Pac-12 Blocks Arizona Football From Appearing In HBO Series To Protect Its Own Show

The Univ. of Arizona was set to be featured in a new HBO "college football reality series" this year, but Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott and Pac-12 Networks President Lydia Murphy-Stephans "scuttled the deal ... before HBO could move its people to Tucson," according to Greg Hansen of the ARIZONA DAILY STAR. HBO "established the template for a reality TV sports show" with "Hard Knocks," and it had "hoped to tap into the college football market." However, the Pac-12 "blocked Arizona to protect" its own original behind-the-scenes series "The Drive," which is featuring Utah and Oregon this year. HBO has "delayed its launch of a 'Hard Knocks' college series" until '16. Hansen wrote the conference likely would have "benefited by the exposure" of being on HBO. Fellow premium cable network Showtime this fall is airing a "Hard Knocks"-type show featuring Notre Dame (ARIZONA DAILY STAR, 8/30).