Well, today’s secret gathering of the SEC overlords regarding conference expansion produced an unexpected outcome in the form of a statement expressing “satisfaction” with its current 12-member alignment.
Intrepid New York Times reporter Pete Thamel protrayed the news as a decision against adding the Texas A&M Aggies, who can’t get out of the beleaguered Big 12 fast enough, and a “huge victory” for A&M’s current conference.
Where does the SEC’s statement say anything about a decision?
A more likely read on the situation: With talk of the Big 12 possibly filing a $1 billion lawsuit against the SEC for “tortious interference” related to the backroom courtship of the Aggies, the SEC is trying to legally cover its ass. A&M’s board of regents is meeting tomorrow, so look for the school’s leadership to move to explore changing conferences then. After representatives appear at a hearing on Tuesday, expect A&M to “apply” for inclusion in the SEC.
If there are any holdups, it could be that the SEC is still looking for a 14th team to accompany A&M.
