Big East official comes to Villanova's defense

In an unsolicited phone call Thursday, Big East commissioner John Marinatto said Villanova did not "disparage" Temple during the conference's current expansion process.

"They've never disparaged Temple in any way," Marinatto said. "Father Donohue and Vince Nicastro have tried to do things the right way," he added, referring to Villanova's president, the Rev. Peter Donohue, and Villanova athletic director Vince Nicastro.

Marinatto obviously has been apprised of the high level of vitriol in Philadelphia right now. He also probably didn't expect his call would end the animosity felt by many Temple fans.

Multiple Big East sources said that Villanova came out against Temple to join the conference for all sports, and that the conference's basketball schools, those that don't play football, supported Villanova in that position. Temple was not included in the Big East's most recent expansion model, even as a football-only school. Sources said Villanova and the basketball schools were not against Temple's joining as a football-only member.

Marinatto would not elaborate on what Villanova did say and would not comment on 'Nova's position regarding Temple's joining the league, saying he has to respect "the confidentiality" of the process. The commissioner also has bigger issues on his plate. If Missouri moves to the Southeastern Conference as expected, the Big Twelve could look to the Big East for one or more replacements, and the expansion model is in danger of collapsing.

The Big East is looking to add Boise State, Navy, and Air Force for football, and Central Florida, Southern Methodist, and Houston for all sports. Temple may be in a backup position if one of the football-only schools doesn't join.

During Wednesday's Big East media day, Villanova basketball coach Jay Wright said the university would welcome Temple for all sports, but not before the conference invited the Wildcats for football.