In Indianapolis we used to get the Purdue and UI games for free at one of the local stations. Now virtually every basketball game is shown exclusively on the Big Ten Network. What’s worse, no cable stations carry the Big Ten network. The Big Ten requires it to be part of the basic package, so they can charge more. It would also be the second most expensive cable channel (behind only ESPN). The Big Ten will not allow it to be part of the sports level package, as it should be.

I’m pleased with the cable companies for not giving in to the Big Ten demands on this. This would increase the cost of cable for everyone, not just people who want the Big Ten network. Also, Big Ten is the first conference to have its own network, so this will set a precedent. If the cable companies give in, maybe everyone’s cable bill will go up $2. What happens when the ACC, PAC10 and Big 12 have their own networks? They’re going to look at the previous set by the Big 10 and follow that model. What happens when the SEC starts its own ring and claims it should get more than the Big Ten? Pretty soon, your basic cable package has (at least) doubled in price, and the average American can no longer afford it. Is it fair that my grandmother, who couldn’t care less about sports, has her cable bill doubled because she is forced to pay for channels she doesn’t care about? She will have to cancel, since she just can’t afford it. More importantly, she shouldn’t have to.

I’m mad at the Big Ten for doing this and taking basketball and football away from me.

really nice. That’s a great way to treat your fans. Your fans are what made the Big Ten what it is. We are the ones who support the teams. It is fan income and fan support that allows teams to build better facilities, hire coaches, and provide scholarships to student-athletes. Without the support of the fans, Big Ten would not even exist, let alone be what it is today.

So this is how the Big Ten reward their fans? To celebrate the host games and demand more, more, more? When is enough? How much is too much? Shame on the Big Ten for doing this to their fans.

In the words of Tom Petty: “While we celebrate mediocrity, the guys at the top want to see how much you’ll pay for what you used to get for free.”