Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne, who expressed a desire last year for keeping the Aggies' athletics programs in the Big 12 because it enhanced the opportunity to win national championships, released a statement today supporting president R. Bowen Loftin's move to explore other conference options. Loftin has requested information from the Big 12 outlining the procedures to be followed if A&M elects to withdraw from the conference, presumably to join the SEC.
“I support President Loftin and our governing board’s desire to explore all options regarding the future of Texas A&M,” Byrne said in today's statement. “We all want what is best for the Aggies. I’ve met with all of our head coaches to keep them informed and we all remain excited and optimistic about the future of Texas A&M athletics.”
The statement marked Byrne's first public comment on the topic since Loftin was given the authority by A&M's board of regents to negotiate on the school's behalf in regard to conference realignment on Aug. 15. Byrne declined comment after the regents meeting that day.
_ Jimmy Burch
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