WAC commissioner calls latest departures 'selfish'

Karl Benson, the long-time commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference, has been through more ups and downs over the past 15 years than, perhaps, any commissioner.

But what happened yesterday, when he thought he had the WAC ready to be more stable and secure than it had been at any point this century, caught him by surprise and left him angry.

"Yesterday was a very difficult and disappointing day," Benson said during an 80-minute teleconference with media from across the country. "I was disappointed by the selfish actions of two WAC schools."

Those actions — the sudden departures of Fresno State and Nevada-Reno — scuttled what could have been the best day the conference enjoyed in many years. BYU, as rumored and reported, was set to join the WAC in all sports but football.

But afraid of losing its marquee school, the Mountain West Conference threw a counterpunch at the WAC that might have been the only strike needed to keep BYU from leaving.

"We hope there still is an opportunity to work with (BYU)," Benson said about aligning with the Cougars. "We would be open to any discussions with them."

For Utah State, the developments create all sorts of problems, but also remove one.

A week ago, in a move to create solidarity among the eight WAC member schools, Benson suggested each president sign a binding contract that would require a $5 million buyout if any of the schools left the WAC. Seven schools signed it on Friday and the other, Nevada, made a verbal pledge to do so — but never did.

Fresno State did. And Benson said the $5 million is payable within 60 days.

That said, Utah State and the other five remaining WAC schools are no longer bound to that agreement, Benson said.

"At this point, every school is going to look out for its best interests," he said.

The WAC, likewise, must find a way to survive. Asked if there was a real possibility of the WAC ending, Benson said "absolutely not ... we will be successful."

Future expansion targets have long been identified and Benson said the WAC would move quickly to determine its future.