The power of football in Texas can be daunting. Just consider the recent remarks made by the chairman of the University of Houston’s board of regents, Tilman Fertitta.

Fertitta is upset that the Big 12 conference does not want to add UH into its fold and told the Houston Chronicle’s editorial board that the Texas legislature should “Put pressure on the presidents; say, ‘If you don’t do this, we’re not going to fund you for this.’ It’s just the way it is. That’s the way to do it.”

Now keep in mind, this is the same person who wasn’t troubled by the fact that Aramark had more information than its potential competitors in bidding for a contract at the universities new stadium saying that’s just the nature of doing business. “I outsmart people all the time,” Fertitta said.

Hey, if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying, right?

But getting back to the playing field. It is ironic that the highest paid state of Texas employee never sees the field, but rather acts as a “special assistant” at the University of Texas. Mack Brown, the former UT head coach is earning a cool $3,824,856 per year. In case you’re curious, the second highest paid employee is current UT head coach Charley Strong, pulling in a measly $3,025,375 per year.

The Horns finished with 6-7 record (5-4 in the Big 12) in 2014 and were rewarded with a trip to the prestigious AdvoCare Texas Bowl where they were trounced 31 – 7 by Arkansas asking the question if they are getting a healthy return on investment, or if they look more like a Vontage IPO.