doudoune moncler 2012: Big East commissioner resigns

Big East commissioner John Marinatto has resigned, leaving the league without a leader as the conference works to find its footing amid a radically shifting landscape.

The conference announced the move in a statement released Monday morning.

"Our recent expansion efforts have stabilized the conference for the long term, and we are likewise well positioned for our very important upcoming television negotiations," Marinatto said in the news release. "As a result, I felt this was the right time to step aside and to let someone else lead us through the next chapter of our evolution."

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AP Photo/Stew Milne John Marinatto became Big East commissioner in July 2009, succeeding Mike Tranghese. A source told ESPN.com his exit had been building for weeks.

A source said Marinatto's exit had been building for weeks. The source said the basketball members in the Big East were upset that they had no say in the expansion process.

Marinatto also wanted to accept a TV deal a year ago but was shot down by a 12-4 vote with Georgetown leading the charge not to accept.

Joseph Bailey, a recruiting firm executive who has in the past held positions as CEO of the Miami Dolphins and administrative VP of the Dallas Cowboys, will assume the commissioner's post on an interim basis while a search is conducted, the conference said. "Joe is a proven leader who will do a terrific job guiding the conference through this time of transition," said Judy Genshaft, South Florida president and chair of the Big East, in the statement. "His experience as a manager and his knowledge of the sports industry make Joe uniquely qualified."

Marinatto became Big East commissioner in July 2009, succeeding Mike Tranghese.

In that time, the league has lost three of its founding members -- Pitt, Syracuse and West Virginia -- and perhaps its spot as one of the top tier conferences in the country.

CBSSports.com has reported Marinatto was asked to resign Sunday night.

"I know I speak for the entire Conference when I express my sincere gratitude to John for his leadership and dedicated years of service," Genshaft said. "John helped build the Big East into what it is today, and played a critical role in our successful expansion efforts, and for all of that we thank him."

Marinatto was able to keep the league viable with the addition of eight schools -- Boise State and San Diego State as football-only members, along with SMU, Central Florida, Houston, Memphis, Temple and Navy.

But without its flagship programs, the league has been left with a major perception problem.

With the BCS headed for major changes in the next postseason cycle, it remains unclear whether the Big East will be among the top conferences when it comes to revenue distribution from BCS money.

Automatic qualifying status is already gone, which many believe could have a major impact on the Big East and the addition of new members Boise State and San Diego State. The conference is also set to begin negotiating a new television deal in September.

While the Big East is in line for a significant bump in TV revenue, it remains unclear just how big the boost will be with the newest additions. Few people in the industry expect the Big East to garner what the ACC has gotten, for example.

In addition, Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich was a close confident of Marinatto and his pending departure had pushed the Cardinals to further consider the Big 12 if they can get an invitation from the current 10-team league, a source said.

Former Big East member West Virginia was chosen over Louisville in the Big 12's most recent shakeup.

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