Big 12 expansion: Arizona State's Michael Crow implored to let Sun Devils leave Pac-12
Update: Arizona State has joined the Big 12 Conference, effective next season.
Arizona State University President Michael Crow has become a key figure in college conference expansion and realignment.
And a vital piece in the future of the Pac-12.
Crow, long a staunch supporter of the conference, is now tasked with a huge decision.
Should he use his authority to try to keep the Sun Devils in the Pac-12, or should he allow ASU to go to the Big 12 along with the Arizona Wildcats?
The answer to that decision is clear, at least according to media members and Arizona State fans on social media.
They implored Crow to do his part to help Arizona State switch conferences from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 amid reports of him potentially dragging his feet on a potential conference move on Thursday night.
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ASU dragging their feet should NOT surprise anyone. Michael Crow doesn’t rush to decisions until he absolutely has too. He will give the Pac12 every chance… but he also understands the money just isn’t there.
Still believe ASU will follow Arizona.. everyone wants their own…— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) August 4, 2023
Definitely one of the more valid theories I heard tonight. Crow deciding over the weekend or even on Monday has the optics of making the move on his own terms and no one else's. Not justifying that course of action just trying to provide the rationale. https://t.co/pmS1Eayi7L
— DevilsDigest.com (@DevilsDigest) August 4, 2023
If ASU somehow gets stuck without a seat in the Big-12 and Oregon/Washington/Utah leave the Pac, it will be an unmitigated disaster. Michael Crow simply can’t let that happen.
— Chris Karpman (@ChrisKarpman) August 4, 2023
This fan base wants nothing more than to support the HELL out of ASU athletics. Why do Michael Crow and Ray Anderson make it so DAMN difficult? It’s heart-breaking for so many alumni who love this university and its teams.
— PHX Fans (@PHXFansAZ) August 4, 2023
Despite the shenanigans of Arizona State president Michael Crow during tonight's Board of Regents meeting, Arizona is confident it will be in the Big 12 with or without ASU.
— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) August 4, 2023
Michael Crow is literally an Iowa State alum. Which one of you jerkwads bullied this man in college and made him never want to go back?
— Ralph Amsden (@ralphamsden) August 4, 2023
Hearing that Pac-8 (weird to say but true) is having one last ditch effort meeting tomorrow to try and salvage the conference. Michael Crow is willing to delay ASU's decision and attend that meeting. Cautiously optimistic that ASU still makes the move.
— DevilsDigest.com (@DevilsDigest) August 4, 2023
Most schools that change conferences go in delighted with joy.
ASU (specifically Michael Crow) will go into the Big 12 begrudgingly and semi-forced to. https://t.co/GRss0JAfED— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) August 3, 2023
#MichaelCrow lodging last fight to save the West sounds about right.
— David Kelly (@DavidKelly1290) August 4, 2023
It sounds like ASU is not excited to go to the BIG XII and that Michael Crow is making a case for Arizona to move on their own!
Amazing if it plays out this way.— YouTube: The Monty Show (@TheMontyShow) August 4, 2023
Reading between the lines: I worry ASU dragging its feet either the last week or even now.
Big 12 may want 'em, but do they want 15 if Utah is not moving?
Does Michael Crow dilly-dally more? He should be calling Utah or, hell, UConn making sure Big 12 will take ASU right now.— Kevin Zimmerman (@KZimmermanAZ) August 4, 2023
At this point, it’s obvious that the PAC-12 is not the right place for ASU athletics. Staying could cost the AD hundreds of millions of dollars and relegate ASU to near irrelevance. Please do the right thing, @michaelcrow.
— Chris Jenkins (@SmartSunDevil) August 4, 2023
Michael Crow, treating his athletic department's crisis with the same urgency he did his conference's for the last 12 years. https://t.co/BPhiEkN0Wl
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) August 4, 2023
0 days since Michael Crow stalled ASU’s opportunity to join the Big 12 Conference #FireCrow
— Arizona State Clock (@ArizonaStClock) August 4, 2023
If ASU doesn’t go to the Big 12 and ends up part of the Pac 6 (After UW and Oregon leave), it will be the most ridiculous fumble of all-time. And gross negligence. Get a grip dude!
— Saul Bookman (@Saul_Bookman) August 4, 2023
Do you realize the level of stress you’re putting the @ASU fan base through, @michaelcrow? Move to the BIG12 asap!! This isn’t a tough decision… it’s the only decision. https://t.co/DDWGq0DgB4
— Valley of the Sun (@PhxValleyAZ) August 4, 2023
It's embarrassing how bad @michaelcrow is messing this up. @ASUFootball and our fans deserves better and the Big-12 is giving us a life line. Crow literally being a useful idiot like usual. I won't renew season Tix and I'll withdraw my donation if Crow has us slide to the MWC.
— Shannon Harrison (@Shannon_Stone) August 4, 2023
If I’m Kenny Dillingham I’m on the phone with Ray Anderson and Michael Crow tonight saying if you somehow screw this up I am GONE.
— Jack Loder (@JackLoder_) August 4, 2023
1 day since Michael Crow stalled ASU’s opportunity to join the Big 12 Conference #FireCrow
— Arizona State Clock (@ArizonaStClock) August 4, 2023
More: Amid Pac-12, Big 12 rumors, Arizona State's Ray Anderson says Sun Devils in 'good spot'
More: Big 12 expansion rumors swirl around Arizona, ASU, Pac-12 amid Board of Regents meeting
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Big 12 expansion: Fans beg Arizona State's Michael Crow to exit Pac-12
