More recently, though, Missouri has been characterized as underachieving, overcomplaining and just plain irrelevant — some have suggested Nebraska’s decision alone will determine whether the Big 12 continues or collapses.

What changed? Well, it wasn’t anything Missouri officials said. They haven’t said anything more substantive than, "We are a proud member of the Big 12 Conference," on or off the record in months. But the rest of the Big 12 continues to talk, often anonymously, and that view is being repeated.

That’s just the price for not playing the media’s game. Reporters tend to champion the causes of those who call them back. Journalism abhors a vacuum.