University Of Houston's Board Chairman Wants To Strong-Arm their Way Into The Big 12 Conference

Wow, someone certainly isn't a fan of the saying, 'you catch more flies with honey'. Per the Houston Chronicle, Houston's Board of Regents chairman, Tilman Fertitta, made it clear, that if he had his way, Houston would coerce their way into the Big 12 Conference. Tilman wants legislature to threaten to pull funding from Texas schools if the conference doesn't let the Cougars join.

"Put pressure on the presidents;, say, 'If you don't do this, we're not going to fund you for this,'" Fertitta told the Houston Chronicle's editorial board. "It's just the way it is. That's the way to do it."

Unbelievable. I had to double check that this wasn't satire at first. Something tells me this isn't going to go over well with the Big 12 brass.

Determined to get his way, Fertitta had some words for the Conference.

"Be a big boy, step up and put this school that has almost 50,000 students and is so high profile, has so many of the top schools in the United States, it's a tier one university -- we belong in the Big 12," he said. "We're a big, major school with an unbelievable history in athletics and academia."

What are you waiting for Big 12? Let them in already! Nevermind that Commissioner Bob Bowlsby has said that the conference isn't looking to expand anytime soon. Even if the conference was looking into expansion, and many people think they should, Houston wouldn't necessarily be the best choice.

The Big 12 is already well represented within the state of Texas, and how much more exposure, and television sets, would adding the school bring? It's also doubtful the current members of the conference would be too excited about how that could change the face of recruiting. Many conference schools have built recruiting pipelines through the city, and having a Power 5 school right there could slow the stream.

Eventually, Houston will make it to a power conference though. It's just a matter of time, so maybe the Big 12 should consider it. After all, they should probably take it as a compliment that they wish to bully the Big 12 with four schools from the state, instead of the SEC Conference that has just one.