<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?><oembed><version><![CDATA[1.0]]></version><provider_name><![CDATA[Get The Picture]]></provider_name><provider_url><![CDATA[https://blutarsky.wordpress.com]]></provider_url><author_name><![CDATA[Senator Blutarsky]]></author_name><author_url><![CDATA[https://blutarsky.wordpress.com/author/blutarsky/]]></author_url><title><![CDATA[In service of a greater&nbsp;good]]></title><type><![CDATA[link]]></type><html><![CDATA[<p>There&#8217;s a quasi-rhetorical question buried in <a href="http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/05/5_things_to_watch_at_sec_sprin.html" target="_blank">this Jon Solomon article</a> about the five big topics up for discussion in Destin this week that bears watching.</p>
<blockquote><p>In the shorter term, finding schedule windows for live games is the SEC Network&#8217;s biggest focus over the next couple months. ESPN&#8217;s Justin Connolly, the head of the SEC Network, will be in Destin meeting with coaches and ADs to get a feel for their current programming and scheduling. How comfortable will schools feel playing some non-revenue sports on different days and times for exposure?</p></blockquote>
<p>Oh, I suspect after a few choice words about academic concerns and the student-athlete experience, they&#8217;ll be just fine with the idea.  The Network needs product and it&#8217;s not like those kids are bringing any money in to support their programs.</p>
<p>The more intriguing answer will come a few seasons down the road when ESPN asks the same question politely about revenue sports.  The beast must be fed, after all.</p>
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