Tulsa Big 12 Fans React To Conference Realignment

Conference realignment might mean more money for Oklahoma college teams, but what does it mean to Big 12 fans? <br><br><strong><a href="http://www.newson6.com/story/15498949/ou-board-of-regents-gives-david-boren-power-to-change-conferences" target="_self">OU Board Of Regents Gives David Boren Power To Change Conferences</a></strong>

Monday, September 19th 2011, 6:40 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa Big 12 Fans React To Conference Realignment

Dan Bewley, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Conference realignment has fans talking across the country. What are people saying here in Green Country?

It's certainly a complicated issue. Fans are not sure what to think but we found today that many understand this is simply an issue about dollars and cents.

Mitchell Clary is a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma. He's been keeping a close eye on changes that may be coming to his alma mater.

"I'm a traditionalist. I like the Big 8 but the mighty dollar is speaking and they're looking at their options," Clary said.

At the Sports Animal radio show, conference realignment has been on the minds of everyone.

"I think in terms of traditions, it doesn't matter anymore," said Shawn Tiemann, The Sports Animal.

"College football is all about greed and money at this point, and that's the way superconferences are headed."

OU has been rumored to go to the SEC, the Pac 12, or even just stay put in a rebuilt Big 12. The ever-changing whispers have OU and OSU fans twisting in the wind.

Even former OSU Coach Pat Jones is unsure of what happens next.

"Where this ends up, there's no earthly telling," said former OSU coach Pat Jones." Will there be another version of the Big 12? Is it going to be Pac? Is it going to be one school in the SEC, one school here? There's no earthly telling. I think for the fans, it's probably not fair."

"I'd rather it be the Big 12, but I don't see that happening," said Bill Eckert, Boomer Town USA.

Eckert has been talking to fans at Boomer Town USA. He says most would prefer it stay status quo but they understand that even a divided house has to be sold from time to time.

"I just wish they'd decide what they want to do, do it, and go on," he said.

Sooner fan Mitchell Clary says one thing's very clear - the school's making a business decision and not worrying about how far fans may have to travel.

"For money and business it's probably good, but for the fan it's probably bad," he said.