When exactly did the Big East stop breathing? Was it when it expanded into Idaho and California in an attempt to remain relevant in football? More likely it was when it went shopping for schools such as Central Florida, SMU, Houston and Tulane. At some point, it was all becoming too much for the seven league schools who make their money from basketball but don’t play big-time football.

Apparently that time has finally come. According to multiple reports, those seven – Georgetown, St. John’s, Seton Hall, Providence, Villanova, DePaul and Marquette – have informed the league that they’re taking their basketballs and going home. Or, more accurately, leaving home.

Those schools let Commissioner Mike Aresco know of their intentions to leave during a conference call Thursday during which Aresco tried to convince them to reconsider.