KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby met with the Tulsa World for a brief question-and-answer session during the conference’s basketball media days at T-Mobile Center.
Bowlsby was asked on Wednesday about a few different topics surrounding the Bedlam schools with Oklahoma’s future transition to the Southeastern Conference.
The commissioner didn’t shield his continued disappointment about OU’s process of departing the Big 12.
How much will Oklahoma State, a charter member of the Big 12, benefit from the new-look league that will now include four new schools?
“Well I think that you know, not surprisingly, every institution considered all of its options, and they should have done that. That’s their responsibility. And I think, in the end, our eight continuing members felt like the best opportunity they had was to hang together and bring in new members and move ahead that way. So I feel good about the commitments of our continuing eight. I feel great about the new members coming in. And I think we ended up bringing in the best four institutions that were available.”
From your perspective, what was it like going through this transition when Oklahoma State was going through its own transition with a new president and athletic director?
“I think they had an unusually difficult time of it, because President (Kayse) Shrum was brand new and although Chad (Weiberg) had been there, he knew the issues, but he wasn’t sitting in the chair that had the wires hooked to it. And so, you know, I’m sure it’s been very challenging for them.”
It’s been a heavy conversation in our state about the future of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State continuing to play each other in sports. Would you like to see them continue their football series like they’ve done in the past?
“Well that’s going to be up to them, because it’s going to be a nonconference scheduled game. And they’ll have to figure it out for themselves.”
What is your relationship like with Oklahoma and Joe Castiglione moving forward? There’s a lame-duck period. Is about just staying professional with everything?
“Our first priority is to make sure that the coaches and the student-athletes have the fairest and best experience they can have going forward. And that’s just our professional responsibility to do that. Having said that, you know, Joe has been a longtime colleague and friend, and you know, we will work together because we have to. But friendships are based on trust. And I would say trust is at an all-time low.”
What are your thoughts on the state of Big 12 football entering November? In recent years, this has been an important month for the conference.
“I think we have great competition top to bottom. And so that makes for a lot of good games and it makes for tense officiating situations and all of those kinds of things. So that all kind of culminates in November and it looks like it will again this year.”
Photos: Caleb Williams makes his first start as Sooners defeat TCU
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) attempts a pass while being pressured by TCU defensive end Ochaun Mathis (32) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU quarterback Matthew Downing (7) tackles Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims (17) as Mims attempts to catch a pass during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. Downing was called for interference.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma wide receiver Mario Williams (4) runs out of an attempted tackle by TCU cornerback C.J. Ceasar II (9) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma linebacker David Ugwoegbu (2) tackles TCU running back Kendre Miller (33) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU head coach Gary Patterson yells for a timeout during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma defensive back Justin Broiles (25) celebrates with defensive back Billy Bowman (5) after a stop during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU defensive end Ochaun Mathis (32) sacks Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU defensive end Ochaun Mathis (32) sacks Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma defensive end Reggie Grimes (14) and linebacker DaShaun White (23) stare down TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) after he slipped and fell during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims (17) fails to catch a pass while being defended by TCU safety T.J. Carter (7) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey (8) hits TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) after he throws a pass during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma linebacker Brian Asamoah (24) tackles TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma linebacker Brian Asamoah (24) tackles TCU wide receiver Taye Barber (4) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma wide receiver Mario Williams (4) runs out of an attempted tackle by TCU cornerback C.J. Ceasar II (9) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma wide receiver Michael Woods II (8) catches a pass over TCU cornerback C.J. Ceasar II (9) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. The play was overturned due to offensive holding.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU safety T.J. Carter (7) tackles Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims (17) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) fails to catch a pass while Oklahoma cornerback D.J. Graham (9) watches during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims (17) signals a first down after a catch during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU defensive end Ochaun Mathis (32) sacks Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU safety Nook Bradford (28) tackles Oklahoma wide receiver Trevon West (81) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma wide receiver Michael Woods II (8) celebrates after making a catch during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. The play was overturned due to offensive holding.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma cornerback D.J. Graham (9) tackles TCU running back Kendre Miller (33) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws the ball during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) attempts a pass during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma tight end Jeremiah Hall (27) catches a touchdown over TCU safety Nook Bradford (28) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU defensive end Ochaun Mathis (32) sacks Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs through an attempted tackle by TCU safety Nook Bradford (28) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oct. 16: OU 52, TCU 31
Oklahoma defensive lineman Jordan Kelley (88) tackles TCU running back Kendre Miller (33) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma defensive back Justin Broiles (25) tackles TCU running back Kendre Miller (33) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma defensive back Justin Broiles (25) tackles TCU running back Kendre Miller (33) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oct. 16: OU 52, TCU 31
Oklahoma linebacker DaShaun White (23) fumbles the ball through the end zone, resulting in a touchback for TCU, while returning a TCU fumble during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma wide receiver Michael Woods II (8) drops a pass during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oct. 16: OU 52, TCU 31
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) attempts a pass during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma cornerback Jaden Davis (4) breaks up a pass intended for TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU safeties T.J. Carter (7) and La'Kendrick Van Zandt (20) tackle Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks (26) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma wide receiver Michael Woods II (8) celebrates with Oklahoma wide receiver Jadon Haselwood (11) after Haselwood's touchdown during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma linebackers Nik Bonitto (11) and DaShaun White (23) tackle TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs away from TCU linebacker Jamoi Hodge (6) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oct. 16: OU 52, TCU 31
Oklahoma linebackers Nik Bonitto (11) and safety Pat Fields (10) tackle TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma wide receiver Jadon Haselwood (11) lines up for a play during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) celebrates with fans while walking off the field after his team's 52-31 win over TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) walks off the field after his team's 52-31 win over TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley yells out a play during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) runs over TCU cornerback Jaionte McMillan (27) while scoring a touchdown during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks (26) has his helmet ripped off by TCU safety T.J. Carter (7) while being tackle during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks (26) has his helmet ripped off by TCU safety T.J. Carter (7) while being tackle during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) catches a touchdown over Oklahoma cornerback Joshua Eaton (1) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) waves to fans while walking off the field after his team's 52-31 win over TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma linebacker David Ugwoegbu (2) celebrate after making a tackle during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) runs over TCU cornerback Jaionte McMillan (27) while scoring a touchdown during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) celebrates with fans while walking off the field after his team's 52-31 win over TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) waves to fans while walking off the field after his team's 52-31 win over TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) catches a touchdown over Oklahoma cornerback Joshua Eaton (1) during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) warms up before a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) attempts a pass during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) celebrates with fans while walking off the field after his team's 52-31 win over TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
during a football game between Oklahoma and TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) walks off the field after his team's 52-31 win over TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
Oklahoma vs TCU
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (13) celebrates with fans while walking off the field after his team's 52-31 win over TCU in Norman, Okla. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.
Ian Maule, Tulsa World
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