Jon Wilner just wrote a story titled "How Pac-12 schools will decide the end of George Kliavkoff's tenure". Story doesn't really say anything that hasn't already been discussed in this forum.
Link is to
www.union-bulletin.com, so you should be able to read it.
Click Here
The answer to all four of Wilner’s questions is the same:
1. Did he effectively commit an act of treason against the Pac-12?
Yes. He reversed his own position when the number of departures increased from 2 to 10. When the conference’s future and his paycheck were still secure, he agreed that USC, UCLA, and even Colorado were no longer part of the board. When 7 more schools jumped and the conference appeared on the edge of collapse, he changed his mind and tried to retain authority for the 10 - knowing full well that they’d likely vote to cash him out and dissolve. Further, he’d stated
under oath that removal from the board was the precedent, but then pretended - in writing - that that was not a possible reading of the bylaws.
Did he act in a harmful manner?
Yes. As noted above, he attempted to countermand established precedent in a way that at best gave decision-making power to 10 representatives with no interest in the future. At worst, it would lead to the dissolution of the conference. Either way, it likely enriched him personally.
So was he working against the best interest of his employer?
Yes. He was the conference commissioner, not the commissioner of the departing 10. It was his job to work for the benefit of the conference and its future. He chose instead to represent its 10 departing members, likely to the detriment of the conference.
And if so, is that grounds for termination with cause?
If the answer to the previous 3 questions is yes, this one must also be yes. He has shown a disregard for the conference rules that threatened the existence of the conference, and worked to the detriment of its continuing members. There can be no confidence in his continuing loyalty. This is exclusive of any failures regarding media rights - he has displayed a lack of honesty and integrity, and simply can’t be trusted to work for the conference’s benefit.