By sending a formal notice to Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe earlier this week expressing their interest to *ahem* “look around” at other conferences, Texas A&M made it clear that they were serious about a move to the SEC.
Of course, y’all knew that already, but they had to make it all formal-like and stuff.
Likewise, Big 12 officials formally met this afternoon via teleconference -- just as they did earlier this month to discuss a possible departure by A&M -- but no definitive decisions were made by the Aggies or the Big 12 as far as future conference membership is concerned.
Beebe did, however, release the following statement informing concerned parties that there will be future statements if any conclusion is reached in the form of a statement:
“The Big 12 Conference members have been and will continue to conduct meetings related to the situation with Texas A&M and Conference membership. There will be public statements as appropriate and necessary if and when action is taken.”
A Big 12 source told Associated Press, though, that the matter of “when” could come sometime this upcoming week pending the finalization of exit fees. If A&M were to join the SEC in 2012, the Aggies would be forced to relinquish 90 percent or more of their conference revenue payout.
That’ll make you think twice before moving.
In the event that the Aggies do move on, the Big 12 appears to be ready with a handful of candidates to keep the conference at least 10 members. The New York Times is reporting that Notre Dame, Arkansas and BYU are on the the Big 12 expansion committee’s shortlist.
Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick and Texas AD DeLoss Dodds are super tight, but the chances of the Irish joining the Big 12 in this environment are about as good as my chances of getting together with the newly-single Minka Kelly; same with Arkansas.
BYU’s name has been thrown around a bunch, and Houston should definitely be in the discussion as well.
But all of this speculation is null until A&M actually leaves, and at this date and time, that still hasn’t happened.