AAC commissioner Mike Aresco fires back at Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby

There are many players in the saga currently encompassing the Big 12 conference. Is the American Athletic Conference one of them? Not according to commissioner Mike Aresco.

Aresco denied allegations made by Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby last week to CBS Sports that the AAC was in cahoots with ESPN and looking to poach "three to five" Big 12 programs. Bowlsby also alleged ESPN bribed the AAC with "future television proceeds."

"Our conference has never strategically aligned or plotted with ESPN to influence conference structures," Aresco rebutted during a virtual media event this week. "We do consult with our television and business partners on issues related to our conference. Everyone does. But any suggestions or statements that we colluded with ESPN with regard to the structure of any other conference is a completely unfounded and grossly irresponsible accusation, and that's all I really have to say about this at this point."

Aresco's fiery comments are just the latest in an ongoing soap opera that sees the future of the Big 12 in jeopardy. After it was announced that Texas and Oklahoma accepted invitations to join the Southeastern Conference in 2025, rumors surfaced that ESPN is a big player in making that transition happen — even playing a hand in getting the two programs to leave earlier despite breaking contracts and leaking money.

Bowlsby sent a cease-and-desist letter to ESPN, alleging the network "has taken certain actions that are intended to not only harm the Big 12 Conference but to result in financial benefits for ESPN." 

ESPN has of course responded, saying the claims have "no merit."

Stay tuned for next week's episode.