The Pittsburgh Panthers are in active, internal discussions to leave the Big East Conference in 2012 if the West Virginia Mountaineers are able to leave the conference first, according to the Post-Gazette.

I am now becoming more and more convinced in the conversations I've had in the past two days that Pitt will be in the ACC in 2012 and here is why - the school has had enough with the way the Big East has mangled this all and frankly is waiting on West Virginia.

If - or more accurately - when, West Virginia finally declares they are leaving for the 2012 season officially and the Big 12 schedule is announced with WVU on it, Pitt is going to follow them out the door and dare the Big East to stop them.

The report also mentions that Pitt AD Steve Pederson has become extremely optimistic about Pitt and the Syracuse Orange joining the ACC by next athletic season.

The report also mentions that even if they stay and West Virginia leaves, Pitt and Syracuse could sue the Big East over breach of contract since both schools will lose what would have been a marquee television game and the revenue that goes with it.

However ugly you think this situation is, remember, it can always get uglier.

For updates on Big East football, basketball and expansion, visit Big East Coast Bias, and stay tuned to our college conference realignment section.