AD Scott says Pac-12 deal was a bad deal for Memphis; “We didn’t say no to Memphis’ future”

MEMPHIS – It is a decision that hasn’t sat well with a large portion of the Tiger fan base.

And trust me, new Athletic Director Ed Scott has heard the disappointment about the university’s decision not to accept a bid to the rebuilding Pac-12.

Speaking for the first time Wednesday since Memphis passed on the Pac-12 to stay put, for now in the AAC, Scott says he knows the history and the scars left behind when this program has been left behind during round after round of realignment. But Scott believes the Pac-12 was not the right choice.

Simply put… Scott says the financials were not there to make that move.

“That was not a no, we’re not ever going anywhere. That was based on the offer that was presented in front of us, that we’re not taking that offer because we don’t think less of ourselves,” Scott said. “I came here for a reason. You heard me in the press conference. You’ve heard me in any interview I’ve done. I’m bullish on Memphis’ future.”

Scott says Memphis remains open for business as a program that will be well positioned for whatever comes next.

“I think sometimes we get enamored by the new and we want to take a bad deal and that deal was not a good deal for the University of Memphis,” added Scott. “If they call, I’m answering. I’ve never not answered a call when anyone from another school or another conference has called. So if they call, I’m going to listen. That’s my job. We didn’t say no to Memphis’ future. We said no to a deal that we thought was bad.”

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