Justin Timberlake weighs in on Big 12 expansion
Justin Timberlake was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., and if you were wondering if he followed the high-profile university back home, the answer came Wednesday.
Memphis to the @Big12Conference... let's make this happen! https://t.co/MZyRPTAm8M
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) July 27, 2016
Yep, Timberlake is throwing his support behind Memphis* as it bids to join the Big 12.
*Memphis is among the all-time NCAA leaders — in vacated victories (under coach John Calipari in 2007-08 and coach Dana Kirk in the 1980s)
Timberlake retweeted a statement from Memphis athletic director Tom Bowen, who was publicly lobbying for inclusion into the Big 12. The conference announced last week during its annual Football Media Days that it was evaluating new members.
Statement from University of Memphis Athletic Director Tom Bowen: pic.twitter.com/IE1bidO393
— Memphis Tigers (@TigersAthletics) July 20, 2016
The response to Timberlake’s tweet? It was mixed. But many, many people would love to see Timberlake come to their favorite school (although, if Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer showed up, things could get out of hand).
@jtimberlake @Big12Conference @TigersAthletics JT is going to cry me a river when it doesn't happen lol
— ucf #noflyzone (@knightbengal) July 27, 2016
@jtimberlake @Big12Conference @TigersAthletics and I will gladly have you as my guest at a Jayhawk basketball game JT.. ANYTIME! #kubball
— Amy (@RckChlkPrincess) July 27, 2016
.@jtimberlake @Big12Conference @TigersAthletics pic.twitter.com/3FnPckUrWG
— Red Raider Ranting (@RaiderRantings) July 27, 2016
Come to an @iowaenergy game this season @jtimberlake and campaign in @Big12Conference country for @TigersAthletics
— ArmyHeel (@ArmyHeel) July 27, 2016
@jtimberlake @Big12FBnow @Big12Conference @TigersAthletics got my vote. Had a great time at the Liberty Bowl.
— Wildkat Photography (@wildkatphoto) July 27, 2016
@jtimberlake @Big12Conference @TigersAthletics JT, if Memphis in the Big12 will you come to My tailgate party in Norman for OU vs Memphis ?
— Willie Mays Hayes (@snoopdoug44) July 27, 2016
@jtimberlake @BDavisAAS So it's open season for any celebrity/politician connected to an area in some way,not the school,give public pushing
— Brian A (@BriUConn) July 27, 2016
@jtimberlake @BYUCougarblue @Big12Conference @TigersAthletics You're better than that Justin. Well, maybe you're not, I dunno.
— BIG12 or Bust (@nickburt81) July 27, 2016
@jtimberlake @Big12Conference @TigersAthletics don't make me slap you
— Bruce Harris (@JBruceHarris) July 27, 2016
@jtimberlake @Big12Conference If that means I get to see you in Austin, then YES!!!!!
— Stephanie Alvarez (@TCUTSteph) July 27, 2016
Timberlake’s public lobbying got us thinking about other high-profile supporters of schools that have been linked to the Big 12.
What if these people threw their support behind their schools?
HOUSTON: Jim Parsons
CONNECTICUT: Meg Ryan
BYU: Mitt Romney
CENTRAL FLORIDA: Daniel Tosh
CINCINNATI: Sandy Koufax
COLORADO STATE: John Amos
EAST CAROLINA: Sandra Bullock
SMU: Kathy Bates
Pete Grathoff: 816-234-4330, @pgrathoff
This story was originally published July 27, 2016 at 7:00 PM.