KCTV 5SEC declines to extend invitation to Texas A&M

Officials with the Southeastern Conference on Sunday declined to extend an invitation for Texas A&M to join the league.

ESPN had reported on Saturday that the Aggies were bound for the SEC with the University of Missouri, Clemson and Florida State also likely to join the league. But Mike Alden, Mizzou's athletic director, denied Saturday that Mizzou was looking to join the SEC.

A&M's board of regents is scheduled to discuss Monday conference realignment Monday, including whether the Aggies should seek an invitation from the SEC. A committee of the Texas Legislature is scheduled to discuss the issue on Tuesday with some lawmakers concerned about Texas and Texas A&M being in separate leagues.

Texas A&M officials have been concerned about Texas' new Longhorn sports network, which kicks off later this month.

Bernie Machen, president of the University of Florida and chairman of the SEC presidents and chancellors, issued a statement following the meeting of SEC officials on Sunday afternoon. 

The SEC leadership "reaffirmed our satisfaction with the present 12 institutional alignment."

But the SEC left the door open to Aggies wanting to bolt the Big 12 for the SEC.

"We recognize, however, that future conditions may make it advantageous to expand the number of institutions in the league," Machen said. "We discussed criteria and process associated with expansion. No action was taken with respect to any institution, including Texas A&M."

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