Two current members of the ACC, Clemson and Florida State, have already stated publicly that they would be willing to listen to overtures from other conferences regarding future affiliation.
Those schools were two of the three mentioned by TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte earlier this week as trying to get into the Big 12, the third of the ACC trio being Miami. Thanks to the speculation connecting themselves to future expansion of the Big 12, the Hurricanes have been forced to publicly address the situation.
And, at least based on the school’s words -- the school’s official Twitter feed sent out a tweet that stated simply “The Miami Hurricanes are Committed to the ACC” -- there is no situation as athletic director Shawn Eichorst (pictured) stated in very black-and-white language that The U is “committed to the ACC” and that they “have not engaged in any formal or informal discussions with any other conferences.”
Here’s the statement in its entirety. Take it for what it’s worth and with whatever size grain of salt you deem necessary:We are so fortunate at Miami. Our University, under past and present visionary leadership and with an 87-year history of achievement, is strong in our foundation and in our beliefs. It allows us to stay steady when there are stormy seas, and that core strength holds us together today more than ever.
Since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2004, the University of Miami has worked hard to measure up to the high academic and athletic standards set by our peers and we could not be more proud than to call the ACC our home. We are confident in our progress and in our accomplishments, yet there is still much work to be done. We are committed to the ACC and to doing our part to continue the tradition of excellence across the board. In that regard, we have not engaged in any formal or informal discussions with any other conferences.
The additions of the University of Pittsburgh and Syracuse University, as well as the new exclusive television partnership with ESPN, signal the very strength and nationwide appeal of the ACC. Fans will be able to watch more ACC sports and more ACC games in more ways than ever before with the most powerful brand in sports behind us. This is an exciting time to be a part of the ACC and we are honored and humbled to be among its members.Eichorst’s statement of support for remaining in the ACC echoes that of a board member earlier this week, although, as has been shown in past editions of conference musical chairs, what’s put out there for public consumption is subject to change at any point in time.