Football Texas A&M+SEC=Twitter rumors - Page 30

Al Bundy · 10:57 PM

texashsfootball Texas HS Football
by UCFSports
Texas A&M Board of Regents will meet on Thursday to discuss a possible move to the SEC.

LiveSteam · 08-14-2011, 11:48 AM

COLUMBIA, MO. • Mizzou chancellor Brady Deaton, the chairman of the board of the Big 12 Conference, said Saturday night that member institutions had "strongly conveyed" to Texas A&M their unanimous desire that A&M remain in the Big 12 but that the conference is prepared to move aggressively if A&M leaves for the Southeastern Conference as it appears bent on doing.

Speaking after a conference call with the other institutional leaders, including Texas A&M's R. Bowen Loftin, Deaton said the other nine had reaffirmed "long-term, unequivocal and unconditional commitments to the league" and believed they had addressed a key issue among A&M's apparent reasons for signaling it wants out.

Specifically, he said, the board reiterated that it had embraced the stated conference stance that any interest the new Longhorn Network has in attempting to feature a conference game could only be enabled with consent of the other conference school and the conference office.

Deaton also took a conciliatory stance toward A&M, declining to criticize it for its apparent breach of a vow of unity given a year ago amid the departures of Colorado and Nebraska and renewed just weeks ago.

"No one points a finger at anyone here," he said, adding, "We understand some of the differences that there are among members of the conference."

If those differences ultimately do result in A&M's departure, many wonder if the conference can remain in place with nine members and the perception that it is constantly at odds with one another.

But even steeped in the latest turmoil, Deaton said he believes members are "developing a framework" for "open, vibrant discussions" and added, "I genuinely can say that the entire conference is very excited about where we're going."

Deaton did not elaborate on whether the conference would seek to re-expand if A&M left, but it was clear that was his meaning, likely back to 10, when he said it was ready to move aggressively.

As for where Mizzou itself is going, the subject of ample speculation on Saturday, Deaton said, "I know there are all kind of rumors out there, but I can assure you that the University of Missouri is totally committed to the Big 12 in case there is any question."

His words echoed remarks made Saturday morning by MU athletics director Mike Alden, who emphatically said no Missouri representative had spoken to the SEC as some had suggested.

"No. The answer to your question is no," Alden said. "I want to make sure: No."

Moments later, ESPN's Doug Gottlieb posted on Twitter that a "high-ranking" source at A&M confirmed the Aggies will soon be SEC-bound and added that Clemson, Florida State and Missouri also are "likely to join."

Told of Gottlieb's post, Alden seemed more baffled than miffed and said, "There's nothing. ... No, no, no."

Gottlieb later back-tracked, and Pete Thamel of The New York Times tweeted that a "high-ranking SEC official just called to say (angrily) that any report involving Clemson, FSU and Missouri is totally wrong."

If the Big 12 doesn't remain workable, Mizzou's options aren't at all clear.

But while Alden denied any dalliances with the SEC and indicated the same about contact with other conferences, he said that shouldn't be "misconstrued as not working" on the situation.

Just what that means, and how it will play out, is anybody's guess. And that's even the case with Texas A&M, driven as it might be to ditch the Big 12 and the University of Texas in particular.

While the school's Board of Regents is prepared to vote on realignment Monday, an SEC official told Thamel that he believed there was a "30- to 40-percent chance" SEC presidents would rebuff A&M the day before.

And Orangebloods.com, the Rivals.com site covering UT, reported there could be severe financial consequences in play if A&M tries to leave:

"Multiple sources said the 13-year Fox television deal signed by the Big 12 in April for $1.17 billion can be voided if Texas A&M leaves. The sources said if the SEC, which has had ongoing conversations with Texas A&M since Mike Slive was on the College Station campus during last summer's realignment, could be seen as the instigator in A&M's actions, it could constitute a $1 billion lawsuit against the SEC as well as a lawsuit for damages against individuals involved."

Although Deaton said it was his understanding the TV contract wasn't necessarily in jeopardy, that possibility and a multi-million dollar sum withheld from A&M as an exit penalty could weigh heavily on SEC and A&M's actions.

On the surface, anyway, the Big 12 had seemed stabilized and energized since the departure of Nebraska and Colorado at the end of the school year until ESPN recently clarified its intention to broadcast on the Longhorn Network high school football games targeting UT recruits.

The idea rankled the rest of the conference, and the Big 12 put a moratorium on it before the NCAA struck it down altogether last week. But A&M wasn't appeased.

Should A&M depart, Alden believes the Big 12 could be "absolutely viable" with nine members. A key to that would be how media partners assess the new conference stock.

That was among the topics on a conference call earlier Saturday among Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe and nine of 10 athletics directors. Various reports indicated Texas A&M's Bill Byrne, in Europe with the A&M basketball team, did not participate.

If A&M goes, Orangebloods.com reported, the sentiment was that the league should add a school to get back to 10 and that initial targets would include Air Force, BYU, Houston and TCU.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/colle...#ixzz1V1iCDphN

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/colle...5a3e04baa.html

Al Bundy · 08-14-2011, 11:57 AM

Who would be filing that lawsuit? Fox or The University of Texas?

kepp · 08-14-2011, 12:09 PM

What Alden is saying just reminds me too much of the big10 debacle last year. I'm closing my eyes and coverin my ears until this is over.
Posted via Mobile Device

LiveSteam · 08-14-2011, 12:18 PM

My guess its just scare tactics. Im more than sure aTm & its lawyers ect covered this before deciding to bolt.
Dan the bundle of sticks BB threatened they would sue Nebraska & Colorado,& actually I think BB did. & ended up settling for about 1/2 of what he wanted originally.

Frazod · 08-14-2011, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kepp

What Alden is saying just reminds me too much of the big10 debacle last year. I'm closing my eyes and coverin my ears until this is over.
Posted via Mobile Device

I don't get that feeling. Last year I think we were the instigators and ended up getting played. Alden only started talking conference solidarity after Osbourne beat him up and took his lunch money.

mnchiefsguy · 08-14-2011, 02:01 PM

I guess it is all moot now...The SEC is turning A&M down:

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/st...s-options-open

**Reaper16** · 08-14-2011, 02:04 PM

SEC doesn't want to look like school poachers. They didn't so much pass on TAMU as they did assert that future expansion is possible, just not at this time.

If TAMU were already divorced from the Big 12 then this might be a different story.

HolyHandgernade · 08-14-2011, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiveSteam

My guess its just scare tactics. Im more than sure aTm & its lawyers ect covered this before deciding to bolt.
Dan the pillowbiter BB threatened they would sue Nebraska & Colorado,& actually I think BB did. & ended up settling for about 1/2 of what he wanted originally.

Don't be so sure, this bum rush to the SEC has been ego driven. Heck, it was Thursday, I believe, when they actually said, "We'll have to get with our lawyers and examine this". A&M has really painted themselves into a corner because they have let the mob that is their fan base control their actions. And if you are wondering where the potential lawsuit is coming from, it'll be FOX, they're the ones that stand to lose on the deal.

You noticed the Big XII's official response was "We don't want you to go, we hope you don't go, you are welcome to come back BUT...."

Well, that's more than a nicety. That's the Big XII saying "We didn't push this, this is all A&M driven. Even the issue that got them upset in the first place was resolved in favor of their position. So, if you sue anyone, we aren't the ones in breach of contract."

mnchiefsguy · 08-14-2011, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper16

SEC doesn't want to look like school poachers. They didn't so much pass on TAMU as they did assert that future expansion is possible, just not at this time.

If TAMU were already divorced from the Big 12 then this might be a different story.

SEC did not care about looking like school poachers last year when they were courting A&M, OK, etc. In addition, A&M approached them this time, not the other way around, so the SEC could easily dispel any perception that they were poaching schools.

HolyHandgernade · 08-14-2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnchiefsguy

I guess it is all moot now...The SEC is turning A&M down:

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/st...s-options-open

I bet you this wasn't all "SEC driven". I bet the A&M lawyers looked at what financial risks they might be liable for and asked for an assist to bow back into the Big XII with a small amount of grace. A very small amount.

mnchiefsguy · 08-14-2011, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HolyHandgernade

I bet you this wasn't all "SEC driven". I bet the A&M lawyers looked at what financial risks they might be liable for and asked for an assist to bow back into the Big XII with a small amount of grace. A very small amount.

Had not considered that, but that is definitely a possibility. Either way, it puts to rest any more talk of conference realignment for this season anyway. (I hope)

kstater · 08-14-2011, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HolyHandgernade

Don't be so sure, this bum rush to the SEC has been ego driven. Heck, it was Thursday, I believe, when they actually said, "We'll have to get with our lawyers and examine this". A&M has really painted themselves into a corner because they have let the mob that is their fan base control their actions. And if you are wondering where the potential lawsuit is coming from, it'll be FOX, they're the ones that stand to lose on the deal.

You noticed the Big XII's official response was "We don't want you to go, we hope you don't go, you are welcome to come back BUT...."

Well, that's more than a nicety. That's the Big XII saying "We didn't push this, this is all A&M driven. Even the issue that got them upset in the first place was resolved in favor of their position. So, if you sue anyone, we aren't the ones in breach of contract."

Actually, had it happened, FOX could have voided the contract, and the Big 12 would the the ones suing A&M.

kstater · 08-14-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kstater

@DanWolken Dan Wolken
So the Texas A&M Rivals site says it's a done deal - Aggies to the SEC. Big-time reputation check going out on that limb.

HolyHandgernade · 08-14-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kstater

Actually, had it happened, FOX could have voided the contract, and the Big 12 would the the ones suing A&M.

Yeah, but FOX wouldn't just void the contract, Texas and OU are too valuable and the Big XII has a decent amount of competitive teams. At most, they would have restructured it so the per school intake was the same but the conference wasn't rewarded with the "one less mouth to feed".

|Zach| · 08-14-2011, 02:18 PM

Crazy times.

07-18-2011, 09:15 PM
Al Bundy Damnit Peg Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $3511831	Texas A&M+SEC=Twitter rumors Bo's Pelini is still whining. texashsfootball Texas HS Football by UCFSports Texas A&M Board of Regents will meet on Thursday to discuss a possible move to the SEC. Last edited by Al Bundy; 08-12-2011 at 10:57 PM..
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08-14-2011, 11:48 AM	#436
LiveSteam The Constitutional Choo choo Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: homeof43conferencetitles Casino cash: $-1514568	COLUMBIA, MO. • Mizzou chancellor Brady Deaton, the chairman of the board of the Big 12 Conference, said Saturday night that member institutions had "strongly conveyed" to Texas A&M their unanimous desire that A&M remain in the Big 12 but that the conference is prepared to move aggressively if A&M leaves for the Southeastern Conference as it appears bent on doing. Speaking after a conference call with the other institutional leaders, including Texas A&M's R. Bowen Loftin, Deaton said the other nine had reaffirmed "long-term, unequivocal and unconditional commitments to the league" and believed they had addressed a key issue among A&M's apparent reasons for signaling it wants out. Specifically, he said, the board reiterated that it had embraced the stated conference stance that any interest the new Longhorn Network has in attempting to feature a conference game could only be enabled with consent of the other conference school and the conference office. Deaton also took a conciliatory stance toward A&M, declining to criticize it for its apparent breach of a vow of unity given a year ago amid the departures of Colorado and Nebraska and renewed just weeks ago. "No one points a finger at anyone here," he said, adding, "We understand some of the differences that there are among members of the conference." If those differences ultimately do result in A&M's departure, many wonder if the conference can remain in place with nine members and the perception that it is constantly at odds with one another. But even steeped in the latest turmoil, Deaton said he believes members are "developing a framework" for "open, vibrant discussions" and added, "I genuinely can say that the entire conference is very excited about where we're going." Deaton did not elaborate on whether the conference would seek to re-expand if A&M left, but it was clear that was his meaning, likely back to 10, when he said it was ready to move aggressively. As for where Mizzou itself is going, the subject of ample speculation on Saturday, Deaton said, "I know there are all kind of rumors out there, but I can assure you that the University of Missouri is totally committed to the Big 12 in case there is any question." His words echoed remarks made Saturday morning by MU athletics director Mike Alden, who emphatically said no Missouri representative had spoken to the SEC as some had suggested. "No. The answer to your question is no," Alden said. "I want to make sure: No." Moments later, ESPN's Doug Gottlieb posted on Twitter that a "high-ranking" source at A&M confirmed the Aggies will soon be SEC-bound and added that Clemson, Florida State and Missouri also are "likely to join." Told of Gottlieb's post, Alden seemed more baffled than miffed and said, "There's nothing. ... No, no, no." Gottlieb later back-tracked, and Pete Thamel of The New York Times tweeted that a "high-ranking SEC official just called to say (angrily) that any report involving Clemson, FSU and Missouri is totally wrong." If the Big 12 doesn't remain workable, Mizzou's options aren't at all clear. But while Alden denied any dalliances with the SEC and indicated the same about contact with other conferences, he said that shouldn't be "misconstrued as not working" on the situation. Just what that means, and how it will play out, is anybody's guess. And that's even the case with Texas A&M, driven as it might be to ditch the Big 12 and the University of Texas in particular. While the school's Board of Regents is prepared to vote on realignment Monday, an SEC official told Thamel that he believed there was a "30- to 40-percent chance" SEC presidents would rebuff A&M the day before. And Orangebloods.com, the Rivals.com site covering UT, reported there could be severe financial consequences in play if A&M tries to leave: "Multiple sources said the 13-year Fox television deal signed by the Big 12 in April for $1.17 billion can be voided if Texas A&M leaves. The sources said if the SEC, which has had ongoing conversations with Texas A&M since Mike Slive was on the College Station campus during last summer's realignment, could be seen as the instigator in A&M's actions, it could constitute a $1 billion lawsuit against the SEC as well as a lawsuit for damages against individuals involved." Although Deaton said it was his understanding the TV contract wasn't necessarily in jeopardy, that possibility and a multi-million dollar sum withheld from A&M as an exit penalty could weigh heavily on SEC and A&M's actions. On the surface, anyway, the Big 12 had seemed stabilized and energized since the departure of Nebraska and Colorado at the end of the school year until ESPN recently clarified its intention to broadcast on the Longhorn Network high school football games targeting UT recruits. The idea rankled the rest of the conference, and the Big 12 put a moratorium on it before the NCAA struck it down altogether last week. But A&M wasn't appeased. Should A&M depart, Alden believes the Big 12 could be "absolutely viable" with nine members. A key to that would be how media partners assess the new conference stock. That was among the topics on a conference call earlier Saturday among Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe and nine of 10 athletics directors. Various reports indicated Texas A&M's Bill Byrne, in Europe with the A&M basketball team, did not participate. If A&M goes, Orangebloods.com reported, the sentiment was that the league should add a school to get back to 10 and that initial targets would include Air Force, BYU, Houston and TCU. Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/colle...#ixzz1V1iCDphN http://www.stltoday.com/sports/colle...5a3e04baa.html
Posts: 44,696

08-14-2011, 11:57 AM	#437
Al Bundy Damnit Peg Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $3511831	Who would be filing that lawsuit? Fox or The University of Texas?
Posts: 23,619

08-14-2011, 12:09 PM	#438
kepp MVP Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $3509212	What Alden is saying just reminds me too much of the big10 debacle last year. I'm closing my eyes and coverin my ears until this is over. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 14,738

08-14-2011, 12:18 PM	#439
LiveSteam The Constitutional Choo choo Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: homeof43conferencetitles Casino cash: $-1514568	My guess its just scare tactics. Im more than sure aTm & its lawyers ect covered this before deciding to bolt. Dan the bundle of sticks BB threatened they would sue Nebraska & Colorado,& actually I think BB did. & ended up settling for about 1/2 of what he wanted originally.
Posts: 44,696

08-14-2011, 02:01 PM	#441
mnchiefsguy MVP Join Date: Dec 2003 Casino cash: $1246206	I guess it is all moot now...The SEC is turning A&M down: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/st...s-options-open
Posts: 10,336

08-14-2011, 02:18 PM	#450
\|Zach\| For The Glory Of The City Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $3156768	Crazy times.
Posts: 54,689

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