Izzo on Big Ten Network: It's been a PR nightmare

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Tom Izzo has had enough.

Michigan State's basketball coach has tried to spout the company line about the newly formed Big Ten Network even as it struggles to reach agreements with cable companies such as Comcast, effectively forcing fans to bars and restaurants to watch some games.

But the flood of letters and calls to Izzo from frustrated fans led to him speaking out.

"I think it has been a PR nightmare," Izzo said Monday. "And, I think it has hurt all of us."

The Big Ten Network and Comcast each tried to be upbeat Tuesday in their responses to Izzo's comments.

"We clearly know it's been a difficult situation for fans and we are working very hard to reach agreements with other cable companies so that they can have access to the network," said Elizabeth Conlisk, Big Ten Network vice president of communications. "Coach Izzo has been enormously supportive of the network. For him to express his frustration, it only makes us say we're not happy with the situation, either."

Comcast spokesman Patrick Paterno said the cable company has continued to negotiate with the Big Ten Network and Fox.

"In fact, we have never stopped," Paterno said. "As we have said previously, we would carry BTN tomorrow on our Sports Entertainment Package, making it available to customers who really want it but not forcing it on customers who would rather not see it and pay more for it."

There's the rub.

The Big Ten Network steadfastly insists on only offering its programming to cable companies on expanded basic level of service or its equivalent, not on a sports tier for viewers willing to pay several more dollars each month.

"We are flexible and willing to negotiate everything else," Conlisk said. "Our price to larger cable companies is well under a dollar per subscriber.

"We really believe that if you live in one of the eight states with a Big Ten school and you get 70 channels on cable, the Big Ten Network should be one of them."