George Kliavkoff takes the gloves off, says Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is ‘trying to destabilize’ the Pac-12
By Keith Farner
Published:
George Kliavkoff quickly turned salty with his Pac-12 Media Days comments about conference realignment and expansion and directed his remarks squarely at Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark.
It was Yormark who earlier this month said his league is “open for business,” which was a direct plea to Pac-12 schools to consider moving to the Big 12. Kliavkoff, the Pac-12 commissioner, accused the Big 12 of trying to “destabilize” the Pac-12, and responded to Yormark’s comments with, “I appreciate that. We haven’t decided if we’re going shopping there or not.” He added that the Pac-12 was simply defending itself against “grenades” from the Big 12.
It’s clear that both conferences are trying to chart a path in the new landscape of college sports since 4 major blue blood programs have moved conferences in the last year. Kliavkoff and Yormark are trying to navigate the new waters between TV rights packages and the most appealing lineup of schools in a given region.
Gloves off here at Pac-12 media day: Kliavkoff accuses Big 12 of trying to “destablize” his conference. Basically confirms Big 12 outreach to various schools.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) July 29, 2022
It. Is. On.
Pac-12 commish George Kliavkoff about Big 12’s Brett Yormark’s comment about Big 12 is open for business. “I appreciate that. We haven’t decided if we’re going shopping there or not”— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 29, 2022
Asked #Pac12‘s George Kliavkoff why he said what he said about #Big12. “I’ve been spending four weeks trying to defend against grenades being lobbed by the Big 12.”” He says the Big 12 is “trying to destabilize” the Pac-12 with rumors of raiding the West.
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) July 29, 2022
Kliavkoff: “I’d say UCLA is in a really difficult position. A lot of constituents who are very unhappy w decision. SA family, faculty staff, politicians, fans, alumni. There is a hearing coming up about that decision…. If they came back, we’d welcome them back.”
— Jon Gold (@ByJonGold) July 29, 2022
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
