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Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum said Monday that Oklahoma’s intentions to explore exit from the Big 12 are “the result of months of planning with the SEC” and a “blatant violation” of the statutes of the conference.
Shrum made the comments in a statement and in a series of tweets. In the statement, she called Oklahoma’s actions “strategic” and “deliberate.”
“It is difficult to understand how an Oklahoma institution of higher education would follow the University of Texas to the detriment of the state of Oklahoma,” added Shrum, who took the presidency on July 1.
Earlier Monday, Oklahoma and Texas said in a joint statement released by the two schools that they had officially informed the Big 12 that they would not be renewing their media rights concessions after they expire in 2025.
Big 12 sources told ESPN on Monday that the statement left “wiggle room” and did not fully guarantee that the flagship schools would remain in the league until 2025. It is possible that they will pay the penalty of 75 to $ 80 million for an early departure. , while also giving the required 18 months notice, in accordance with Big 12 regulations. Some have speculated that this was the first legal move, and it is also possible that if the Big 12 dissolves before 2025, OU and Texas would no longer be required to stay for the duration of the contract.
The next step would be for Oklahoma and Texas to officially let the SEC know that they want to join the conference. Next, the SEC would need 11 of its 14 presidents and chancellors to agree to extend an invitation to both schools.
Shrum said the OSU believes Oklahoma’s announcement on Monday is the result of ongoing discussions.
“These conversations, which have developed over a long period of time, constitute a flagrant violation of the statutes of the Big 12 Conference and have severed the bond of trust that has existed for decades between our universities,” she said in the statement. .
She also tweeted that she has “received countless phone calls, texts and emails from senior government officials and members of the Cowboy family showing their support for OSU as we move down the road. Regardless of what comes next, OSU is dedicated to the state of Oklahoma. “
Meanwhile, the board of directors of Texas A&M, whose officials have expressed concerns about Texas’ membership of the Aggies in the SEC, held a 90-minute conference call on Monday on the subject of a possible realignment of the conference. The council took no action.
However, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a tweet that he asked State Senator Jane Nelson to chair a new select committee on the future of college sports in Texas, “to study the impact sports and economic impact on schools and communities in Texas. through the release of UT. “
Patrick said a hearing will be held on August 2.
ESPN’s Heather Dinich contributed to this report.
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