Sooners' Stoops speaks out about 'agendas' in BCS race

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday college football poll voters should be aware that ESPN has a contract with the Southeastern Conference when they consider the cable sports network's analysis that Auburn should be the nation's No. 2 team and not Oklahoma.

Stoops mentioned ESPN's contract with the SEC during his weekly news conference, but stopped short of accusing the network of bias.

"I'm not saying that," Stoops said. "I'm saying I'm aware of what their contracts are with. Whether people are directed in certain ways, I'm not going to say that. I think all the people ought to be aware who their contracts are with and what some of their agendas may be."

Stoops would not say whether he thought ESPN altered its analysis to favor SEC teams, such as Auburn.

"That would be for everyone else to comment on, not me. I don't think that's appropriate," Stoops said. "I just understand TV and what happens with programs. Ratings matter. I don't know what to say about it."

ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said the network's rights holders understand ESPN will not compromise journalistic integrity because of business arrangements.

"The direction we provide our commentators is to be fair, to be objective and to give their opinions," Krulewitz said.

Auburn, which had trailed Oklahoma in the AP media poll all season, moved even with the Sooners this week following a 24-6 win over Georgia, which had been No. 8. Oklahoma beat unranked Nebraska 30-3.

Oklahoma maintained its No. 2 spot in the coaches poll, although its lead was cut to two points over Auburn.

Asked whether he thought ESPN had an impact on poll voters, Stoops said, "It probably impacts some people."

"Surely, AP or the coaches are all aware everybody has agendas," he continued. "Anybody who's on TV has one. You know, that's viewership and ratings and those kinds of things. The closer it becomes, the better for them.

"I think it's fair to say, too, they have a contract with the SEC. I'm fully aware of that. I can't be the only one who recognizes that. It's impossible to remove agendas. They have producers and ratings. I don't know what impact they have, but I'm sure they have some."