Former Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff was “arguably the most ineffective commissioner in the modern era of college athletics"Getty Images
Former Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff’s “catastrophic 973-day tenure” ended with a "multimillion settlement, zero signs of regret and no issuance of public comment,” according to Jon Wilner of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. The "radio silence in the final chapter of his tenure stands in stark contrast to the grandiose posturing in the initial phase of the Pac-12’s media rights negotiations.” But since the Pac-12 presidents "rejected his proposed deal with Apple and the conference collapsed" on Aug. 4, Kliavkoff has "remained silent." The negotiated settlement between Kliavkoff and the conference “likely includes a nondisclosure agreement that precludes Kliavkoff from discussing any specifics” as information that “might exonerate him would assuredly disparage others.” But Kliavkoff also has refrained over the past six months from “offering any public expression of remorse or accountability." Sources said that Kliavkoff blames the collapse “entirely on the presidents’ poor leadership, the difficult circumstances he inherited and the schools’ refusal to accept the deal placed before them.” Wilner wrote that to a “certain degree, that's accurate" as the "rupture was years in the making, and responsibility starts with the presidents who have ultimate authority over the conference.” But Kliavkoff was also “arguably the most ineffective commissioner in the modern era of college athletics." Kliavkoff “failed to grasp the basics of realignment -- that urgency is required.” And above all, he either “didn’t bother or was unable to read the room" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 3/5).
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