Missouri AD Mike Alden releases statement regarding A&M move
Missouri athletics director Mike Alden has released a statement regarding Texas A&M's departure from the Big 12 conference. His statement is as follows:
"Dear Tiger Fans:
As you are likely aware, Texas A&M has informed the Big 12 Conference that they will be making application to another league for their future athletic conference affiliation. That announcement was made this morning in a letter to the Big 12 from President R. Bowen Loftin of Texas A&M.
With the impending departure of the Aggies, where does the Big 12 Conference stand on its future? Dan Beebe, as our Commissioner, is focused on maintaining the Big 12 as a strong and viable league in college athletics. Dan and his leadership team at the Conference Office are working to expand the schools in our league and they have taken an aggressive approach in this manner. As you might imagine, those workings by the league offices are highly confidential and require a great amount of research, coordination and focus.
Dr. Brady Deaton, who is our Chancellor at Mizzou, is the current Chair of the Board of Directors of the Big 12. I know that Dr. Deaton, myself and all of us at Mizzou are committed to working hard to keep the Big 12 a strong and successful conference. We look to Commissioner Beebe and the Big 12 staff to develop and implement the plans necessary for the future.
Rest assured that the Mizzou “brand” is extremely strong nationally. We are the flagship institution of the State of Missouri with over 5.7 million residents who passionately follow our University and the Tigers. As a proud member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, we are equally proud of the national recognition Mizzou Athletics has received for our academic, social and competitive accomplishments. Our success wouldn’t be possible without the great support of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans.
The landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, and we will collaborate with the Big 12 staff leadership to guide that direction of our league. Thanks for your patience, understanding and support.
Go Tigers!
Michael F. Alden Director of Athletics University of Missouri"
Comments (2)
10:29 a.m., Sept. 3, 2011
TSon said:
The departure of another quality program tells the Mizzou Nation, again, that the Big 12 is a dead horse. Every fan and supporter of our great university should voice, no demand, that Chancellor Deaton and Mr. Alden lead with action. Lead us by getting Mizzou to a valid conference like the Big 10. If we allow our leadership to be passive or allow their current relationship with the Big 12 cloud judgement, we will be doing what Texas tells us to do, for a very long time.
4:46 p.m., Aug. 31, 2011
KJ said:
There is no statement of confidence in Dan Beebe. There is no statement asking him to step down. The statement does not say that Mizzou is focused on maintaing the Big 12. The statement about the Chancellor working hard to keep the Big 12 strong and successful does not mean Mizzou will be part of it. The last two paragraphs sound like Mizzou is advertising themselves for another conference. I wish the BigTen would wake up and fix the mistake of not taking Missouri.