The Big Coward: Jim Delany

Remember when the Big Ten announced its new divisional names and people were not only confused, but upset?

Well, it seems that the criticism displayed thus far by fans has taken somewhat of a toll on Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany.

It's really hard to believe he had no idea there would be such a backlash against his conference's decision to dub the new Big Ten divisions "Legends" and "Leaders" as a way of paying homage to the history and tradition of the conference.

I think we have enough experience with names, and expansion and development of divisions, to know that you never, rarely, get 90 percent approval rating. But to get a 90 percent non-approval rating was, you know, really surprising.

According to an interview with WGN AM-720 in Chicago, Delany acknowledged that his officials will potentially reconsider the names  once the new year hits.

Perhaps the most striking comment made in the interview was Delany's admittance that little consideration was given to changing the conference name from the Big Ten since conference officials including alumni, administrators, and university faculty think of the Big Ten as a powerful brand.

I don't know about you, but I don't think any conference that cannot count deserves the moniker of a 'power' brand.

Back to Mr. Delany, after serving as the Big Ten commissioner for more than two decades it is probably time for him to move onto greener pastures.

As a side note, the only Delany worth its weight in gold is the Portland, OR band Delaney. One of my friends from the Notre Dame Drumline shows off his chops on what I know of as the band's first and only album. Good work Cheese.