LINCOLN -- Gov. Dave Heineman said Wednesday afternoon that there are “significant” athletic and academic advantages to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln joining the Big Ten Conference, though he is leaving that decision to university officials.
He said he expects “significant movement” on the issue in the next 48 hours.
“This is clearly a call for university officials to make,” said Heineman, who is an avid sports fan who has hosted NU football Coach Bo Pelini for dinners at the governor’s mansion in the past.
“I just want to win the national championship. I don’t care what conference we’re in if we win the national championship,” Heineman added.
Two Kansas politicians have contacted the Nebraska governor in recent days to urge him to keep the Cornhuskers in the Big 12 Conference. Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson called yesterday, and U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback called on Monday.
“They are very concerned that they’re going to be left out, both Kansas and Kansas State,” Heineman said. “I understand where they’re coming from. Iowa State is in the same position.”
Under rumored scenarios, Kansas, Kansas State and Iowa State would be left behind in a breakup of the Big 12 Conference, with Nebraska and Missouri switching to the Big Ten and six other schools bolting to the Pacific Ten.
Heineman said that UNL would enjoy “enhanced reputation, the opportunity for more federal grants and additional research opportunities” if it joined the Big Ten.
That, he said, would aid UNL’s pursuit of companies and government agencies to locate research labs at the former state fairgrounds in Lincoln, now called Innovation Park.
But the governor emphasized that not he, but UNL Athletic Director Tom Osborne and UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman, will be making the decision about moving to the Big Ten.
“This state has great respect for Coach Osborne. If he comes to the conclusion that it’s in the best interest of the university, student athletes and state to join the Big Ten, then the state will favor that action,” Heineman said.
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