UH Board of Regents Chairman Tilman Fertitta thinks UH should be playing with the big boys in the Big 12.  Fertitta is apparently willing to play any card to make that happen.  According to the Houston Chronicle, the Chairman has suggested the Legislature engage in strong-arm tactics to achieve his goal.

“Put pressure on the presidents;, say, ‘If you don’t do this, we’re not going to fund you for this,'” Fertitta said in a meeting with the Houston Chronicle’s editorial board Thursday. “It’s just the way it is. That’s the way to do it.” Fertitta said it’s “an embarrassment” that the namesake university of the fourth largest city in the United States has not been welcomed into the conference. 

The only embarrassment has been the overall performance of UH athletic teams in recent years – highlighted by the season-opening loss to the UTSA Roadrunners in the inaugural game at troubled TDECU Stadium.  UH lost that game badly to a football program that has been in existence for all of 5 years and does not play in anything resembling a major conference.  And Fertitta’s wish does not appear likely to come true as the Big 12 has repeatedly stated that it is not interested in expanding right now.  Fertitta also overlooks the fact that only two schools in the Big 12 – UT and Tech – receive state funding.  The Legislature can’t put the screws to the other 8 members of the conference.