Sept. 7, 2011
Big 12 Letter to SEC (Re: A&M) 
Statement from Dr. Bernie Machen, Chair, Southeastern Conference Presidents and Chancellors:
- After receiving unanimous written assurance from the Big 12 on September 2 that the Southeastern Conference was free to accept Texas A&M to join as a new member, the presidents and chancellors of the SEC met last night with the intention of accepting the application of Texas A&M to be the newest member of the SEC. We were notified yesterday afternoon that at least one Big 12 institution had withdrawn its previous consent and was considering legal action. The SEC has stated that to consider an institution for membership, there must be no contractual hindrances to its departure. The SEC voted unanimously to accept Texas A&M University as a member upon receiving acceptable reconfirmation that the Big 12 and its members have reaffirmed the letter dated September 2, 2011.
Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor David Williams has been fielding media requests due to the intense interest over possible Southeastern Conference expansion. Here is his statement midday Wednesday:
- Southeastern Conference presidents and chancellors have been getting frequent updates on potential league expansion and are monitoring developments closely on a daily basis. Our presidents and chancellors have been relying upon advice from their respective athletic directors. With the leadership of our Commissioner and his staff as well as the strong guidance from our presidents and chancellors we have every confidence that our process is sound and the ultimate result will be an excellent one.