Marinatto resigns as Big East commissioner

Here’s a bit of a bombshell for your Monday morning. According to CBS Sports’ Brett McMurphy, John Marinatto has resigned as commissioner of the Big East conference at the request of the league presidents. Marinatto had been commissioner of the conference since July 1, 2009 after taking over for Mike Tranghese and had been with the Big East since 2002.

The Big East is set to hold their Spring meetings next week so the timing of this is somewhat curious. There is no word yet on who will take over as commissioner, much less why the presidents felt it necessary for Marinatto to resign. While this is pretty surprising as far as I’m concerned, this still does not change my opinion of what will happen. I continue to contend Louisville will be in the Big XII sooner rather than later.

Update – Brett McMurphy is now reporting Joseph Bailey III has been named interim commissioner of the Big East. Bailey was previously CEO of the Miami Dolphins and managing director of RSR Partners. According to their website, RSR Partners is an executive, board and leadership recruiting firm.

CBS SPORTS: MARINATTO STEPS DOWN AS BIG EAST COMMISH