Utah, ASU, and AZ joining together is different than other messages out there.
According to this article, which quotes ESPNβs Ian Fitzsimmons on SiriusXM College Sports radio mentioning that he was told, βUtah isnβt exactly returning the phone calls,β with the Big 12 Conference. Fitzsimmons mentioned that he spoke about Utah to an official of the Big 12 Conference official who said, βTheyβre OK in hoops, but they sell out (their football stadium) in a top 35 media market.β He then asked about when it comes to TV dollars why arenβt they going after the Utes? He was reportedly told that Utah isnβt exactly returning the phone calls.
He continued by saying, βI was told that Utah doesnβt want to appear to be following their rival in BYU. We all know that college athletics can be damn petty but I mean, look, weβre talking about your future. Pick up the phone.β
Maybe this is changing as stark reality starts to hit Utah, and Thamel is now right, but I hope Utah is stupid enough to stay in the WAC10.