The Texas House Higher Education Committee has postponed Tuesday’s scheduled hearing about Texas A&M’s deliberations about joining the SEC. Chairman Dan Branch issued a statement saying “there is no immediate need to evaluated the merits of an athletic conference reconfiguration involving Texas A&M University and, potentially, other Texas public universities” in the wake of Sunday’s statement by SEC officials that it would take no action in regard to A&M.
A&M regents still in executive session in College Station.
Here is the full text of Branch’s statement:
STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN DAN BRANCH REGARDING POSTPONEMENT OF HEARING TO DISCUSS COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE REALIGNMENTS
“The August 16, 2010 hearing of the House Higher Education Committee on collegiate athletics has been postponed.
“Yesterday, Dr. Bernie Machen, on behalf of the Southeastern Conference Presidents and Chancellors, stated that the member institutions have, at least for the time being, reaffirmed their satisfaction with the „present 12 institutional alignment.‟
"While events may continue to evolve in the coming weeks, at this time, there is no immediate need to evaluate the merits of an athletic conference reconfiguration involving Texas A&M University and, potentially, other Texas public universities. If the current situation changes, our Committee is prepared to convene.
“The hearing was scheduled to allow a broader public evaluation of the merits of pending athletic conference reconfigurations, to provide more transparency to our citizens and taxpayers, and to encourage an outcome that best serves the state of Texas. The Committee's intent was to be responsive to a pending reconfiguration involving major public institutions of higher learning with wide-ranging implications; not to micro-manage individual university decisions or to presuppose a certain outcome.
"As many of us have worked long hours over the last several days, I appreciate the spirit of cooperation and many efforts of our university leaders and regents affected by the recent events, especially those by the leaders of Texas A&M University. Texas A&M is one of Texas‟s finest public universities. It is a Tier One national research university of the highest order, steeped in historic and innovative traditions, both in the classroom and on the athletic field. Whatever her bright future holds, we all want an outcome that is in her best interest, the best interest of our other outstanding universities, and the best interest of all Texans.”
_ Jimmy Burch
Representative Branch,
Do you feel now that you don't have to try and derail "what is best" for "one of the finest institutions in America"? I have one suggestion and that is to proceed with the meeting as planned so that when A&M gets "her" ducks in a row in the next few days you may not be seen as quite the obstructionist you are. The last time I checked, you are a representative of all the people of Texas and not just those wearing burnt orange.
I challenge that if you were in fact looking out for what is best for Texas you would have intervened a few years ago when the A&M representatives wanted to join with tu in securing a Lonestar network that could showcase both schools but were rebuked by tu officials. Where was your concern then?
Your past documented comments about tu's great efforts to secure money without public financing compared to these actions simply make you look hypocritical to those with open eyes. And sir if the shoe fits then perhaps you should wear it while tendering your resignation from the house.
Posted by: Valentine | August 15, 2011 at 06:29 PM
Branch is what's wrong with our political system. Instead of getting questions answered now, he would rather wait until the last minute to do things. He must have a tee off time with deloss dodds planned. What an ass. It's not about what's best for Texas schools, but rather what is best for t.u.. Remember it was the politicians that forced baylor on us during the formation of the big xii. TCU or UH would've been a better fit. Goodbye SEC, hello bevo 10!
Posted by: tim fox | August 16, 2011 at 03:39 AM