Thursday, Texas A&M posted a note on its website that it's told the Big 12 it plans to explore its conference affiliation options and that it would like to know what its next step should be if it decides to leave.
Call it another step to the school leaving the Big 12 for the SEC if you like, but it's pretty much just a letter that confirms everything we've already known. But hey! A letter confirming everything we've already known! Even if the process is moving at a much more sensible pace than Aggies fans had hoped for a couple weeks ago, it's still progressing.
In a letter to Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe, school president R. Bowen Loftin said:
If the university withdraws from the conference, Texas A&M would do so in a way that complies with the Big 12's bylaws. Additionally, Texas A&M would be supportive of the Big 12's efforts to seek a new member of the conference.
"As I have indicated previously, we are working very deliberately to act in the best long-term interests of both Texas A&M and the State of Texas. This truly is a 100-year decision," said Loftin. "While we understand the desire of all parties to quickly reach a resolution, these are extremely complex issues that we are addressing methodically."
"Ultimately, we are seeking to generate greater visibility nationwide for Texas A&M and our championship-caliber student-athletes, as well as secure the necessary and stable financial resources to support our athletic and academic programs," Loftin added. "As a public university, Texas A&M owes it to the state's taxpayers to maximize our assets and generate additional revenues both now and well into the future."
Ahhh, the old maximizing-taxpayer-assets card. Always a strong move in the state of Texas.
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