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Kevin Kietzmann Sticking With His Big Ten Story

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Back in May, 810 WHB's Kevin Kietzmann reported that the Big Ten had "extended initial offers" to Missouri and Nebraska. The story made national news. The local blogosphere picked it up. Then newspapers across the country. It even hit SportsCenter.

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Of course local media -- not exactly fans of Kietzmann -- quickly disputed the report.

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Over a month later -- and the full scope of his story not quite coming true -- Kietzmann is standing by his story, according to The Pitch, saying that Missouri is "mortified" it didn't get a Big Ten invitation and that the conference simply changed their minds.

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He notes that circumstances changed. The Pac-10 got involved. Last Saturday, Big 12 officials asked Nebraska to declare its intentions, changing timetables. "He had to drop Missouri," Kietzman said of Jim Delaney, the Big Ten commissioner.

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The Pitch isn't buying it.

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Did the Big Ten approach Missouri? Sure. Might an invitation arrive at some point in the future? Yes. Was an "initial offer" made? Highly doubtful.

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The way things are unfolding, I'm leaning towards his report being inaccurate. Everyone involved quickly denied the story. As we've seen this story unfold, most officials aren't exactly denying stories but refusing to comment on them. I think that tells us they felt strongly about this one.