They are not athletic business partners. Each looks out for themselves. If they were partners they'd be playing football. But Gene knows they are not. He's mad about UND looking out for themselves. And he's still hurt about it. The only reason they play in other sports is money. Brings out the fans with little expense.
Business partner employees, athletes, don't say say derogatory things if they were partners. It's called a sports rivalry. Don't kid yourself. Each is in the business of looking out for themselves....free market.
If they were in a conference. They would be more like partners...