At least that is the opinion of the author of this article regarding Big 12 expansion candidates:
In which the author says this about Memphis:
"A much crappier Houston absent a functioning surrounding economy. A poor, corrupt commuter school always flirting with some sort of NCAA sanctions whose coach just abandoned them after two years for that amazing post-Beamer Virginia Tech job."
That's funny.
I don't know much about Memphis and basketball. But I do remember that fracas their helmet-swinging football goons started in that football bowl game . That was consistent with the above characterization.