ACC: speculation of schools in negotiations with other leagues ‘totally false’

Maryland’s decision to bolt from the ACC to the Big Ten last month opened up more realignment rumors. Among those in the middle of the conjecture were Georgia Tech and Virginia. GT has already denied talk that the Yellow Jackets would also move to the Big Ten, and on Thursday, the entire ACC’s Council of Presidents issued a statement denying any rumors of more departures.

Here is the statement in its entirety. As with most things related to realignment, take it for what it’s worth and believe whatever you want to believe.

“We, the undersigned presidents of the Atlantic Coast Conference, wish to express our commitment to preserve and protect the future of our outstanding league. We want to be clear that the speculation about ACC schools in negotiations or considering alternatives to the ACC are totally false. The presidents of the ACC are united in our commitment to a strong and enduring conference. The ACC has long been a leader in intercollegiate athletics, both academically and athletically, and the constitution of our existing and future member schools will maintain the ACC’s position as one of the nation’s premier conferences.”

Maryland is currently suing the ACC in an attempt to get out of paying the $50 million-plus exit fee the conference agreed to earlier this year (with the exceptions of Maryland and Florida State, of course). The ACC has already replaced the Terps with Louisville as the 14th member.