Texas A&M to SEC? Not quite yet

The SEC is ready and the Aggies are willing.

If only it were so easy.

The short version: the SEC will take A&M if no one from the Big 12 makes a big fuss (or, say, files a lawsuit) over it. And Baylor just might.

Go here for the full story from Sports Illustrated, then here for today's statement from Florida president Bernie Machen, the chair of the SEC's president's group, and here for the September 2 letter he is referencing.

Also, Baylor has posted this on the school website under the headline "Don't Mess With Texas Football" (go here for full version):

"Texans must stand up and call the leadership of the University of Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech to clear-headed thinking about the state's future. Texas' flagship institutions of higher learning are the guardians of the state's future—their loyalties must first be to Texas and to her citizens. Ask these leaders to take a stand for Texas and to stop this madness that will lead to the dissolution of the Big 12 and the end of an era for Texas."

Finally, there's this from A&M President R. Bowen Loftin:

"We are certainly pleased with the action taken last night by the presidents and chancellors of the Southeastern Conference to unanimously accept Texas A&M as the league's 13th member. However, this acceptance is conditional, and we are disappointed in the threats made by one of the Big 12 member institutions to coerce Texas A&M into staying in the Big 12 Conference. These actions go against the commitment that was made by this university and the Big 12 on Sept. 2. We are working diligently to resolve any and all issues as outlined by the SEC."

Update: And now Iowa State isn't ready to let go just yet? Go here for that story.

For a moment, the cleat was on the other foot: Arkansas AD says Big 12 was interested in having the Razorbacks return. Story here.

-- RTR