Stoops, Castiglione Statements Foreshadow Conference Reform

News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma – The Pac-12 conference decided not to expand its conference on Tuesday, and Bob Stoops and Joe Castiglione said they are OK with it.

Stoops and Castiglione both released statements on Wednesday saying that they were happy to be staying in the Big 12 conference.

"I'm very pleased that we're staying in the Big 12 Conference and appreciate the opportunity to work very closely with President Boren throughout the decision-making process," Stoops said.

Stoops' statement highlights the fact that there is still plenty of work to be done and changes to be made, whether the Sooners end up staying with the Big 12 in the long term or not.

Castiglione's statement also seems to potential imminent changes:

"I'm in full support of President Boren's announced decision for OU to remain in the Big 12," Castiglione said. "The reforms which he has been discussing with the presidents in the conference are very important to the future stability and strength of the Big 12 Conference."

Reports on Tuesday indicated that OU would lay down several ultimatums in order for the Sooners to remain in the conference: Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe losing his position and the Longhorn Network being re-worked among them.

These reported requests were made before the Pac-12 announced its decision to stand pat, and it remains to be seen whether OU will be able to hold that leverage following the Pac-12's decision.

ESPN has reported that the Big 12 board of directors is planning to meet this week to discuss Beebe's future and stipulations to get the remaining conference members to agree to a long-term commitment.

A majority vote among the member schools of the Big 12 conference is needed to remove the current commissioner from his post.