Sorry if already addressed, but if you haven’t checked out the Pac12 Hotline podcast this week you SHOULD. There are two interviews done by Jon Wilner that are a must if you’re interested in the inner-workings and future of the Pac12. The first interview is John Canzano of the Oregonian. He wrote a series of articles on the state of the conference earlier this year (another must-read). Let’s just say he as no love-loss for Larry Scott. When I saw that Wilner had interviewed him I grabbed my popcorn and got ready to watch the fireworks (especially because Wilner is also a mild critic of Scott’s tenure as commissioner). The interview was nothing like I expected. They were reasonable and their arguments and assessments were well thought out.
I then listened to another episode where Wilner interviewed Larry Scott himself. Again, I expected sparks to fly, but it was enlightening, to say the least. I think I’ve changed my tune just a little bit on Scott. Don’t get me wrong… I don’t have his back. He’s done a lot of things I disagree with and has overseen a few fiascos (Pac12 officiating, for example). You decide for yourselves after you listen, but I found Scott to be sincere and, more importantly, he recognizes and takes credit for some of his blunders. Again, I think he has a LOT of work to do to help catch us up with a couple of the other conferences, but for now, I’m going to put away my pitchfork.
I’m curious to see what some of you think. I very well may be back in the “fire Larry” camp in a few days, but for now, I kind of liked what I heard.