Kirk Herbstreit also expressed concern about the state of college football following the invitations to Texas and Oklahoma to join the SEC. (1:47).Mike Aresco, American Athletic Conference commissioner, denied allegations that ESPN and his conference had "strategically aligned with or plotted for influence conference structures." He also stated that any suggestion that this was the case was "completely unfounded and grossly irresponsible."Bob Bowlsby, Big 12 commissioner, suggested last week that ESPN and another unnamed conference had pursued several Big 12 teams. He told CBS Sports that the American had pursued between three and five teams from his conference. Aresco strongly rebutted that statement Wednesday.Aresco stated that "our conference has never strategically aligned with ESPN to influence conference structure structures." "We wouldn’t do that, ESPN never did that and would not do that." Our television and business partners do discuss issues related to the conference. We do. However, any suggestion or statement that we colluded in any way with ESPN regarding the structure of any other conference's structure is completely baseless and grossly irresponsible. That's all I have to say at this time.Bowlsby wrote last week that ESPN had been in cease-and-desist discussions about a conference that could lead additional members of the Big 12 Conference out of the Big 12 Conference.ESPN replied last week to the letter, stating that the claims made in the letter had "no merit".The future of the Big 12 has been under increased scrutiny after Oklahoma and Texas announced their departures to the SEC last week. There are only eight remaining members. There are 11 conference schools, attractive members like Cincinnati and UCF in America so speculation has been centered around that conference's long-term future.Although Aresco stated that the league had not contacted other schools specifically, he wouldn't comment on whether schools reached out to him. He did however say that if there were schools that would be interested in his league and who could enhance our brand, and also be a good cultural fit and competitive match, why not? We will continue to strive for excellence and growth no matter what happens."Any suggestions or statements suggesting that we colluded in any way with ESPN regarding the structure of any other conference are completely unfounded and grossly irresponsible, and that's all that I have to say at this time." Mike Aresco, American Athletic Conference commissionerAresco repeatedly stated that he believes his conference has strength and unity, but acknowledged that there is uncertainty in the college landscape as leagues and schools try to figure out the next steps.Aresco stated that they have discussed with their members the strategic vision for the conference and why they should stay. "This conference is a growth conference which is strong and stable. We've also discussed it with them." We don't know what will happen so we want everyone to take a step back and look at the situation.Aresco stated that the American is still in favor of the 12-team College Football Playoff format. This is despite new concerns raised by Greg Sankey, the SEC commissioner. The SEC has more to gain from a 12-team model, with Oklahoma and Texas now included.Aresco stated that this is also true for the American. The American has been at the outside looking in throughout the history of the CFP, despite having multiple undefeated teams at the end the regular season. As the preseason favorite to win the American, the Bearcats could be back in the playoff conversation this year.Next meeting of the CFP board is September. It will hear feedback from all stakeholders and conferences.Aresco stated that the CFP plan was a good one. The current expansion speculation shouldn't derail or delay this process. There is no reason to do so. The CFP plan received broad support, so it should be implemented. It opens up more opportunities for many teams, including those who didn't get a chance in previous seasons."No one can convince me that some of the teams we had couldn't compete and do really well, and maybe win a national championship. We believe that the 12 teams create opportunity. That's the key. If you keep having the same teams, it can make the playoff a little boring. This is a serious problem. This will help college football be more energetic.Gus Malzahn, the new UCF coach, also supported the 12-team format.Malzahn stated, "You can see the changes in two teams and it's going back." "I think that's a lot of bull, man. College football should move quickly and have 12 teams. This is the best thing for it.Aresco stated that the league has incentivized vaccinations across its conference, especially as COVID-19 cases are rising in the United States.Aresco stated that forfeits would be issued to any team that is unable or unwilling to play due an outbreak. This follows similar announcements by the SEC, Big 12, and Big 12.
