Especially the few today after his death.

I've been unsure of all the reasons why so many CBers would not like him. Over the years there have been many negative posts. I do believe misinformation and misinterpretation have contributed to most of it.

Let me speak about him, my connection to him, and about the misinformation.

One of my mentors has been really good friends with him for probably 30 years. They would speak weekly. My connection to my mentor allowed me to meet T-Boone Pickens on two occasions. I've also chatted with him over Facebook about 3 or 5 years ago. If I felt like prying I could ask my mentor for the latest happenings in the Oklahoma State Athletic department - both who were well connected. I have pried a few times but I've never wanted that relationship to go sour by prying.

Most people know T-Boone Pickens for his $230 million dollar investment into Oklahoma State Athletics (mostly to the football stadium renovations). But he has given another $200 million to Oklahoma state for academic building renovations and scholarships. He has also given millions of dollars in scholarship money to other universities. There is probably another $250 million going to Oklahoma state University in his will. He hinted at that in the years before his death. How many Billionaires have given away 75% of their wealth?

When asked who were the most influential people in his life - the people who made him who he is - he said his father and professors at Oklahoma state. They were the ones who gave him a hard talking to as a young man when he needed it and motivated and encouraged him when he needed it. He said something to the effect that he isn't giving Oklahoma State university money - but rather he owes it to them for turning his life around and giving him the shot.

As it pertains to Football, BYU, and expansion - I understand there is this myth on CB that Pickens stonewalled BYU. Umm no. BYU stonewalled itself if anything. Pickens personal opinion was to keep the conference in the region. He wanted Houston, SMU, Arkansas - anyone from the old Southwest or Big 8 conferences. He wasn't in favor of having West Virginia invited.

Sure he had a snide remark about Provo. But that remark could have been about Salt Lake, Tuscon, Sacramento, LA - anyone west of the Rockies. His comment wasn't meant to be a discriminatory comment against Provo or BYU. His opinion was merely to keep the conference in the region.

Now the important thing to note - Pickens was NEVER involved in any conference expansion talks. He was never invited by the athletic director or university president to give his opinion. His voice was never consulted in this matter. We heard his comments because a reporter stuck their microphone in front of him and asked. That's it.

I don't think Pickens was even aware of any of the inside information regarding expansion. My mentor was as clueless as anyone else and so I'm pretty confident Pickens was too.

Pickens - you can disagree with his business philosophies and practices - he was a businessman. But he has been one of the most generous and down to earth people to live in this country.