Yesterday we discussed Virginia Tech AD Jim Weaver's denial of interest in joining the SEC. Well, Weaver wasn't the only one saying no publicly when asked about SEC rumors. Several other presidents and athletic directors have done the same. Which one did the best job? I'll let you decide.
First, an anonymous SEC official rains on our expansion parade in a story in the New York Times:
The official said there was a 30 to 40 percent chance that the presidents could vote against Texas A&M's membership. He also said there was the issue of which university would become the 14th team, something many in college sports will monitor.
"We realize if we do this, we have to have the 14th," the SEC official said. "No name has been thrown out. This thing is much slower out of the chute than the media and blogs have made it."
What, did Anonymous SEC Official expect people on the Internet to take this slowly and rationally? Has he ever been on the Internet?
Florida State Eric Barron to the Associated Press:
"I don't think there is anything to talk about right now," Barron said. "I don't speculate when there's no conversation."
Clemson President James Barker to the Charleston Post and Courier:
"We have had no contact at all (with the SEC)," Barker. "We are committed to the Atlantic Coast Conference."
Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden to Rivals' PowerMizzou.com:
"No, we haven't. With any of this stuff you guys have been throwing out there and everything, any talk about those types of issues going forward? The answer to your question is no. I want to make sure. No. But I want to make sure, what I don't want is almost on a daily basis, 'Has anybody talked to anybody?' No? Those types of issues are better left to the conference offices. So, short answer, no. I know it's hard for me to answer questions short, I know my trend is always to talk too much, but no."
And just for good measure, here's Weaver again to Kyle Tucker of the Norf... er ... Louisville Courier-Journal:
"I think we would politely decline," Weaver said. "That's my knowing how excited we were and pleased we were when we got in the ACC. And when you realize the travel involved and so on, we're virtually in a ‘bus league' right now. The SEC would cause other travel issues. Certainly there is (increased) revenue involved (with joining the SEC). But I just feel like, and this is me talking - I haven't talked to the president or any of that - Virginia Tech would politely decline, because we're very happy to be in the Atlantic Coast Conference."
All add more as I come across them. For updates on all things OMG SEC EXPANSION, check the SBN mothership.
