Gonzaga A.D. Standiford: Report on GU joining Pac-12 ‘not accurate’

Sep. 23—Gonzaga athletic director Chris Standiford didn’t mince words in disputing a report on X that the Zags were leaving the West Coast Conference for the Pac-12.

“That is not accurate reporting,” Standiford said.

Standiford was responding to Action Network’s Brett McMurphy’s post Monday afternoon that GU was joining the Pac-12 and would receive a full conference revenue share despite not having a football program. Football has been the driving force in the latest wave of conference realignment.

Standiford declined further comment.

McMurphy published an article Monday night saying, “Action Network stands by its reporting.”

It’s no secret that Gonzaga has been on the Pac-12’s radar as it attempts to rebuild after 10 members departed for other conferences. Gonzaga and the Pac-12 have had discussions, but nothing appears to be imminent.

The Pac-12, led by Washington State and Oregon State, 11 days ago announced the addition of the Mountain West Conference schools San Diego State, Boise State, Colorado State and Fresno State in 2026-27 to bring its roster to six. The Pac-12 needs at least eight football members to reach the minimum of eight required to compete as an FBS conference with access to the College Football Playoff in 2026.

Four American Athletic Conference schools — Memphis, Tulane, South Florida and UTSA — high on the Pac-12’s wish list announced Monday they are staying in the AAC.

The Pac-12 turned to Mountain West Conference programs later Monday.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Utah State is expected to join the Pac-12 as its seventh member, but UNLV is still considering its options. UNLV initially re-committed to the Mountain West on Monday, contingent on the conference retaining all eight schools. With Utah State’s exit and UNLV undecided, the MWC has six commitments. It wasn’t immediately known if…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gonzaga-d-standiford-report-gu-020200043.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-09-24 02:02:00

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