AAC commish voices support for new NCAA governance structure

The vote for autonomy for the power conferences was passed earlier today, which led to some quick reactions from commissioners of the ACC, Pac-12 and SEC. As you would expect to see, John Swofford (ACC), Larry Scott (Pac-12) and Mike Slive (SEC) had some positive comments about the vote for autonomy.

But what about the other conferences?

Mike Aresco, commissioner of the American Athletic Conference, has stated for over a year the conference plans to be included in the upper echelon of the college sports world, but now leads a conference left behind by the powers given to those in the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC. Aresco seems undeterred by the news and says the AAC supports the new governance structure.

The following statement was released by the AAC commissioner:

We are pleased that the NCAA Governance Redesign Model was adopted today by the NCAA Board of Directors. We extend our congratulations to Dr. Nathan Hatch and to the NCAA Steering Committee for its excellent work in designing a model that we believe will enjoy broad acceptance. We also appreciate the exemplary efforts of our NCAA Board representative, Dr. John Hitt of UCF, and our Conference Board chair, Dr. Gerald Turner of SMU, who were deeply engaged in this process.

Our conference membership supports the new governance model and the opportunities it will present to enhance the student-athlete experience and student-athlete welfare. Our presidents and athletic directors are steadfast in their commitment to these ideals and also to providing our student-athletes with the ability to compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics.

Sun Belt commissioner Karl Benson also released a statement, showing a different and perhaps more realistic spin on the situation. His statement:

“Today’s vote by the NCAA Board of Directors will have a significant impact on the future of intercollegiate athletics and more than likely will result in an increase in the cost of operating the athletic programs of the universities of the Sun Belt Conference. While there will be challenges ahead, our universities are committed to the continued academic success of our student-athletes along with providing the necessary benefits to protect their overall health and welfare. Our universities have integrated the values of intercollegiate athletics into their respective academic missions on each campus and the SBC looks forward to continuing to play a prominent role within the new NCAA governance as one of the 10 FBS conferences.”

Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson has issued the following statement as well;

“The Mountain West appreciates the efforts of the Division I Steering Committee and chair Nathan Hatch in developing a governance structure that meets the needs of Division I as a whole. Adoption of the new governance model will allow Mountain West institutions to determine how best to meet the needs of their student-athletes while continuing to provide opportunities to compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics.

“Student-athlete welfare and academic excellence have always been paramount in the Mountain West and will continue to be at the forefront of the discussion as we enter this new era of Division I. The Mountain West already has begun to involve student-athletes in its governance structure with the participation of two student-athletes at its spring 2014 Board of Directors meeting. This type of engagement will further enhance the overall experience of the student-athlete. The Mountain West membership has been actively engaged in conversations about the governance redesign for some time and we look forward to continuing the dialogue throughout the implementation phase of the new structure.”

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