You know what's funny, is I'm getting the serious impression that Dickie V opened up the ESPN version of Pandora's Box. If there's ANY truth to the conspiracy theories that ESPN is holding a grudge against the MWC due to a) the snub, and b) the network competition (and I personally think there's
plenty of truth to it!), either Dickie V was oblivious to ESPN's intentions, or he respects sports too much to sully it with something as stupid as political games, despite his employers' intentions. Think about it, there sure hasn't been much good said on ESPN airwaves about the MWC or its teams the past year, up until BYU impressed Dickie V. Strange as it seems, from an exposure perspective, anything Vitale says turns to gold. All of the sudden BYU has a top-notch Basketball program (we all knew that, but now the nation is drinkin' the koolaid too), and Trent Plaisted is a top-three-in-the-country big man.
Now ESPN (and the National Sports media) is in the position where they have to validate what Vitale says or end up looking stupid, because what are they going to do? Fire the most recognizable face (and voice) in College Basketball? They;ve jumped right in line behind him.
It IS funny what a little exposure will do for you.
