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COLUMN: Texas’ display of Big 12 title embarrassing

by M.J. Casiano | April 8, 2009 | 4 comments

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach calls to his team during a timeout in the game against Texas A&M on Oct. 18, 2008, in College Station, Texas. Get ready for another "biggest game in the history of this year." That's what dry-witted Texas Tech coach Mike Leach called the Big 12's next Saturday night showdown, this one against No. 8 Oklahoma State a week after the Red Raiders rose to No. 2 by beating Texas. (Matt Slocum/The Associated Press)

Many people have little sisters. You know, the ones who complain constantly to get their way? I know I have one (no offense if you’re reading this, little sister).

Well, make that two now, courtesy of the Texas Longhorns football program.

As was widely reported Monday, the Longhorns have added another Big 12 championship — with an asterisk — on the team room wall in the Moncrief-Neuhaus training facility. The 2008 Big 12 Championship.

Apparently the university thinks it’s OK to claim something that isn’t its own. Sure, the Longhorns were close, I will give them that. And yes, I thought Texas had just as good of a case to play for the Big 12 Championship as OU did, maybe more. I even wrote a column about that last semester. It’s off my chest, let’s keep moving.

But the thing is they didn’t play in the Big 12 Championship. So they didn’t win it. It’s impossible.

Perhaps I could add one to my wall? I too watched the game from my couch.

If “almost winning” earns prestige now, then go ahead and forget about Courtney Paris’ guarantee. Better yet, add Hillary Clinton to Mt. Rushmore.

It’s just beyond me why they would put a negative and annoying reputation on themselves. It was an agreed-upon rule that couldn’t change. If Mack Brown didn’t like the rule, he could’ve stood up about it before the seasons started. It’s nobody’s fault but their own that they lost to Texas Tech.

Brown said Monday he was unaware of the display, and will have it taken down. Whether or not he’s telling the truth, however, the damage has been done. Furthermore, the Longhorns continue to act like they won the championship, as it was reported Tuesday that Texas coaches — excluding Brown — received the salary bonuses that accompany winning a Big 12 title, even though Texas didn’t play in the championship game.

Texas never ceases to amaze me.

With both highly-talented quarterbacks coming back for another season, I’m looking forward to seeing OU and Texas battle it out for the Big 12 title this year. One of these two teams will be playing for a National Championship this season.

Maybe this time around, no asterisk will be needed for Texas’ training facility wall.

Nowadays, when my sister wants her way, I let her have it. So congratulations, Texas, on your new championship.

Now your training facility looks like Barry Bonds’ home run record.

-MJ Casiano is a broadcast and electronic media sophomore.

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