Deaton speaks, Mizzou still in limbo

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The Big 12 Board of Directors meeting has ended in Dallas. Following the meeting, the conference released the following statement:

In a regularly-scheduled meeting today at an undisclosed Dallas area location, the Big 12 Conference Board of Directors reaffirmed previous action to execute institutional grants of Tier 1 (over-the-air) and Tier 2 (cable) television rights to the Conference.

The Board also discussed a wide range of topics including NCAA legislation, the Bowl Championship Series, and exploration of a Conference dedicated TV network. Additionally, a strong desire for the University of Missouri to maintain its Big 12 affiliation was expressed. All 10 member institutions and TCU participated in the meeting.

PowerMizzou.com had been told by multiple sources that Missouri planned to present a conditional withdrawal from the Big 12 Conference on Monday.

The Kansas City Star talked to interim Big 12 commissioner Chuck Neinas who stated that Missouri did not withdraw from the league or notify the Big 12 of plans to do so.

Late Monday night, KOMU-TV caught up with Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton at the airport upon his return to Columbia.

"These are things you can't rush. I know fans get impatient I gotta say I'm very sympathetic," Deaton said. "What I hope they will understand that this is not a set of issues that one can just press a button and be done with it. There are some issues that have to be adressed on behalf of the University of Missouri and that's what we're doing."

On Friday, the Board of Curators authorized Deaton to make decisions and enter into contracts related to conference affiliation. Since then, it has been widely speculated, assumed and reported that the Tigers were on their way to the Southeastern Conference.

"We're reasonably clear where we stand," Deaton told KOMU. "I think the Big 12 is making some of the right moves that are necessary for the Big 12 to do so we'll see where that goes."

Where it goes, presumably, is still the SEC. When it goes there is unknown at this point in time.

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