Big 12 Assistant Commissioner for Communications Bob Burda said the conference has “received some money, but not all” of the $1.2M it is due for Iowa State’s participation in the EV1.net Houston Bowl, according to Michaelis & O’Toole of USA TODAY. Burda, who said the league has received “in the range of 50%,” added, “It’s the first time that has happened to the Big 12 in its 10-year history.” Burda said that the league “has been in discussions with Houston Bowl officials and hopes to get it resolved amicably.” Mountain West Conference Assistant Commissioner for Communications Javan Hedlund declined to discuss how much his conference is still due for Texas Christian’s participation. When asked about the future of the game, Houston Bowl Exec Dir Shawn Bouley said, “At this point, we’re planning on having a 2006 bowl.”
FALSE START: ESPN VP/Communications for Domestic Networks Mike Soltys said the net scheduling the Mid-American Conference title game for Sunday, December 3, which would be after the release of the final BCS standings, “was an oversight.” Michaelis & O’Toole note the outcome of the game “could affect the final standings” (USA TODAY, 4/13).
