The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors, which voted Thursday morning, has instructed interim commissioner Chuck Neinas to immediately begin discussions with TCU. The vote was unanimous, though Missouri officials did not vote.
The Big 12 has voted to begin discussions to make Texas Christian University the conference’s 10th member.
TCU’s possible move sounded like a done deal in a statement from TCU chancellor Victor Boschini Jr.
“These discussions with the Big 12 have huge implications for TCU,” Boschini said. “It will allow us to return to old rivalries, something our fans and others have been advocating for many years. As always, we must consider what's best for TCU and our student-athletes in this ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics. We look forward to continuing these discussions with the Big 12.”
If it indeed happens, TCU would be joining the Big 12 just a few months after committing to join the Big East for the 2012-13 school year. It is uncertain if TCU would have to pay any buyouts to get out of its commitment to the Big East. The Big East, not unlike the Big 12, was already facing its own challenges with Syracuse and Pittsburgh having left for the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“TCU is an excellent choice as a new member of the conference," OU president David Boren said. "They bring strong athletics and academic credentials and were enthusiastically and unanimously supported by all of the members of the conference. There could be other additions in the future.”
Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds told Austin American-Statesman columnist Kirk Bohls that TCU was invited because of “good academics, the nice job with APRs (graduation rates). It’s pro-active with facilities, has a good budget with strong financial backing, have had good results on the (football) field, (sit) in a good TV market and is very travel-friendly” for other Big 12 teams.
Berry Tramel blog: Should the league remain at eight?
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