U of M has contract to join Big East
David Clark , Byhalia, Miss.
The latest developments in the “Big East” debacle raise legitimate concerns. The University of Memphis has effectively managed to move from Conference USA to Conference USA 2.0. The costs associated with this move are substantial and the impact is minimal at best. Memphis will be joined by five other teams from the existing conference with an additional team to follow later. The remaining five teams of C-USA will be replaced with four teams left behind by the “New Big East.” The net result has amounted to a reorganization of C-USA without the benefit of a familiar name.
Memphis’ Division 1 men’s basketball program stood to benefit by a move to the Big East. The move to a top-tier basketball conference would end attacks on our Tigers for playing in a “cupcake” conference. The “no-name” conference to which Memphis is headed fails miserably to that end.
The financial prospects of such a move were originally reported by the former athletic director to be in excess of $10 million annually. Those prospects are currently estimated at approximately $1.8 million; certainly insufficient to justify the costs of leaving C-USA.
The Catholic 7 schools have chosen to create their own conference. Tentatively, that conference will bear the name Big East. Likewise they will continue to hold their conference tournaments in Madison Square Garden. The University of Memphis might benefit from dropping the unsuccessful football program and moving to join the “New Big East” conference. From a legal standpoint, Memphis contracted to do just that; join the Big East. A case can certainly be made for the deceptive tactics utilized during contract negotiations.
The members of the “New Big East” might welcome Memphis to their conference. Our Memphis Tigers are ranked in the Top 25, after all. Batesville, Miss. (Feb. 28 article, “Male student to finish year in preferred dress; ACLU defends his right to girl’s attire”).
Leah’s courage and strength exhibited in her public transitioning while still in high school in Mississippi is something to be honored and nurtured, and we salute her decision to live her authentic self and share her journey with those around her. Her honesty and determination makes a huge difference for all Mississippi transgender people, and it is her dignity and grace that are rewriting the handbook on how to live your truth.
Her mother’s honest and loving parenting is the type that will change the world one step at a time, and we appreciate Leah’s foundation and family.
TEP also acknowledges the leadership of the interim superintendent of South Panola School District, Mike Foster, and his willingness to heed advice and do the right thing. He has set the bar for school officials when faced with decision making requiring sensitivity, education and bravery.
When this chapter in Mississippi LGBT history is written, Leah’s very real, very human story will be remembered for making it easier for the next generation of LGBT young people to tell theirs. She makes me proud of my Mississippi and shows me that the future is bright in the Magnolia State.