California Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling for UCLA to give a public explanation on the school's decision to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten alongside crosstown rival USC in 2024. Newsom contends that UCLA, a member of the nine-campus University of California system, owes it to the public to explain how the realignment decision will better its student-athletes in addition to how it will maintain long-lasting traditions and partnerships, such as that with fellow Pac-12 member UC Berkley.
"The first duty of every public university is to the people, especially students," Newsom said at a University of California Board of Regents meeting Wednesday, via the Los Angeles Times. "UCLA must clearly explain to the public how this deal will improve the experience for all its student-athletes, will honor its century-old partnership with UC Berkeley, and will preserve the histories, rivalries, and traditions that enrich our communities."
Newsom, who oversees and appoints the University of California system board of regents, previously said in an interview with FOX 11 Los Angeles that UCLA officials gave no advance warning to the board of regents regarding the Big Ten decision. Newsom described the decision as being "done in isolation" and without "oversight or support" from the regents.
