Texas A&M Sends The Big 12 Their Resignation Letter

It’s over. With one email today Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin told the Big 12 to kiss his ass… they’re leaving to join another conference on June 30, 2012. It’s about damn time (we’ve got that letter along with a statement from Big 12 commish Dan Beebe about A&M departure below that you can read).

So now what? Texas A&M must agree on the terms of the settlement. The SEC and the Big 12 will quitely hunt for additional members… and we’ll be sure to bring you all the rumors as they’re whispered. But as of now word is the Big 12 is looking hard at Notre Dame and Arkansas… while also considering BYU, SMU, Houston, Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Louisville. The SEC meanwhile will probably play with 13 next season, but expect them to stay at that number for long. In other words this story is just getting started.

Texas A&M President Loftin’s letter:

“After much thought and consideration, and pursuant to the action of the (Texas A&M University System) Board of Regents authorizing me to take action related to Texas A&M University’s athletic conference alignment, I have determined it is in the best interest of Texas A&M to make application to join another athletic conference.

We appreciate the Big 12′s willingness to engage in a dialogue to end our relationship through a mutually agreeable settlement.  We, too, desire that this process be as amicable and prompt as possible and result in a resolution of all outstanding issues, including mutual waivers by Texas A&M and the conference on behalf of all the remaining members.”

Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe’s response:

“Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin has notified the Conference of his decision to withdraw the university from the Big 12 effective June 30, 2012. The presidents and chancellors of the nine remaining member institutions are steadfast in their commitment to the Big 12. As previously stated, the Conference will move forward aggressively exploring its membership options.”

Missouri president Brady Deaton reaction:

“The chancellors and presidents of the Big 12 are committed to keeping our conference competitively and academically strong. We have a process in place that enables us to move aggressively regarding the possible expansion of the conference and to assure our members and student-athletes that we will take advantage of the most productive opportunities in the best interests of all.”