For those demanding Baylor release more information surrounding the numerous allegations of sexual assault, the Big 12 conference is on your side.
In a statement published Wednesday afternoon, the Big 12 stated it is "gravely and deeply concerned by media reports about activities involving the athletics program." Additionally, it requested that "all documents associated with the investigations of sexual assaults at Baylor" be released. The request was made by letter from Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby to Baylor interim president David Garland.
"This request is for written materials as well as any information that has been conveyed orally to University leadership or to its Board of Regents including, but not limited to, the unedited written or verbal information from Pepper Hamilton, omitting only the names of any involved students," the statement adds. "Internal documents pertinent to the investigation have also been requested."
Garland is expected to meet with Bowlsby soon to discuss the matter, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Additionally, the Statesman reports Baylor has "self reported to the NCAA and will 'maintain normal communication with the Big 12 Conference during the course of the NCAA investigation.'"
The Big 12 Board initially requested "a full accounting of the circumstances" surrounding the allegations of physical and sexual assaults at Baylor on May 24. However, Baylor has released nothing more than a Findings of Facts and an announcement that task forces would implement changes. In a statement earlier this month, Garland said the university would not release any more information, citing the "survivors' freedom to choose whether, when and how to share their experiences."
As a private institution, Baylor is not required to release any information related to the Hamilton report, including the report itself.
However, it also might not be as simple as Baylor releasing the so-called "full report." As David Ubben of Sports on Earth wrote earlier this month, "There is no such thing as a 'full report.' Pepper Hamilton presented the findings of its investigation to the board of regents with an oral presentation on May 13, and for now, the only written account of the law firm's findings is the 13-page Findings of Fact."
Hence the Big 12's wording by asking for "written materials as well as any information that has been conveyed orally to University leadership or to its board of regents."
CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd reached out to commissioner Bob Bowlsby asking what happens to Baylor if it does not comply?
"Too early to speculate on that topic," Bowlsby said.
In an email to CBS Sports, Big 12 spokesperson Bob Burda said "The Big 12 Board of Directors would consider appropriate next steps if Baylor did not comply with its request."
Right now, this seems like little more than official stance and a demand for action; the question is whether the Big 12 has the authority to do something if Baylor doesn't adhere to the request. So far, Baylor has stood firm that it won't do anything other than implement the more than 100 recommendations listed by Hamilton himself.
