BYU and the Pac-10

I thought I’d weigh in on the column Dick Harmon wrote Monday about BYU, Utah and the Pac-10 (it’s been 30 years since the Pac-10 expanded — in 1978 — when it grabbed Arizona and Arizona State from the WAC).

Ten years ago this month, I did a series of stories on the subject. I talked to a number of people in the Pac-10, administrators at both schools as well as those who had dealings with Pac-10 presidents (remember, a decision on expansion would have to come from that level).

Even if the Pac-10 wanted to expand, it would likely look at Colorado and Texas as possible members, sources told me. As far as BYU’s candidacy for the Pac-10, the fact the school does not play on Sundays would be a major stumbling block. Besides, one source who requested anonymity told me that the Pac-10 presidents simply would not invite a Mormon-owned institution to join their ranks. “It’s religious prejudice masquerading as academic snobbery,” he said. “They’re trying to find an excuse to avoid the real issue, that they don’t want a school that is tied to the LDS Church.” He added that the idea of BYU going to the Pac-10 “is a dead issue. The door is slammed shut.”

Has much changed in the last 10 years? I don’t think so. I’d be surprised if BYU ever received an invitation to the Pac-10. Some believe it would not be in BYU’s best interest to join that conference anyway. An argument could be made that the best thing that happened to BYU sports was ASU and Arizona bolting to the Pac-10 30 years ago.

Your thoughts?