This is my rough understanding of what has transpired. Feel free to tell me where I err.
- Miami was the center of of the 2003 expansion, and they wanted BC and Syracuse. Virginia threw it's considerable weight around and got VPI in over Syracuse.
- Syracuse was always in the ACC's mind since 2003, so when time came a decade later, the ACC reached for them. UConn was well-positioned, but BC pushed Pitt for their own reasons and no one felt the need to push back.
- In the aftermath of Maryland leaving, UConn again was well-positioned. But this time FSU was calling the shots and they demanded Louisville for football reasons.
Granted I'm not fully aware of all the issues, but I'm unsure where ESPN fits in outside the obvious of helping lay the dynamite to blow up the BE. I don't think they've been blocking UConn's exit, simply have been bowing to school politics which have conspired against UConn.
- Miami was the center of of the 2003 expansion, and they wanted BC and Syracuse. Virginia threw it's considerable weight around and got VPI in over Syracuse.
- Syracuse was always in the ACC's mind since 2003, so when time came a decade later, the ACC reached for them. UConn was well-positioned, but BC pushed Pitt for their own reasons and no one felt the need to push back.
- In the aftermath of Maryland leaving, UConn again was well-positioned. But this time FSU was calling the shots and they demanded Louisville for football reasons.
Granted I'm not fully aware of all the issues, but I'm unsure where ESPN fits in outside the obvious of helping lay the dynamite to blow up the BE. I don't think they've been blocking UConn's exit, simply have been bowing to school politics which have conspired against UConn.