LOS ANGELES (AP) — New Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff can thank Oklahoma and Texas for adding another huge priority to his lengthy list of issues to address.

With both schools petitioning the SEC for membership, the latest round of conference realignment looks to be off and running.

Kliavkoff noted that expanding the Pac-12 doesn’t have to be a given but it will be considered. He's also looking to address the Pac-12′s failure to be more competitive on a national stage in football and men’s basketball.

While men’s basketball appears to be on the rebound after UCLA made the Final Four, football faces more of an uphill climb.

Rolovich laments distraction created by his vaccine decision

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Washington State coach Nick Rolovich has lamented that his decision to not get the COVID-19 vaccine has created a distraction for his program, though he reiterated that he would keep his reasons why private.

Rolovich made his comments during a Zoom call with sports writers covering Pac-12 media day in Los Angeles. Rolovich was the only conference coach not at the W Hollywood Hotel for media day, where proof of vaccination was required for those in attendance.

Rolovich says he isn't against vaccinations and supports those who choose to be vaccinated, including players, staff, and coaches.

Pac-12 players, coaches still trying to get handle on NIL

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The partnership between Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and Nike co-founder Phil Knight might be one of the most unusual and high-profile deals to come out of new rules allowing college athletes to earn money for use of their name, image and likeness rights.

The earnings potential of everyone from Thibodeaux, a junior who who could be the first player selected in the next NFL draft, to walk-ons dominated the conversation at Pac-12 media day.

Stanford coach David Shaw was skeptical of endorsement deals for players, saying he doesn't understand why companies would give “a bunch of money” to student-athletes.