Kansas gov. not interested in keeping Mizzou rivalry

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Gov. Sam Brownback says he has no interest in keeping the University of Kansas' rivalry with the University of Missouri alive when the Tigers leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference next year.

Brownback told reporters Friday on the eve of the last scheduled men's basketball game between the Jayhawks and Tigers that Missouri is to blame for the storied series ending after 100-plus years.

He said Missouri nearly "cratered" the Big 12 by first talking three years ago about leaving for the Big Ten. Brownback said had the Big 12 dissolved, Kansas and Kansas State would have been in a tough position.

He quoted Kansas athletic director Sheahon Zenger, that keeping rivalry going would be like a man divorcing his wife, then asking if they can still date.