Texas  A&M is denying that it has notified the Big 12 of its decision to leave the  conference.  In a statement, university spokesman Jason Cook said today: "As  of this morning, Texas A&M has not submitted a letter of withdrawal from the  Big 12 Conference." Cook declined further comment and it wasn't clear if his statement meant the university wouldn't be sending a letter in the future.

On  Monday, a New York newspaper reported that  Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin sent a letter to Big 12 board chairman Brady Deaton saying the Aggies would formally withdraw from the conference. The school's potential departure was discussed during a conference call Saturday between the Big 12 board of directors. The newspaper reported Monday that there are two stumbling blocks
for  the Aggies to join the SEC, including the school's exit fee from the Big 12, which has not been negotiated and could be upwards of $15 million. Nine of the 12 SEC school presidents also would have to vote to add the Aggies.