DMN beats Chron again on A&M/Arkansas JerryDome deal
Back in November, the Dallas Morning News' Brian Davis broke some big news about Jerry Jones' new stadium and an Arkansas/A&M series:
Texas A&M and Arkansas officials are close to finalizing a non-conference football series at the new Cowboys stadium in Arlington starting in 2009, a source close to the negotiations told The Dallas Morning News.
The schools are close to signing a six- to eight-year deal that would bring a potential blockbuster matchup to the area that could rival the annual Texas-Oklahoma game at Fair Park.
Arkansas officials are expected to fly to the area this week for one final look at the stadium and the contract, the source said.
A&M spokesman Alan Cannon said he could not confirm a contract with Arkansas. He did say the school was considering a non-conference game at the new Cowboys stadium. Arkansas and Cowboys officials could not be reached.
A&M athletic director Bill Byrne has made no secret about his desire to play a high-profile game in North Texas.
The Chronicle's A&M beat writer rushed out this CYA update after seemingly being scooped on the story:
Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles said Sunday that his school has been contacted about renewing its football series with Texas A&M at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium.
"We've been asked to consider it," Broyles said. "We're considering it. That's all I know."
When asked about reports that a deal is done to renew the series between the two old Southwest Conference foes, Broyles said that was premature.
"Count on it -- it is not," Broyles said.
Note that the lede was structured in such a way as to cast doubt on other "reports" (like the one in the Dallas Morning News).
That's all well and good, but Brian Davis reported further details of the deal (which is expected to be announced in January) today in the DMN:
Texas A&M University and the University of Arkansas will each be guaranteed $5 million annually when they begin a nonconference series at the Cowboys' new stadium in 2009, A&M athletic director Bill Byrne said.
The schools are close to signing a six- to eight-year contract that will probably include a rollover clause. An official announcement isn't expected until January.
"Both schools are anxious to play the game," Mr. Byrne said. "It's going to be great. I think it's going to have a terrific impact, not only for our athletic program but for the entire university."
A&M has made no secret of its desire to play a game in North Texas. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is an Arkansas alum and major donor.
The schools haven't played since 1991, when they were members of the old Southwest Conference. The Razorbacks lead the all-time series, 38-24-3.
So, it looks like Davis' original reporting on this story was spot on, and Harris' efforts to downplay the DMN scoop... were not.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 12/24/07 11:05 AM | Print | Comments (0)
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