In the aftermath of Oregon and Washington leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten, Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes offered an adamant stance Friday night opposing the defections of both programs.
Barnes, Oregon State’s AD since 2017, stated during an interview with The Oregonian that he was “furious” to learn of the moves mainly due to the conference-wide implications going forward. The Big Ten’s decision to unanimously accept Oregon and Washington further damaged a shaky Pac-12 landscape that now has just four schools after losing Utah, Arizona and Arizona State to the Big-12.
“The great history and tradition of this conference has been severely damaged,” Barnes told The Oregonian’s Nick Daschel. “The best interest of the student athlete hasn’t been served. Traveling to the Eastern seaboard multiple times a year is not in the best interest of student-athletes.
“I’m furious because it puts this university in harm’s way and our student athletes in harm’s way. There’s some damage done that we’re going to have to mitigate.”
In regards to the reportedly tense negotiations prior to Friday’s news, Barnes went on to reveal the Pac-12 was “literally hours away from a deal that everybody could embrace” before talks broke down. The turbulent period, in Barnes’ eyes, was among the worst he’s seen in his career.
“I’ve never seen so many last-minute decision and twists and turns as I’ve seen through this process,” he said. “Conference realignment just doesn’t make sense anymore. What this enterprise was built on was regionality and rivalries. That is gone. That is leaving the Pac-12. Some of the most special pieces about our model is regionality of competition and rivalries. Those things are forgotten.”
With the Pac-12 continuing to flounder, Barnes also addressed where things stand regarding Oregon State’s future, noting the program intends to work with the remaining Pac-12 schools while continuing to explore all options.
While discussing a timetable, Barnes noted the program will “move expeditiously” but stressed it will take some time. According to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, a possible move for the remaining four Pac-12 schools could be a “merger or partnership with the Mountain West.”
“Our intent is to work with the remaining Pac-12 members; it’s a strong option,” said Barnes. “We’ll look at other opportunities. The timing is something we want to pursue as soon as possible, but we have some time to get it right.”
