SEC Tells Aggies ‘Thanks, But No Thanks’

By Tim Taliaferro in Sports on August 14, 2011 at 4:23 pm | 24 Comments

UPDATED

Texas A&M’s grand plan to bolt the Big 12 and head to the SEC has hit a slight snag—the SEC declined to invite them.

At a meeting of the SEC presidents today, the league decided against extending an invitation to the Aggies, at least for now.

Dr. Bernie Machen, chair of the SEC presidents and chancellors, issued this statement:

The SEC Presidents and Chancellors met today and reaffirmed our satisfaction with the present 12 institutional alignment. We recognize, however, that future conditions may make it advantageous to expand the number of institutions in the league. We discussed criteria and process associated with expansion. No action was taken with respect to any institution including Texas A&M.

The Texas A&M board of regents were set to meet Monday to discuss and perhaps even finalize a plan to move to the SEC. After today’s statement from the league, it’s unlikely the Aggies will be going anywhere anytime soon.

UPDATE: Chip Brown over at Orangebloods reports that sources close to the Texas A&M and SEC deal will announce an offer for A&M to join the SEC within 21 days. According to Brown, the Aggies could owe the Big 12 up to $30 million in exit fees if they leave.

Tags: aggies, Big 12, big 12 conference, sec, texas a&m