Earlier today, we noted that Big 12 athletic directors and presidents met via teleconference to discuss the future of the Aggies’ in the conference and what the league would do in the event that A&M indeed bolted for the SEC.
The consensus, at least according to Texas AD DeLoss Dodds, was that the other nine members of the Big 12 wanted A&M to remain a part of the Big 12 “family”. According to a Big 12 statement released earlier this evening, we know that the other members are committed to the future of the Big 12.
For now, anyway. Missouri has denied any contact with the SEC over a possible invitation, but that doesn’t mean the Tigers wouldn’t reach out to the SEC down the road.
Here’s the statement:
The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors conducted a teleconference meeting today to discuss the future of the Conference given recent developments regarding Texas A&M University.
The Board strongly conveyed to Texas A&M its unanimous desire that it remain a Big 12 member, and acknowledged its value to the Conference. The Board noted that Texas A&M expressed concerns about institutional networks and that the athletics directors worked together and took actions, which the Board has approved, to adequately address those concerns.
The other nine members reaffirmed their long term, unconditional and unequivocal commitments made to each other and the Conference last summer. Although the Board hopes Texas A&M remains in the Conference, the Board is prepared to aggressively move forward to explore expansion opportunities. In doing so, the Board recognizes the strength of the Big 12 Conference national brand and the opportunity to capitalize on it.
