Q&A with President Loftin Regarding the Big 12 Conference
Last night I was able to spend some time going through the hundreds of emails I have received over the past couple of days, as well as reading many of your Facebook posts. I would like to address three major questions that I have determined are common themes:
Question: Why did Texas A&M elect to stay with the Big 12, especially when so many students want to go to the SEC?
“The conference realignment issue was not of our making, but my duty was to do the right thing — ensure that our student-athletes are treated fairly and that we have the resources to support a first-class, nationally-recognized athletic program. Also, the Board of Regents requested that I present them with options, which, as you know, I did in talking to both the SEC and Pac-10.
From day one, Athletic Director Bill Byrne and I publicly said that we wanted the Big 12 to remain intact if it continued to be a viable option for us. There were some days and hours in which we weren’t sure that would be the case. I can tell you that we had serious discussions with both the SEC and the Pac-10, and both conferences wanted Texas A&M.
Concurrently, I was going through an exhaustive process in evaluating our three options based on 21 factors. As the weekend concluded and we entered into Monday, however, the TV networks stepped up and indicated they would invest significantly in the 10 remaining members of the Big 12. And the Big 12 made a significant financial commitment to keep Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Texas in the conference. At the end of the day, we kept our word, which as an Aggie, is extremely important.
Part of my leadership style is in listening, and in this case, there were many groups who were giving me their opinions. We wanted to approach our options very deliberately, so we could slow the process down and gather input. Many of our students were extremely vocal in their support of the SEC, and I appreciate their passion – it’s the same passion of the 12th Man that we see at Kyle Field on Saturdays in the fall. And believe me, I was listening. But there were also many students and other Texas A&M constituents in support of the Big 12, and that ultimately proved to be the best option for us at this time.
I simply ask that all of our Aggie Family take a deep breath and consider the outcomes of this decision. Texas A&M now has financial parity for the first time with the other two major Big 12 athletic programs in terms of revenue and the opportunity to use our brand to Texas A&M’s best advantage. Our student-athletes will also benefit, and we have preserved many traditional rivalries that we treasure.”
Question: There have been several reports that there is not a new signed Big 12 TV contract. How certain are you that it will actually happen and Texas A&M will receive more revenues than the other conferences offered?
“I spoke with the Big 12 Commissioner late Sunday evening and also conferenced him in to our Monday afternoon meeting. It is true that a signed TV contract is not yet in place.
However, the basic terms of a new Big 12 agreement (beginning in 2011) are in place and are in sufficient detail to give us confidence that we know the “floor” of our next agreement. It was on this basis that we, and other Big 12 institutions, were able to make a decision late Monday afternoon. As in negotiations of this nature, we will receive more details as the talks continue.”
Question: Texas is taking a lot of credit for saving the Big 12 Conference. Did we stand on the sidelines?
“I don’t think any one university can take credit for saving the Big 12 Conference. It was a collective commitment by the remaining 10 members of the conference. What many people don’t realize, however, is that Texas President Bill Powers is also chair of the Big 12 Board of Directors, which includes all of the university presidents and the Big 12’s executive team.
It’s a position that rotates around to all of the Big 12 presidents. But don’t think for a minute that Texas A&M was idle during this situation. We acted independently and were very aggressive in exploring options and protecting our long-term interests.
A lot of the media reports are starting to report about the strength of our position during the entire situation. Texas A&M played a key role in ultimately increasing the financial viability of the Big 12. I think the facts support this claim – Texas A&M is poised to benefit just as much financially from the Big 12 as Texas or Oklahoma.”
27 Comments
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Matt, '92 says:
This decision was a betrayal of our student athletes as well as the current and former students of my university. My opinion has not changed.
Texas A&M will not get another nickel of my hard-earned money until you, Bill Byrne and every regent responsible for this atrocity are no longer associated with the school AND we are competing in a league worthy of our university. When I get the next communications from the TMF and the Association of Former Students, the return envelop will contain only a printout of the above message.
Thanks,
Matt, ’92
Shae says:
Just curious, can you disclose the 21 factors that were used to determine which option was most appropriate? I think a lot of people would be able to understand why we made this decision if they understood the factors used to weigh the options.
R LaGrange says:
President Loftin,
I suspect you don’t fully appreciate the excitement and overall energy so many Aggies felt about the opportunity to join the SEC.
This decision will be one looked back on with regret. I still can’t believe that the decision was made to stay with the Big 12.
In all honesty, I would suggest you reconsider A&M’s options.
Dan '99 says:
I’d like to echo Matt ’92′s comment. This administration sold every current and former student a sack of magic beans only these beans aren’t magic and they won’t lead to anything other than the continued degradation of the university I love.
This supposed new TV contract is nothing more than a punch of pie-in-the-sky lies. It is mathematically impossible for a conference which just lost 2 of it’s top members AND the conference championship game to make more money now. Beebe and Dodds used the metaphorical equivalent of a cad telling a lady he loves her in order to get her into bed and then discarding her once she’s served his purpose. Only the clueless in the A&M administration think this is a good thing. Thanks so much for being such a high-profile Aggie joke.
Way to go. You just turned down guaranteed money, a spot in the premier athletic conference, a higher profile for Texas A&M, and the opportunity to remain true to our ideals in favor of believing a tea-sips’ bluff. Leave it to the administration to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Like Matt, I’ve donated my last penny to Texas A&M. Perhaps when the administration is ready to show it possesses a spine and truly does what’s best for A&M I’ll support them again.
Scott, '01 says:
Mr. Loftin I have to question how many A&M constituents voiced their preference for the Big12 when only the PAC10 offer was on the table and before it was publicly clear that the SEC was a real option?
Regardless, what remains is not the same Big12 Conference it was prior to this mess. Locally and nationally it is now viewed as an unstable abomination dominated by Texas.
As the Big10, the PAC10, and the SEC have shown us true conference stability and success comes from equal distribution of conference media revenues allowing all programs the same opportunity to flourish. Being part of anything less than this is foolish from a business standpoint and unethical from the standpoint of any Aggie.
Joining the SEC would’ve revitalized what has become an apathetic fan base, increasing ticket sales, donations, licensing, and merchandising opportunities.
Electing to remain in the Big12 Conference, after the possibility of the SEC was dangled in front of A&M fans faces, will only result in the exact opposite.
It appears at this time that a decision was made on the promises based on projections so bullish and convoluted that they would make Enron Accountants blush.
Let’s not even begin to overlook the lost Conference Revenues from the loss of the Championship game and the contract penalties due to Jerry Jones for having to pull out of the recently signed contract and that the proposed new TV contract with Fox includes existing 3rd tier media rights. The numbers really do not appear to be appropriately worked as to present an apples to apples comparison.
I am afraid that the Big12 commissioner and the Texas University representatives flashed really big dollar signs in front of you in order to make you blink, with very little to actually back up and maintain those numbers over the long term.
I truly hope that you have made the correct decision for the long term growth and health of our great institution, but from all the information that I have gathered to this point I am having a very difficult time believing that.
Scott, ’01
Jason, 88' says:
As an educated group I imagine most Aggies can see through this to the truth, its crystal clear that Texas A&M when confronted with the possibility of improving their university and athletic department cowered in fear of change. Our aversion to forward thought is the reason why so many Aggie dollars have been flushed down the drain in our athletic program for the past decade, ignoring the underachieving nature of our program and sticking with the status quo is a slap in the face of all the donors. The ROI on Aggie football is amongst the very worst in the country (and likely the very worst) and there should be someone held responsible, not more empty excuses from “leaders” who are far too scared to actually lead anything. I as a person only able to vote with my dollars have decided to demand a higher return on my money, my love for the University means that my donations will still be felt in the academic arena, but in times like this it is just no longer defensible to write checks to an athletic department that has proven to be incompetent and content with such massive underachievement.
Aaron Stepich '01 says:
Scott nailed this down. Good job, sir.
Friend of Deathburger says:
“But there were also many students and other Texas A&M constituents in support of the Big 12, and that ultimately proved to be the best option for us at this time.”
The $20 million in revenue cited includes the buyouts from Colorado and Nebraska–which will be challenged in court. In addition, the Big 12 bylaws are silent about dissolution of the conference. Therefore, the default rules of Delaware apply, and only a majority vote (i.e. 7 teams NU, CU, A&M, TT, UT, OU, and OSU) is required to dissolve the entire conference. This eliminates ANY early termination penalty.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have been sold a bill of goods. Even if a new deal could be reached, it would not start until 2016. And the buyout money is no consolation, because it wouldn’t even apply when seven teams leave for the SEC and PAC 10.
So where does this leave Texas A&M? We earned $7 million under the current deal according to latest information available. The SEC pays 17 million, which would start in two years.
Assuming that the Big 12 contract could net the same as the SEC (there is no way), we are still losing $40 million dollars (17-10) waiting for the new contract to become effective.
This is an embarrassment Aggies. It’s time that we have leadership at this school that is responsive to more than a handful of privileged individuals. They think they can run damage control, and that this will eventually blow over Aggies. Do not let this happen.
Do not let this outrage subside.
Why? BECAUSE THERE IS STILL TIME. We have signed NOTHING. We are bound to NOTHING.
Our traditions and history do not define us as Aggies. They are a by-product of what it means to be an Aggie. We lead. We pursue truth, integrity, and candor. We fight for what is right and for what we believe. We succeed where other fail. And we are unrelenting in these pursuits.
So make it your daily mission to send letters to the Athletic Department, the President, the Board of Regents, and so on until they listen. Do not conform. Make your voice heard. Show them what it means to be an Aggie.
Robert '97 says:
I still can’t believe our “leaders” made this regrettable decision based on a promise of more money. That’s right a promise, that Dr. Loftin, you even admitted:
“I spoke with the Big 12 Commissioner late Sunday evening and also conferenced him in to our Monday afternoon meeting. It is true that a signed TV contract is not yet in place.”
Are you kidding me? Can someone go to Texas A&M on a promise that they will start paying their tuition right after they graduate? Can I go purchase a set of golf clubs on a promise that I will start paying for them after I shoot my personal best round? NO! No one hastily makes a decision based on a promise. Oh wait, someone did.
And this also made me laugh out loud:
“Texas A&M now has financial parity for the first time with the other two major Big 12 athletic programs in terms of revenue and the opportunity to use our brand to Texas A&M’s best advantage.”
Yeah OK. I can’t wait to see the Longhorn Television Network splattered everywhere, showcasing the Horns dominance over A&M year in and year out. Because that’s what’s going to happen when Texas gets their added revenue from their network on top of their $20 million from playing a diluted Big XII competition that they always wanted. They will have the better athletic complexes, the shinier digs, the better recruiting tools. Meanwhile, A&M will remain in neutral in the Longhorns’ shadow, with a marketing plan that resembles a Tier 3 school. And who should Aggie fans thank for the Longhorns’ continued dominance? You Dr. Loftin, and all the other Aggie “leaders”.
Face it, A&M played right into the Longhorns’ smokescreen plan. And instead of trailblazing a new path toward prosperity and national interest for this school, the A&M “leaders” resorted to signing off on a flawed plan and promise that are destined to fail.
At least my church will be grateful for this debacle you all created, as they will be the recipient of funds I normally reserved for supporting A&M athletics.
Ben Hegi '01 says:
President Loftin,
I appreciate the fact that you tried to explain the decision-making process and what was involved. It’s what you should’ve done and I commend you for it; however, in my opinion you are trying to cover up the political strong-arming orchestrated by Governor Perry and other politicians versus doing what was actually best for Texas A&M. At this point I expect it from Rick Perry, but I thought (hoped) you and the BOR were more honorable than that. It’s even worse because you’re a former student. The fact that the promised monies are dubious at best makes this whole situation even worse. Neither you nor any other Aggie would take such a large business decision “on faith,” that it will actually pay off, especially when the SEC would’ve guaranteed us a lucrative pay-out. Hopefully the leadership of another Big 12 (-2) school will step up and actually lead and do what’s best for their institution, students, faculty, staff, and former students. Unfortunately, it appears that my school won’t. For the first time in my life I’m ashamed to be an Aggie.
-Ben Hegi
Richard says:
You said:
“I simply ask that all of our Aggie Family take a deep breath and consider the outcomes of this decision. Texas A&M now has financial parity for the first time with the other two major Big 12 athletic programs in terms of revenue and the opportunity to use our brand to Texas A&M’s best advantage. Our student-athletes will also benefit, and we have preserved many traditional rivalries that we treasure.”
Now we strive to just be equal? I guess that’s an impovement over the last 100 years.
In the SEC we would have surpassed what UT and OU do financially. I think everyone would have been shocked how much more after Dan Beebe’s dream TV deal actually comes to fruition. You maybe should start working on that “From the president” Q&A letter in the near future.
This decision has left us being no more than a regional sports program that gets to play on Versus and other channels that most people don’t even receive on their cable or satellite packages or pay-per-view. I am pretty sure that every SEC football game is able to be viewed on TV or the ESPN website. I really can’t believe that you think that remaining in the B12 will help with the school’s brand. The SEC receives serious brand recognition, but I guess that comes with being the premeir athletic conference in the country. A&M had the chance to become known nationally with the same or more reverence than UT or OU.
Thanks for crushing the dreams of the Aggies who thought we may finally be reaching for the stars.
Redleg82 says:
Dear Sir,
Am I reading this correctly? Texas A&M (along with t.u. & OU) exploited this situation and are taking additional money at the expense of the remnant Universities of the Big-12 that essentially had no other choice but to sign up for this “deal”?
I am not against TAMU making gobs of money from football, but not like this! I am totally against what amounts to exploitation or at its worst, institutional extortion. A&M has been complaining for years about t.u. doing this and now we are just as morally compromised! Quite honestly, this is a major reason why Nebraska jumped at the chance to sign with the Big-10. Maintaining our 100+ year rivalries and making more money are not in the “best interest of Texas A&M” if we sacrifice our University’s honor.
We must move on from this enabling relationship with t.u. before we are more compromised and ensnared. It will get worse when t.u. has their own Longhorn Network and will be able to dictate terms to everyone. Better to face this with courage now, than later, when we are in far weaker position. Don’t lull yourself into believing any of this “parity” business, we aren’t financially equal with t.u. and never will be. We were, at least, always morally superior to t.u., until Monday.
For me and many other Aggies this episode is way beyond what football conference we should join. Its really about what our values as a University and how we treat others, both people and schools. As an Aggie, I am ashamed of this Big-12 deal. It may be good for A&M financially, but morally its wrong on several levels as mentioned above, and therefore not “in the best interests of A&M”.
The honorable OPTION would have been to sign on with the SEC, at least they know how to share the money equally and be honest in their dealings with each other.
I strongly urge you and the BoR to reconsider the path you have placed this University on.
Elizabeth Smith, '06 says:
Dr. Loftin,
I truly appreciate you being straightforward and confronting the controversy over this decision with your answers. I deeply regret the harsh and undeserved personal criticism you are receiving from fellow Aggies. They are all, of course, entitled to their opinions but to think that you made a unilateral decision is just silly. Aggies should have a bit more class.
Elizabeth Smith ’06
Lee says:
You failed as a President and as a leader. You did not listen to the will or the want of the people you are supposed to serve. You made a terrible decision for this University and sadly it is one we will have to live with for years to come or until this crappy conference falls apart due to having no media deal in place. Didn’t Enron’s accountants use a similar tactic? Didn’t they use possible future earnings as assets? What happened when those earnings were proven false? We have nothing but hope that we will get 20million/year. Why are many media experts concerned that this will fall through. They cannot see it working. But you as a University President are assured that it will…..hmmm something does not smell right.
HT says:
While I too would have like to see us go to the SEC for a lot of reasons, I agree with the decision or actually lack thereof since only the Board of Regents can make a decision. If the Big 12 falls apart if t.u. leaves for the Pac-10, then I think going to the SEC is the right move.
But if we leave while the other 9 stay, we would be responsible for breaking up the Big 12 – yes, Missouri started the whole mess, but if it would have survived for even another year but for our leaving, it would be our fault. We don’t want to be responsible for the break up of the Big 12, and I don’t think the SEC really does either.
The SEC is content where they are as long as no other conference grows beyond 12 teams. But I am sure this will all play out again in a few years if Missouri decides to leave or t.u. gets their network up and running and then gets an invite to the Pac-10, so we will likely have our opportunity then to go to the SEC. We don’t need to follow t.u. where they go, but we don’t need to run away from where they are.
Annonomus says:
i dont see what the problem is with staying in big 12 belive me had we gone to another conference we would still be competing against team rank higher than us and recruting would still be competitive
Nic '05 says:
“and that ultimately proved to be the best option for us at this time”
I was under the impression that we were looking for the best “long-term” option. I don’t think I need to restate the many ways that a stronger conference was and still is a better long-term deal. My daughter, Class of 2027, could tell you that this New Big XII will not last the 15-20 years agreed to, but more then likely will only last as long as t.u. decides not to go independent.
I would feel a little better about this plan had we used the power we had to make the conference even. Tell the boys from oklahoma and the sips from austin to split all money evenly with all school and let’s give the smaller schools a chance. I have no problem with playing Iowa State, Baylor, and the others if they have a chance to build thier program to the level of ours and t.u.’s and OU’s, but how can they when they only get half of what the big schools get. Let their fans have something to be proud of and see how many start to travel.
Texas A&M had a chance to be a real “savior” of the Big XII and we blew it. We had the power to rebuild this conference into one worth being in. Instead we folded the best hand, screwed the pooch, or better yet, quit in the forth quarter, and setteled for the same-ol same-ol.
And you’re right, being good Ags we will be there on Saturday showing whoever we play why they should fear coming to Kyle Field and just what the 12th Man is all about. But know that each Saturday when there’s no excitement about who we’re playing, when then other team has only 500 fans show up, when the third deck is empty because some have given up on our school, that we as Ags will never forget about what could have been, what almost was, and who decided what was best at that time.
Thanks and Gig’em
Nic ’05
Jamie '05 says:
How exactly would our athletes not be treated fairly?
Jerry '99 says:
Scott 01 did indeed nail this down.
You need to reevaluate this decision. The numbers you have been shown/promised can not be delivered and given that, this decision should be reversed.
John says:
Was this decision made in order to pay back the loan the our University gave to the athletic department in a hurry?
Also, don’t you think that the A&M brand would potentially sell better in the SEC? Isn’t that more secure an option than relying solely on potentially being at parity with Texas and OU money wise? Further, would you rather be at some sort of economic parity, or parity when it comes to respect of other teams within the our conference, especially within our state?
DIEHARD AG UNTIL NOW says:
You do realize the Majority of the nation now views Texas A&M as “University of Texas – College Station” right? Thank you so much for keeping the Big 12-2 together. I am REALLY REALLY excited about our traditional rivals like Iowa, Kansas St, Baylor, and OSU being our competition year in and out. That schedule is going to generate eleventity jillion dollars just like Dan Beebe promised right?
Jeff' 04 says:
I am with Scott. I am very uninspired by this limited response and overall lack of communication concerning this. I expect more from the leadership of our great university.
Jeff’ 04
Chad '90 says:
President Loftin
I can truly say that I’ve never been more ashamed of my univerisity. Today it is reveiled that our athletic director Mr. Byrnes called and threatened physical violence against alumi who, though inappropriately, disagreed with the recent conference alignment decision. This was broadcast nationally and is an embarrasment to the university, current students and former students. There is no excuse or justification for such behavior.
Additionally, we are subjected to your statement above and Mr. Byrnes WW- which basically demeans our intelligence by asking us not to question the “non contractual” money promised by remaining in the Big 12 versus going to the SEC which has a contract, history and is preferred by your customers, us. Mr. Byrnes then goes so far as to state “time zones” would cause our students to arrive late for class even though the SEC is in the central time zone and the eastern time zone.
Lastly, from a professional point of view, our AD who makes 6 figures, not only threatens donors and can’t figure out zones, but blames the 12th man (fans) for not selling out season tickets when the product he is selling has not performed in a decade, he schedules SFA for non conference games and the administration passed up on joining the most exciting conference in college football I truly do not know if the man is that …well lets say has a lack of intelligence..(I don’t want him to threaten me), or has just lost the ability to make rational decisions and statements because of mental stress of the job is beyond his capacity.
.
It saddens me that A&M has such a profound lack of leadership and disrespect for its students and alumi. I, my aggie wife and 3 children will not be attending any more games .
James says:
President Loftin,
Thanks for reminding Dan Beebe and what’s left of the Big 12 conference that keeping your word is most important. As Aggies, we will uphold our commitment in good faith but expect the Big 12 honor their word.
Gig ‘em!
James ’93
Allan Unseth says:
Bowen,
I admire your courage and concur with your decision to remain in the Big 12. I am probably out in left field (another sport) here, but I believe that it would have been a mistake to join the SEC.
Allan
AgMan says:
Why does the timestamp say 16th June 2010, when it’s August 20, 2011?
91Bear says:
“As the weekend concluded and we entered into Monday, however, the TV networks stepped up and indicated they would invest significantly in the 10 remaining members of the Big 12. And the Big 12 made a significant financial commitment to keep Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Texas in the conference. At the end of the day, we kept our word, which as an Aggie, is extremely important.”
If keeping your word and your commitment to the Big XII is so important, why were you the first to bail out and run for the SEC?
It’s just like that “honor code” you spout: “Aggies don’t lie (except when they say they are committed to the Big 12), cheat (except for Bear Bryant, Jackie Sherrill, Greg Hill, Dennis Franchione, et al) or steal (except for other teams mascots) or tolerate those who do.”
Nice saying but it means nothing unless you put it into practice.