Big East commissioner John Marinatto steps down

NY, NY, United States (AHN Sports) – Big East commissioner John Marinatto stepped down Monday morning, according to a statement released by the conference.

Reports indicated conference schools were not pleased they didn’t have more say in the Big East’s expansion plans, particularly on the basketball side.

Marinatto just indicated he felt it was time to step aside.

“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.”

Joseph Bailey, an former executive with the Dolphins and Cowboys, will take over the post on an interim basis.

“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.”

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