How the Big 12 was saved

As the Big 12's impending death became increasingly apparent last week, a diverse group of leaders across college athletics decided to come to the league's rescue. Athletic directors, business leaders and television executives all played a part in the league's 11th-hour attempt to save itself from destruction.

"This is was a potential doomsday," said one college administrator who offered the Big 12 assistance and sought anonymity for fear of backlash from the Pac-10. "This was moving too quickly. The collateral impact wasn't being considered. [There was] a great deal of work to be done."

Dan Wetzel