COLUMBIA | The fractured Big 12 Conference attempted to join hands and unify Thursday night, but Missouri’s grip may not be as tight.
Not only did MU chancellor Brady Deaton and athletic director Mike Alden decline to confirm the university’s commitment in the long or short term to the Big 12, the Tigers’ interest in the Southeastern Conference is very much alive.
“We either stick in the Big 12 because everything came about the way it needs to, the right way, with all the differences being settled in Missouri’s favor,” a university administrator who asked not to be identified told The Star on Thursday night. “But what are the odds of that happening?
“The other option is to join another conference and I believe that is something that we’re very open to.”
The Star first reported earlier this week that Missouri had an informal offer from the Southeastern Conference to join should the Big 12 not remain a viable home.