclusion in the ACC. The opportunity was there, the governor's support was there for the bidding. ECU simply failed to pay up.
But don't give up, indications are Gov Bev doesn't eschew greasing the gears of political 'commerce'.
Not that i really care Mind You
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 15:38 — esteban1949because i really don't...i recently read the ACC's "Mission Statement" which is beautifully written...the ACC, just as the SEC,Big East,etc,etc,etc & toss in the NCAA...all we have is groups that have and are nothing more than cash cows for participating colleges,universities. But i defy anyone here including the press that if anyone here were to go and read the "original college & univeristy chaters' when they were founded...and came into being...there is NOTHING...not one word that says,hints or implies the purpose of that school,college or universities soul perpouse was and is to be a sports power house...Now as a Pro sports fan...especially NHL hockey...yes there is need for players to come from some where...But if those college presidents,chancellor's and etc...were to be weaned off of the very & highly addictive monies that come from confernce deals with the networks...that feed the mega sports programs...instead of providing mega funds for the nerds and non sport stars to get a better education...then maybe...just maybe those same schools,colleges and universities could,would and have the time to focus on more important things like educating students not trying to turn them into "politically Correct sports zombies", which again is not nor ever was or is in the charters of any and all colleges,universities in any sports conferences from the NCAA on down...but i am a fan...who has worked hard...went to college on my own dime...while working full time, maried raised 4 children...who also worked and went to college without benifit of sports or any kind of scholarships ...so what would i know ? Colleges were created to teach,and educate...not turn mice in mega quater,half,full backs or muscle bound line men, point guards, centers or lacrosse champs...but to turn out doctors who help and heal the sick,research scientists how like pastuer find something to help people ...or a cure for the common cold or HIV...i think for the last 70 yeas sports as a whole in America has blinded everyone with a simple flash of some green...then you wonder why...the % of college players who don't graduate but go on to the NFL,CFL and etc...end up as broken down used up human wrecks...for what ? so we carolina NCstate,ECU,WSSU,NC A&T and all the rst of them can and have a place to yell, cuss and boo during a game ...oh please...it is time to seriously look at what the ral cost of college sports is to a college and like a dope addict...why said colleges keep on coming back for yet another fiscal fix...That is how i see it...but again...who am i & what do i know ?
glad to have you input on board
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 18:53 — gvillegatrbut break your posts up into paragraphs next time. easier to read.
There is so much wrong with
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 17:45 — HeHateMeTooThere is so much wrong with your posting...
If we are talking Mission statements or founding documents, the U.S. Constitution limits the Federal goverment's power to providing for a national defense, regulating interstate commerce, and printing money. How's that working out?
To better make your point, I'd recommend getting a new keyboard and applying that college education of yours to improve your spelling and sentence/paragraph structure. Your points would be better made and easier to follow.
Regarding your statement:
So? Irrelavent and off point arguement to the article and readers' comments. Nowhere does anyone claim or suggest being a sports powerhouse is the 'soul' purpose, or even a priority of any of the member schools.
Furthermore, nowhere in the "original college & univeristy chaters" does it state that the schools can not, nor should not, pursue excellence, whether on the athletic fields or elsewhere.
Nowhere does it state the schools can not, nor should not, earn money. Financials are referenced in this article only in reference to the effect of a change to the status quo.
Most prudent individuals and entities consider the financial effects, whether good or bad, before proceeding with any potential action. Now that Oblinger and Neilson are out of their leadership positions, I would expect my university to do the same.
Whether you like it or not, sports and athletic competition are a large part of our culture. Whether you like it or not, sports and athletic competition often teach life lessons far better than those taught in any classroom. Whether you like it or not, sports and academics do coexist.
Whether you like it or not, sports often provide a net gain for universities, providing for more opportunities to "...turn out doctors who help and heal the sick..." than would be possible without sports.
Let go the jaded bitterness. It would serve you well.
Sorry to digress, but come on...
Thu, 08/13/2009 - 09:44 — Richled13I actually registered to reply to your comment about the federal government's original powers. Please see the Constitution, Article I, Section 8, which clearly gives the federal government the power to tax, spend for the general welfare, and do other things which you've neglected to mention. Not sure where you're getting your ideas of the Constitution, but they surely are not correct.
Time to correct the mistake
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 15:30 — SmoofGNo offense to BC, but they don't fit in the ACC and never did. They belong in the Big East. The ACC powers-to-be had visions of sugar plum fairies in their head that the Boston market would care about ACC or college sports, period. They don't. Experiment failed. If BC leaves, we do need a replacement, though, and we're not getting a team from another conference like the SEC, etc (dream on), so ECU it is. They will bring good fans who will travel in support of their team...and I say this as a UNC fan who has no interest in ECU whatsoever. Yes, they aren't adding another TV market, but again....BOSTON DOESN'T CARE ABOUT COLLEGE SPORTS!!!!!!!!...so no love lost in "losing" that market.
BC leaving?
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 15:26 — bendalBC should have never been invited into the ACC in the first place. There were better options if they were so bound and determined to have one more team, but everyone was enamored of BC's football team and felt they would provide some "oomph" to the BCS ratings for the league.
No one apparently thought about the long flights for every team and their fans visiting BC, the lack of regional rivalries and the costs involved.
you are not totally right
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 18:46 — gvillegatrno one was really enamored with BC's football team. They weren't great but they did consistantly go to bowl games.
The TV market is what Greensboro was "enamored" with.
ECU a joke
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 14:25 — xpukguyECU basketball on the rise? Are you in a purple haze? They suck to high heaven and would be 0-fer in the ACC. Football is OK but would never be above .500 and baseball is the only sport. What about women's sports? The Pirates are virtually invisible there. Dream on Pirates. AAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHH!
So, what you’re saying is
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 20:05 — psh0117So, what you’re saying is that if ECU joined the Acc, they would like nc state? Having a terrible basketball team, a football team that can’t finish above .500 and a pretty good baseball team. Sounds like state. I know ECU basketball is not great, but they are improving, and our football program is more than ok, it’s the best in the state. If you want to look at numbers, ECU is .500 against the Acc since Skip came to Greenville, I’m very sure, they could finish above .500. state can’t even do that. And our baseball team is very good and becoming a national power.
xpukguy
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 18:41 — gvillegatryou are the one in a purple haze.
ECU football could beat any team in the ACC they played against. ECU baseball would beat (don't take this as undefeated) any team they played in the ACC. ECU baskets would finish at the bottom but would sell their gym out for every game. matter of fact, they would sell everyone of their seats out for any of the three sports.
your hatred and obvious bias has gotten into your keypad. you type as if every ACC school is great in every sport they play ... which they obviously aren't if you would just go take a look.
the fat lady has sung.....
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 21:36 — chrisefawGlad to see you defend YOUR Pirates gvillegatr!