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California Governor Gavin Newsom has been in the headlines a ton in the past few years. However, in the last few weeks, he has made his voice heard in a different venture: College football.
After UCLA and USC shocked everybody by announcing their move to the Big Ten, the sports world shifted. Mega conferences are being formed, Notre Dame wants a ton of cash to stay independent, and the Big 12 and Pac-12 are left wondering what’s next.
Newsom recently expressed frustration with UCLA’s blindsided move to the Big Ten. The California Governor is still waiting for answers and wants an explanation. The Los Angeles Times dropped the latest report, courtesy of Teresa Watanabe, Ben Bolch, and Hamed Aleaziz.
“UCLA must clearly explain to the public how this deal will improve the experience for all its student-athletes, will honor its century-old partnership with UC Berkeley, and will preserve the histories, rivalries, and traditions that enrich our communities.”
Newsom is still heated with this move by UCLA. He wants an explanation, but it’s simple: It’s about money.
The UC Board of Regents met and discussed this development. Student Regent member, Marlenee Blas Pedral, added more.
“This one decision impacts all the 10 UC campuses; their decisions don’t only impact their student athletes. I think at the end of the day it impacts other sports, other athletes, other campuses not just now but 10 years, five years out….I think UCLA should definitely do something to help mitigate some of the potential harm that’s going to come out of this.”
Unfortunately for Newsom, he has no power to overturn anything. The Bruins won’t be changing course, either. Is everybody happy? No. But it is what it is, and Newsom and the board need to live with it. UCLA won’t be changing its mind.