So, there’s that.
In the midst of the latest round of conference expansionpalooza and I really can’t believe this crap is still going on for a third straight year, Virginia has been mentioned as a possibility to move from the ACC to the Big Ten if/when the conference that triggered Round Three decided to pull the trigger on a move to 16 members.
Whether or not Virginia is or would be a viable candidate for the Big Ten’s eastward march -- or southward (Georgia Tech) or westward again (Kansas) depending on the report -- across the collegiate landscape, the university felt compelled to issue a statement in the face of the speculation.
Here’s the statement, in its entirety. Do with it as you wish:During the past week there have been numerous reports and rumors linking the University of Virginia to interest in membership in other athletic conferences. Due to the recent changes that have taken place with conference realignment around the nation, I think it is important for us to put an end to this speculation as it relates to UVa.
The University of Virginia is a proud member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Neither representatives of the athletics department, nor President Teresa Sullivan, has received invitations to nor sought membership in other conferences. The ACC’s commitment to its members and their student-athletes is the finest in the country. We look forward to continuing this relationship far into the future. Our goal is to continue supporting the ACC and its initiatives for long-term success.
I have expressed this stance to ACC Commissioner John Swofford, and I want to take this opportunity to express that same commitment to our alumni, fans, supporters, student-athletes and coaches. We firmly stand behind the Atlantic Coast Conference.