the only reason for the suspense is because that is in the ACC's best interest. If it is publicly disclosed that there will be no ACCN on July 1, then it could increase the amount of articles done on the ACC (specifically the future and stability of the conference). Once you start to see an increase in those types of articles, then eventually start to see articles that talking about which schools are talking with other conferences. At that point the ACC would be in PR damage control especially if the conference is conducting ongoing conversations with networks and schools behind the scene. If the ACC goes through what the Big XII went through when Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, and TAMU announced they were leaving the conference, then the ACC may have a more difficult time weathering the storm.

I do agree that the ADs probably talked X's and O's with ESPN. Since I don't know what was discussed, I have no idea of the tone(s) of the conversation. Given that some ADs may be feeling more pressure from their President and fanbase than other ADs, it wouldn't surprise me if at least 1 AD voiced his/her displeasure about how long the process is taking to get something in place. What I don't know is whether the displeasure would be directed only at ESPN or could some of it be directed at whatever action the ACC took to slow the process. Then again, it is possible that none of the ADs are frustrated even though their President and/or fanbase may be frustrated.