Unconquered

trick: I just received an email from the Boosters asking for more money on top of the thousands I already donated this year. Here is my response back....

To Whom It May Concern:

Given the recent announcement yesterday from the ACC regarding the new TV deal with ESPN, it is glaringly obvious that the ACC is miles behind the other power conferences(SEC, BIG 12, B1G) in regards to revenue. I am of the opinion that unless FSU seriously considers a move to the BIG 12, where the Athletic Department stands to make tens of millions of dollars more per year, then FSU really doesn't need my money. I will continue to be a season ticket holder and a member of my Golden Chief booster group, but I will not give another cent to you unless a change is made in the very near future. 

There are no closed door meetings at FSU, that I can promise you. Ive been at Texas all day today in their athletic department, met with Major Applewhite. They love the idea of us coming on board (I didnt bring it up, they did)

Thanks for chiming in. Have to say, I really hope meetings are going on, regardless of the status of the doors.

Random thoughts from Jack Handy...(old skits on SNL reference for you youngins)

The FSU booster group does not have as much power in this decision as some would like to believe. It is similar to one of your kids coming to you with a major concern, you will listen but in the end the parents make the decision. The University president and one or two major BOD members are the only ones that would decide our fate.

The reference from Jam about no closed door meetings is probably correct...this decision is above them.

Like it or not...and most won't....LOL....but University Presidents are WAY more concerned with academic standings and raising money for the ACADEMIC side of the school.

Barron's job hinges on next to nothing that is done by the FSU sports programs...

FSU would prefer to stay in the ACC and would be willing to make less than the SEC schools....BUT not as much less as the current contract provides....

So what does this all mean? First stop shooting your bullets at the Boosters...and start using them on the President and the BOD.

If you are going to spend time letting your feelings known with the Boosters....find ways to make sure that you would be willing to keep your current contributions to sports steady but would be willing to throw a few dollars to the academic side.... Im sure the boosters IF they would like to make a move has already assured the Academic powers at be that they would be willing to increase their donations from say $2.5ish to what UF gives their Academic side which as last check was $5 million a year.... Academia people always believe that getting more money would improve their academic standing....increased contributions from the boosters AND FSU supporters to the academic side would go much further than fans concerned about the sports programs. I know some of you dont like the boosters giving money to the academic side...but it is what it is....

The biggest thing for ME is I dont want FSU to make a hurried or uninformed decision. We dont need to make a decision immediately, FSU will be wanted by the Big12 any time we would be willing to come. I do believe we need to exhaust all avenues and all sources including the long shot of ND coming to the ACC...In the end our current situation is going to put pressure on the school for funding on both sides of the equation.

My biggest concern in all of this is that in the face of what could possibly happen to the ACC, a brand new deal was just announced from the ACC and it is unacceptable in so many facets.

"My biggest concern in all of this is that in the face of what could possibly happen to the ACC, a brand new deal was just announced from the ACC and it is unacceptable in so many facets. "

The FSU powers that be better know that FSU may not be alone. The SEC may come calling for say NCState and VT. The B12 may have eyes on others in the ACC besides FSU. By standing pat FSU risks taking a very bad situation and making it monumentally worse.

Good post and I agree with most of..but I do think you are understating the power of the Boosters. I'm the farthest thing from a Booster insider, but a friend of mine's family member is one of the biggest contributors to the Boosters and when he talks to our AD they listen. Not saying that the Boosters run our AD, but that their opinion is heavily considered. Simply put, FSU football is FIU football without Booster money. Money talks and the Boosters are the money for athletics. I suppose you think special interest groups/lobbies don't influence political legislation?

Ultimately the BOT will make the decision, but you better believe that the opinion of the power players at FSU will be known and taken into account.

You are correct that the arrow should be pointed towards the athletic department and Barron though. As it stands, the Boosters are currently covering their ass financially. Which means they have less incentive than the Boosters to make the move and get more money. The Boosters are the ones that will have to shoulder the financial burden if we stay in the ACC, so its only logical to assume that they will be pro-Big 12. The power players in the Boosters are successful businessmen. They likely "get it" and have a deep understanding of the financial implications. Spetman and the athletic department? I'm not so sure.

None of you have calculated the financials of a move to the Big 12 (neither have I). The calculator squad has to get out and attempt to project ticket game revenue and not just for the sexy matchups. We also have to figure out travel budget increases and how would other sports fare with the move and those travel budget increases (their travel budgets are small and the baseball team, for example, usually gets on a bus rather than flying).

Just because we don't move to the B12, doesn't mean we are thumbing our nose at them and sticking with the ACC for academics or because of some misguided sense of loyalty. The idea itself of the move is very exciting but there are logistics to be resolved before any kind of move could be made. Please keep in mind that you don't know the entire situation when you threaten to pull dollars.

Not in the short-term but in the long-term it better be a revenue generator for Boosters.

What is Jim Smith's email? He's no longer the Chair of the Trustees so an email is no longer listed. Anyone?

Hey guys. Just peeking in from the Baylor board. First off, we would love to have you in the Big 12. Some concerns were raised in this post, and they are legitimate. No school should make rash decisions without looking at both pros and cons. Obviously, revenue will increase in the Big 12 by virtue of tv contracts. Also consider the new BCS format where it appears that conferences with teams in the new playoffs will get signifigantly more money than those that aren't represented. That will be millions more in the coffers. FSU can sell your tier 3 media rights however you see fit. KU earns $8M a year. I can't see why FSU couldn't get at least that. Travel expense is often brought up. In the Big 12, schools bill the conference for conference related travel expenses, so it's no money out of FSU's pocket. We are trying to create an eastern division with Clemson, Miami, FSU, WVU and another yet to be determined, so hopefully travel won't be too disruptive to the academic side of athletes. In the end FSU will do what's best for FSU, and I hope they find in the Big 12. We should be equal to the SEC in money and on the field success when the dust is settled. Good luck, hope to see you guys soon!

As far as the exit fees, I understand that the Big 12 will pay for half.