However, I'm not sure he is using the term "autonomous" correctly. Autonomous means, "acting independently or having the freedom to do so". Are the G5 conferences also "autonomous" as they have the freedom to act independently? Aren't Indy BYU, Notre Dame, UMass and Army even more "autonomous" as they, by deeming themselves "independent" even more autonomous than the conferences?
It is indicative of how the Big 12 works---they think they are high and mighty and a notch (or two) above the rest. The reality is that they don't even have the respect of those that they think they are on par with. Use of fancy words will not change that (especially when used incorrectly).