Pac-12 fires two senior executives over failure to disclose overpayments by media distribution partner

The Pac-12 has fired two senior executives over the failure to disclose overpayments by a media distribution partner to the networks that inflated the annual revenue figures, according to a report from the Mercury News.

The report noted that an unidentified distribution partner claimed the overpayments totaled more than $50 million over a span of years, possibly influencing Pac-12 athletic department budgets in the future.

“Earlier today, the Pac-12 terminated the employment of two senior executives, effective immediately,” read a statement issued by the Pac-12 concerning the matter. “This action was taken following an investigation conducted by independent outside legal counsel. The terminations resulted from a failure by those two executives to disclose material information to the Pac-12 Board of Directors and external Pac-12 auditors in connection with overpayments by a Pac-12 Networks distribution partner dating back to 2016.

“The Pac-12 took immediate and appropriate action to address this matter, consistent with best governance practices. Pac-12 leadership is committed to supporting our members and student-athletes, and always operating at the highest level of professionalism.”

The news of the Pac-12 firing two senior executives comes at a time when the conference is scrambling to stabilize itself following the impending departure of league members UCLA and USC.

Pac-12 fires two senior executives; FOX under fire for broadcasting decision

When Arizona State challenged UCLA for the top spot in the Pac-12 standings on Thursday night, it did so without a TV broadcast crew in the house, sparking some controversy — and anger — in Pac-12 circles.

FOX had the broadcast, showing the game on FS1, but it opted not to send broadcasters Aaron Goldsmith and Casey Jacobsen, according to a report by John Canzano.

That decision was part of a cost-saving measure.

It irked Pac-12 officials, according to Canzano, who wrote, via a source, that “the Pac-12 was ‘disappointed’ and the conference let FOX know this at the highest levels.”

The game was a good one, too. Arizona State had the lead inside the final six minutes of play. While UCLA eventually rallied to win 74-62, it was the kind of high-level conference matchup you’d typically expect a network to devote full attention to.

Canzano quoted ASU senior associate athletic director Dough Tammaro on the controversial practice of staffing the TV broadcast crew remotely.

“We all understood the need to be remote during Covid,” Tammaro said. “I’ll be honest, we all got it. But I don’t see how that energy, that environment could be captured by someone in a studio far away.

“Human beings needed to be in the building.”

Between the firing of two senior executives on Friday and the TV drama on Thursday, suffice it to say the Pac-12 has had better weeks.