Why the failed Baylout killed the Big12 -excellent analysis of Starr's EPIC FAIL

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Led by Ken Starr of Whitewater fame, they decided they’d try a bit of clever coercion. “Sure,” Baylor said, “we’ll let A&M go, provided that Oklahoma commits to stay in the Big 12. This demand to be saved by others—let’s call it a Baylout—is a classic example of outsmarting oneself. That tragic miscalculation signed the death warrant for the Big 12. Baylor’s ultimatum to Oklahoma ensured that the Sooners will leave the Big 12, and Baylor, behind.”

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Baylor’s not the only big loser, though. Ironically, Texas had everything going its own way 45 days ago. But, when Baylor threw down the gauntlet to Oklahoma, the Bears shoved the Longhorns, who might have political reasons for helping them, out of the Big 12 driver’s seat and put the Sooners, who have no desire to help Baylor do anything, into it. Like Baylor, Texas is now along for the ride, helplessly looking out the window as the Big 12 bus rapidly approaches the cliff.

Baylor’s ill-conceived cure for the Big 12’s chronic instability proved far more fatal than the disease. Worse yet, Baylor’s move has probably made it more difficult for the Bears to land in another BCS league. The Bears bring no on-the-field success despite a century of trying, and now they have a reputation for threatening legal action against fellow conference members when things don’t go Baylor’s way. Baylor might not be radioactive to another major conference yet, but they’ve certainly developed a healthy glow.

Baylor brought about the very outcome it sought to avoid, and may find itself with no good options as a result. The Bears are likely to become a cautionary tale from this period of realignment.

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