Oregon

Pac-12 chaos: Court documents show Washington, Oregon expected to be removed from key board discussions

Published

1 year ago

September 16, 2023

Pac-12 chaos: Court documents show Washington, Oregon expected to be removed from key board discussions

Executives from Washington and Oregon acknowledged in writing that they would be excluded from decisions related to the future of the Pac-12 — a potentially critical piece of evidence as Washington State and Oregon State, the only remaining schools, wage a legal battle for control of the conference.

The letters were written by Washington president Ana Mari Cauce and Oregon vice president Kevin S. Reed to Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff. They are dated Aug. 4, the day the Huskies and Ducks agreed to join the Big Ten, and were obtained by the Hotline this week from Whitman County (Wash.) Superior Court.

Except for the first six words, the letters are identical. (Cauce’s version is below.) They begin by explaining that the Pacific Northwest powers would not sign “a grant of media rights authorization” — the move that sent five other schools fleeing to other leagues and triggered the Pac-12’s collapse.

The letters then state that Washington and Oregon expected “to remain an active and participating member in the Conference until” next summer. But both Cauce and Reed, who doubles as Oregon’s general counsel, seemingly acknowledged that they were relinquishing their board authority on long-term strategic matters:

“I understand that the University will be excluded from Conference discussions pertaining to matters occurring after August 1, 2024, such as media rights agreements and new Conference member considerations.”

With 10 schools set to depart for other leagues, the Pac-12 is scrambling to gain clarity on a series of interconnected issues, including what constitutes “notice of withdrawal” from the conference, control of assets and the extent of authority possessed by Washington State and Oregon State at the exclusion of the 10 outbound universities.

The Cougars and Beavers, who fear they could be outvoted 10-2 on issues vital to their future, secured a temporary restraining order on Monday that prevents the Pac-12 from conducting board meetings until the makeup of the all-powerful body is determined.

While it seems simple enough for the outbound members to participate in discussions about issues impacting the conference during the 2023-24 sports season but not matters affecting the future, there’s a hitch: The present and future are inseparable from a monetary standpoint as WSU and OSU consider rebuilding the conference.

“Every dollar spent now is one dollar less that would be available to Washington State and Oregon State,” a source said.

The letters were included as exhibits in Kliavkoff’s declaration to Whitman County court, where WSU and OSU began legal proceedings on Sept. 8.

The central question: What constitutes delivery of notice of withdrawal from the conference, which triggers immediate removal from the board of directors?

Cauce and Reed took care in their Aug. 4 letters to state: “For the sake of clarity, the University is not delivering a notice of withdrawal from the Conference at this time in contravention of Chapter 2, Section 3 of the Conference bylaws.”

But the Cougars and Beavers believe the 10 outgoing schools delivered notice with their public announcements of plans to join other leagues. One day after Cauce stated her letter was not a notice of withdrawal, she held a news conference with reporters to discuss the move to the Big Ten.

“This was heart-wrenching,” she said of the decision to leave Washington’s longtime home.

And one month later, Kliavkoff sent a letter to WSU president Kirk Schulz and OSU president Jayathi Murthy — it’s marked as Exhibit 15 in his court declaration — in which he disputed the notion that the 10 outbound schools have relinquished their board positions:

“Your suggestion that ten of the Conference’s 12 members have ‘withdrawn’ from the Conference within the meaning of the Bylaws is mistaken. Not one member school has signaled any intention — or actually attempted — to leave Conference play at any time prior to the end of the current fiscal year on July 31, 2024, or to take back and exploit their media rights.

“We simply cannot accept the suggestion that only two members. — Oregon State University (OSU) and Washington State University (WSU) — now have the right to determine by themselves all issues affecting the Conference, and determine the course of all revenue coming into the Conference, to the exclusion of the other ten member schools.”

However, Kliavkoff’s position seems to contradict the Pac-12’s official stance, which was initially established 14 months ago following USC and UCLA announcing that they would join the Big Ten.

On July 14, 2022, then-Pac-12 general counsel Maggy Carlyle wrote to UCLA attorney Bobby Swerdlow that the conference expected UCLA representatives to serve on committees focused on student-athlete well being “and other matters that do not create an inherent conflict of interest.”

But Carlyle’s letter continued:

“On the other hand, it is clear that UCLA’s participation in certain meetings and committees will create a material conflict of interest and it will therefore be inappropriate for UCLA to participate. For instance, the Pac-12 recently publicly announced that we would be exploring membership expansion options and that we would immediately begin negotiations for our next media rights agreements.

“The July 1st and 5th Board meetings alluded to in your letter addressed those specific issues. It would have been a direct conflict and contrary to the best interests of the Pac-12 membership as a whole, to allow UCLA to participate in these discussions or have a vote on such topics, as information discussed and votes which occurred at such meetings was directly related to competing with the Big Ten, and could be used by UCLA, the Big Ten or any third party affiliated with the Big Ten, to the Pac-12’s detriment.”

That same day, July 14, Carlyle wrote an identical letter to USC’s senior vice president and general counsel, Beong-Soo Kim.

The schools’ attorneys took issue with the notion that they had delivered notice of withdrawal. But neither UCLA chancellor Gene Block or USC president Carol Folt participated in Pac-12 board meetings from that point forward.

Colorado became the third school to depart, on July 27, 2023, as chancellor Phil DiStefano sent Kliavkoff the following text message, according to court documents:

“Our Board will vote this afternoon at 3:00 to join the Big 12 Conference. It was not an easy decision and I realize its impact on the other members. If there is a time you are available today, I am happy to call you. Phil.”

DiStefano was subsequently removed from the Pac-12 board, per a letter from Pac-12 general counsel Scott Petersmeyer to Colorado’s senior counsel, Katie Gleeson:

“Under Section CB 2-3 of the Pac-12’s Constitution and Bylaws, Chancellor DiStefano and CU’s representation on the Pac-12’s Board of Directors automatically ceases effective immediately, and CU no longer has the right to vote on any matter before the Board.”

Now, just two schools remain. The Cougars and Beavers are mulling whether to rebuild the Pac-12 — a decision that hinges, to a large extent, on the assets available in the Pac-12. The board controls the assets, but which schools control the board? All 12, or just the remaining two?

WSU and OSU believe it’s the latter.

“The meaning of the bylaws hasn’t changed just because more members have decided to leave,” Eric MacMichael, attorney for the plaintiffs, told the court on Monday.

A preliminary injunction hearing has not been scheduled.

Letter from Washington president Ana Mari Cauce to Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff on Aug. 4:

Dear George,

The University of Washington will not be delivering a grant of media rights authorization to the Conference for any time beyond August 1, 2024. For the sake of clarity, the University is not delivering a notice of withdrawal from the Conference at this time in contravention of Chapter 2, Section 3 of the Conference bylaws. The University shall comply with all obligations, and expects to continue receiving the benefits, related to being a member of the Conference through August 1, 2024. While the University expects to remain an active and participating member in the Conference until that time, I understand that the University will be excluded from Conference discussions pertaining to matters occurring after August 1, 2024, such as media rights agreements and new Conference member considerations.

*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716

*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline

*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.

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Oregon

5-Star Defensive Lineman Visiting Oregon Ducks for Ohio State Buckeyes Matchup

Published

8 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

5-Star Defensive Lineman Visiting Oregon Ducks for Ohio State Buckeyes Matchup

Consensus five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is visiting the No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 as the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes come to Autzen Stadium. On Oct. 5, Stewart announced he will be reclassifying from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025.

Consensus five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is visiting the No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 for the top-10 matchup with the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes On Oct. 5, Stewart announced he will be reclassifying from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025.

One week after revealing his plans to graduate a year early, Stewart will be in Autzen as the Buckeyes take on the Ducks.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Ohio State coach Ryan Day both have undefeated teams with College Football Playoff aspirations, but the recruiting never ends. Stewart projects as a player who can make an immediate impact.

Jahkeem Stewart under the Friday night lights. / Jahkeem Stewart / Instagram

After his visit to Eugene on Oct. 12, Stewart has plans to visit LSU on Nov. 9, USC on No. 16, and Ohio State on Nov. 30. Typically, the team with the last visit

The early signing period begins on Dec. 4, giving Day and the Buckeyes the last chance to make an impression on Stewart. That being said, LSU and USC have both been considered favorites throughout Stewart’s recruitment.

🚨NEWS🚨 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart has reclassified to the 2025 cycle, per @SWiltfong_‼️
Read: https://t.co/ZTuincsC7N pic.twitter.com/bPD8QrNm37
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) October 5, 2024

Stewart was already high-profile recruit, and he is now the No. 3 defensive lineman recruit in 2025 according to the 247Sports Composite.

247Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks thinks highly of Stewart, writing about the elite defensive lineman’s athleticism.

“Reportedly highly productive sophomore campaign with 85 tackles, 33 TFL, 20 sacks. Still developing pass-rush repertoire but has shown encouraging technical awareness,” said Brooks. “Elite young defensive line prospect given outstanding physical tools and promising movement ability who could become a serious NFL Draft candidate down the road.”

MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Dan Lanning: ‘Tough’ Dillon Gabriel Injury Update After Michigan State

MORE: Will ESPN College GameDay Visit Eugene for Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State?

MORE: Oregon Ducks Secure Recruiting Visit With Son of Former NFL Star

MORE: USC Trojans’ Bear Alexander Interested in Transfer To Oregon Ducks?

MORE: Oregon Ducks Recruiting Pushing To Flip USC Trojans Four-Star Commit

MORE: Largest College Football Stadiums: Ranking Oregon Ducks In Big Ten Conference

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Oregon

Friday’s win allows Oregon football to look ahead to matchup with Ohio State

Published

16 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Friday’s win allows Oregon football to look ahead to matchup with Ohio State

Oregon is undefeated, coming off its third straight convincing win and despite some unremarkable plays in recent weeks, is starting to look more and more like a team that should to be favored to land a spot in the College Football Playoff in December.

Now comes the most anticipated game of the regular season.

Bring on the Buckeyes.

The No. 6 Oregon (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) will play No. 3 Ohio State – which is 4-0 heading into its game Saturday against Iowa – at 4:30 p.m. next Saturday in Autzen Stadium, a game between the two highest ranked teams in the conference.

“I think it’ll be a great challenge and a great opportunity for us in front of our home crowd,” quarterback Dillon Gabriel said after Oregon defeated Michigan State 31-10 Friday in Autzen Stadium. “You dream for moments like these and games like this and I think everyone’s excited for it.”

Despite this mid-October gem on its schedule, coach Dan Lanning said his team hasn’t looked ahead to Ohio State while it opened the season with wins against Idaho, Boise State, Oregon State, UCLA and now the Spartans.

“They’ve done a really good job of not listening to you guys, right?” Lanning said to media members Friday night. “But finally, you guys can talk about it. We’re finally there. We’re going to play them now. A great team. … There’s a reason why they’re one of the best teams in the country. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, and our fans are gonna have to show up.”

Lanning said the team would turn its focus to the Buckeyes at midnight on Friday. That wasn’t soon enough for wide receiver Tez Johnson.

“Right now,” Johnson said. “We turn the page right now. Obviously, it’s a big game … we’ll got out here and practice physical knowing that they got some really good players. But so do we. It’s going to be a really good matchup.”

Heading into their game against the Hawkeyes, the Buckeyes are the most prolific team in conference. With former Oregon coach Chip Kelly in his first season as offensive coordinator, Ohio State is ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring (48.8 points) and yards (534.8) per game, and No. 2 in passing yards (307.8) and No. 4 in rushing yards (227.0) per game.

They’ve also allowed the fewest points per game (6.8) for a No. 1 point differential of 42.0.

“I played Ohio State two years,” said defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a Michigan State transfer. “I know what they bring. We just have to compete that game. That’s a game we’re gonna have to compete. Everybody run to the ball, everybody in the right gaps, everybody playing for each other. That’s what we gotta do.”

In 2021, the Ducks upset the Buckeyes in Columbus, 35-28, the only victory for Oregon in 10 games against Ohio State. The two games prior were a 42-20 loss in the 2015 national championship game and a 26-17 defeat in the 2010 Rose Bowl.

“We’re two great programs that have been known for playing good football,” Gabriel said. “The things you look to as a young man playing the game is big-time moments and great atmospheres. So, super excited for it.”

Chris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, men’s basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him on X @chansen_RG or by email at chansen@registerguard.com.

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Oregon

Live updates: Michigan State trails Oregon 31-7 in fourth quarter

Published

23 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Live updates: Michigan State trails Oregon 31-7 in fourth quarter

MSU closes gap in waning seconds

A nice drive by Tommy Schuster puts points on the board for the Spartans. 31-10 looks like the final with 25 seconds to play. I’m sure there many out there that were more interested in that field goal than others.

Defense gets a stop, Chiles’ day is done

Tommy Schuster enters for the Spartans with six minutes and change remaining. Looks like the rest of the starting crew is still out there.

Touchdown, MSU!

In year one of a new coaching staff, and against teams that are probably in a different weight class, little things like getting on the scoreboard matter. A 75-yard drive ended with a Kay’ron-Lynch Adams one yard scoring run, and it’s 31-7 late. Chiles found a few receivers, including two first downs to Jack Velling, and a 35-yard strike to Montorie Foster. 8:27 remains to close the gap further.

Score blown open after long Oregon TD drive

After holding the ball for over eight minutes, the Ducks hit paydirt on fourth and goal from the two. For the second week in a row, there are just too many weapons for Michigan State to keep up with. 31-0 Oregon is your score now.

Fourth quarter looms with Oregon in control

Oregon has really slowed the pace and is taking a bunch of time off the clock while moving the ball. The Ducks are threatening again, as the end of the third quarter arrives. MSU’s defense needs the breather, they are getting leaned on right now. Let’s see if they can keep the end zone clean.

Ducks add field goal, 24-0 score

Well, it could be worse. A promising Oregon drive stalled out, and it was a nice job by Michigan State to force a 50-yard field goal, especially with an iffy Ducks kicking game. The attempt was good, and now Michigan State takes over on offense, still trying to put some points on the board.

Oregon takes over after empty possession

Michigan State’s offensive line is breaking down, and Chiles is doing his best to scramble around. Oregon’s defensive line is a handful for anyone. Jaron Glover had an opportunity to haul in a big play inside the red zone, but had the ball punched out at the last second. Still 21-0 early third quarter.

Lead extends to 21-0 going into half

That’s huge. Oregon marches right down the field, eats up the rest of the clock, and scores a touchdown. Gabriel throws his 135th TD pass and now the Spartans have dug quite a first half hole against a top 10 team for the second week in a row.

MSU gives ball back at two minute timeout

A few sacks derailed a drive that started off strong. Michigan State will get the ball to begin the second half, so this upcoming drive for the defense will be crucial to get a stop.

Ducks punch one in to go up 14-0

It is becoming clear that there isn’t much Spartan resistance for the Oregon ground game tonight. Oregon back Jordan James is up to 133 rushing yards on 14 carries, with the team up to 174. There is still 5:26 left in the half. Offense needs to put some points up quick.

Second quarter starts another turnover

Plot twist, this was NOT another Michigan State turnover. Charles Brantley is on an interception hot streak, and he just got the second red zone pick of the night for the Spartans. In a game with three drives that got inside the five, it is 7-0 Oregon with 11:17 left in the first half.

Gabriel runs in late first quarter score

The Ducks have gotten to at least the one-yard line in their last two drives, but no turnover this time. A couple big plays were capped off by a nine-yard touchdown run by Gabriel, and it’s 7-0 Oregon. End of the first quarter in Eugene.

Three-and-out for MSU, Ducks takeover

Nice decision from Chiles to not force anything on a third and a million. A nice punt from Ryan Eckley and another play by Spencer flips the field.

Oregon returns the favor; Spartans pick off Dillon Gabriel

Call it even! Fresh off of forcing a turnover at their own one yard-line, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel throws an interception at the Spartan one. Malik Spencer made a very athletic diving catch to secure the pick, and Michigan State takes over after the touchback.

Chiles fumble at the 1 squanders golden scoring chance

This is getting ridiculous. Yet another drive where Michigan State marches the ball right down the field ends with a turnover. This one is an Aidan Chiles fumble as he was reaching into the end zone. The most frustrating thing for Spartan fans is how good Chiles also looks. Multiple great throws, including a deep bomb to Nick Marsh that set the Spartans up at the two, set up the scoring chance. But one step forward has been followed by a step back too many times so far to hang with the big boy teams.

Hello Defense!

Michigan State won the toss and gave the Ducks the ball. That turned out to be a good choice. The Spartans force a three and out and the offense has an early chance to punch ahead.

Let’s get this party started

Nice surprise on this late-night for Michiganders. Tigers’ announcer Jason Benetti is on the call in Eugene for Fox. 3-2 Spartans and 4-0 Ducks on deck.

The Spartans continue the meat of their schedule with a trip across the country to face unbeaten and No. 6-ranked Oregon on the national stage.

Coming off a 38-7 home loss to Ohio State, Michigan State faces another top-10 team, but this time it’s on the road. The Spartans moved the ball well against the Buckeyes, and did not look physically outmatched for most of the night, but costly turnovers and mistakes proved too much to keep up with Ohio State.

Those mistakes will need to be limited, as the Spartans head into one of the most hostile environments in the country. However, Oregon has let opponents hang around in home games so far. The Ducks needed a late score to put away FCS Idaho in Week 1 and only beat Boise State out of the Mountain West by a 37-34 score. Oregon is coming off a pair of dominant road performances the last two weeks, with a 49-14 rout at Oregon State and 34-13 win at UCLA.

Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Griffin Beers.