Justin Timberlake has a serious suggestion for the Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference is expanding its reach – and schools are pulling out all the stops to make sure they're included in the expansion conversation.
The University of Memphis is one of them. And they're making a pretty strong case.
Justin Timberlake, Memphis native and part owner of the Memphis Grizzlies, publicly encouraged the move on Twitter.
Memphis to the @Big12Conference... let's make this happen! https://t.co/MZyRPTAm8M
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) July 27, 2016
Timberlake's tweet was in response to this statement put out last week by Memphis' athletic director, Tom Bowen.
Statement from University of Memphis Athletic Director Tom Bowen: pic.twitter.com/IE1bidO393
— Memphis Tigers (@TigersAthletics) July 20, 2016
The Big 12 cited a few factors they're looking for in the expansion: strength of athletic department, size of the fan base, media market, school reputation and academic strength.
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The Memphis football program made headlines last fall for beating Southeastern Conference opponent Ole Miss after the they beat Alabama, who ultimately won the College Football Playoff, earlier in the season.
It's doubtful that Timberlake's celebrity-status support will have any influence on the Big 12's ultimate decision, but it certainly can't hurt in the reputation category.
