One year removed from an embarrassing fiasco that had many fans believing that the Missouri Tigers would join the Big 10, the university is taking careful steps to make sure being left at the alter does not happen again.
Last season rumors swirled about Mizzou joining the Big 10, which ultimately did not happen. This time, as the Texas A&M Aggies decide to bolt from the Big 12 to join the SEC, the rumor mill is once again pumping at full force.
On Saturday morning unnamed sources leaked that a host of schools will also be joining the SEC alongside Texas A&M, including Mizzou.
Mizzou athletic director Mike Alden was quick to quiet those rumors and pledge his allegiance to the Big 12 conference.
"No. The answer to your question is no," Alden told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I want to make sure: No."
University chancellor Brady Deaton also denied any rumors and wanted to make it clear to everyone that Mizzou was committed to the Big 12 Conference.
Last season rumors swirled about Mizzou joining the Big 10, which ultimately did not happen. This time, as the Texas A&M Aggies decide to bolt from the Big 12 to join the SEC, the rumor mill is once again pumping at full force.
On Saturday morning unnamed sources leaked that a host of schools will also be joining the SEC alongside Texas A&M, including Mizzou.
Mizzou athletic director Mike Alden was quick to quiet those rumors and pledge his allegiance to the Big 12 conference.
"No. The answer to your question is no," Alden told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I want to make sure: No."
University chancellor Brady Deaton also denied any rumors and wanted to make it clear to everyone that Mizzou was committed to the Big 12 Conference.
"I know there are all kind of rumors out there, but I can assure you that the University of Missouri is totally committed to the Big 12 in case there is any question."
It is obvious that this story is far from over and Deaton is correct about rumors continuing to swirl. This is just the beginning of the musical chairs story in collegiate athletics.
But at least Mizzou is playing their cards correctly this time and doing everything they can to avoid the embarrassment they faced when they ultimately were turned down by the Big 10 last season.
Sources:
If Mizzou joins the SEC, they will never see daylight...ie another bowl game. They neither have the depth nor the talent to play in the SEC week in and week out. It would be a disaster for the Mizzou football program.
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