But I suppose conference leadership knows whether their conference is considering expansion, which schools they’re targeting, and whether the vetting process should begin. Some reporters learn this kind of information before the public through their “sources.” Ross Dellenger broke the so-called Magnificent Seven news. Some reporters (at least AD Hale and a couple of others) also raised the possibility of a lawsuit before FSU filed one. Pat Forde even said FSU and Clemson were coordinating on legal challenges before they filed any. In my opinion, it’s no different from political reporters covering the White House and political leaders. They have sources and know what’s happening behind the scenes, but that doesn’t mean they can predict how the election will turn out.