Commissioner of Big East Steps Down

[nBe]

Marinatto, 54, has been the Big East's commissioner since July 1, 2009, when he took over for Mike Tranghese, league head from 1990-2009. Dave Gavitt was the league's inaugural commissioner from 1979-1990.

Marinatto was asked to resign by the league's presidents Sunday, sources said.

Joseph Bailey III, former CEO of the Miami Dolphins and currently managing director of RSR Partners, an executive recruiting firm, was named interim commissioner.

Sources told CBSSports.com potential candidates for the next Big East commissioner include current Big East associate commissioners Nick Carparelli and Tom Odjakjian, SEC executive associate commissioner Mark Womack, Pac-12 deputy commissioner Kevin Weiberg, Greg Shaheen, former NCAA executive vice president for championships; Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti and Kit Morris, director of college sports at Nike.

"I have been associated with this league for my entire adult life and have had the tremendous honor of serving as its Commissioner since 2009," Marinatto said. "Our recent expansion efforts have stabilized the Conference for the long term and we are likewise well positioned for our very important upcoming television negotiations.


CBS Link
www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/brett-mcmurphy/18983292

ESPN link with Video
espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7900287/john-marinatto-tenure-big-east-commissioner-was-doomed-start

[grayavenger]

If he is available, I think Kevin Weiburg I would be an excellent choice:

www.pac-12.org/ABOUT/Staff/StaffD...iberg.aspx

"Deputy Commissioner Kevin Weiberg has responsibility for all aspects of the Pac-12 Conference’s administrative operations. He has oversight responsibility for the Conference’s daily operations, including governance, enforcement, compliance, sport management, championships, football bowl relationships, officiating, and television administration.

Prior to joining the Pac-12, Weiberg was the Chief Executive Officer of iHoops from 2009 to 2010, a joint venture between the NCAA and NBA, formed to develop a structure and programs to improve the quality of youth basketball in the United States.

Weiberg has extensive experience in college athletics, as well. He served as vice president of university planning and development for the Big Ten Network from 2007-09. In addition, he served as deputy commissioner of the Big Ten Conference under Jim Delany from 1989 to 1998.

Weiberg served as commissioner of the Big 12 Conference from 1998 to 2007, overseeing its transformation into one of the most competitive and financially successful conferences in the country. Weiberg is a 1978 graduate of Kansas State University and earned a master’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1979."

"Experience is the best teacher." I cannot imagine a more qualified man. Isn't the Big East already using the same TV consultants who helped the PAC 12 negotiate their very lucrative deal? Could it be that they have strongly recommended Weiburg? Could it be that the change is a sign of great things to come for the BE? Very possible, in my opinion

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