Conference Realignment: Oklahoma Regents Authorize Leaving Big 12, Joining Pac-12

Read More: Oklahoma St. Cowboys, Oklahoma Sooners

Monday, the University of Oklahoma's board of regents granted school president David Boren authority to take action regarding conference realignment.

The move means that the Oklahoma Sooners can now officially apply for membership into the Pac-12, as they have been rumored to be doing. The Sooners have already been in "informal" discussions with the Pac-12 to see how their addition would work.

The rumored expansion of the Pac-12 includes Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas Tech, though much of that depends on Oklahoma and Texas' ultimate interest in doing so.

Boren told reporters on Monday that the decision did not necessarily mean the Sooners are leaving the Big 12. Boren did admit that Oklahoma has been speaking with Oklahoma State on the matter as well.

Boren also said that he felt "threatening litigation is no way to keep a conference together," in regards to threats by Baylor and other Pac-12 schools who want to keep members from leaving.

For more on these schools, check out Texas Longhorns blog Burnt Orange Nation, Oklahoma Sooners blog Crimson And Cream Machine, Oklahoma State blog Cowboys Ride For Free and Texas Tech blog Double T Nation. And Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes.