In an attempt to explain away the Big 10's weak performance on the recruiting trail and the national title game, the Big 10's commissioner issued a "Letter to the Fans" this week.(Image: Big 10 Commissioner Jim Delany)
Rather than address specific issues regarding the Big 10's alleged recruiting problems, Commissioner Jim Delany tries to tear down the SEC in a belittling, condescending piece. In his "letter" he states:
I love speed and the SEC has great speed, especially on the defensive line, but there are appropriate balances when mixing academics and athletics. Each school, as well as each conference, simply must do what fits their mission regardless of what a recruiting service recommends. I wish we had six teams among the top 10 recruiting classes every year, but winning our way requires some discipline and restraint with the recruitment process. Not every athlete fits athletically, academically or socially at every university. Fortunately, we have been able to balance our athletic and academic mission so that we can compete successfully and keep faith with our academic standards.He all but calls the SEC member schools a bunch of redneck football whores who will do anything to win.
For his part, SEC Commissioner Mike Slive took the high road in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. When asked about the Delany's stats showing relative parity between the two leagues, Slive stated:
"I can appreciate why the Big Ten wants to compare itself to the Southeastern Conference. This is a comparison we welcome in the spirit of wholesome intercollegiate athletic competition." He went on to point out, "Slive responded by pointing out the SEC has five national titles since 1992, and those were won by four different schools: Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and LSU. The Big Ten has two titles during that span: Michigan's in 1997 and Ohio State's in 2002."
Slive took a much higher road than I would've taken. My response would've been:- "I'm sorry, but I couldn't hear you over Troy Smith's cries of pain. If you could be so kind as to tell Maurice Clarett and Chris Webber that I said hello, I would appreciate it.
- -- One of the Best Minds of the 18th Century - EDSBS
-- Big 10 Commish: Honorary Tech Fan - Dawgsonline
-- All Blog Articles About Delany's Letter - Technorati
-- A Buckeye Perspective - Around the Oval
-- Delany's Letter - Big 10 Official Site
-- The Most Powerful Man in College Football - Yahoo Sports
PWD
