Okla. State Mega-Booster Pickens Angling For A&M To Stay Put

 Send This Story To A Friend

Oklahoma State mega-booster and power-broker T. Boone Pickens told the Associated Press last night that he wants Texas A&M to stay in the Big 12… and that he thinks they will.

“That’s a big mistake for Texas A&M,” Pickens said of a move to the SEC.  “They’re moving out of Texas when they do that.  I don’t think that’s a smart deal.”

Pickens also said that he does not want to see the Big 12 split up with some schools heading to the Pac-12.  And he also said that he thinks whatever happens, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will stick together (which could be more wishing than believing):


“The rest of the conference isn’t quite that way. … There’s too much tradition just to wash it out and we scatter.  I think OU and Oklahoma State will stick together if something happens.  We’re kind of a stick-together crowd in this state.

The Aggies ought to stick with Texas.  They have a hard time hugging Texas.  I don’t know if you’ve noticed that.  But I can always hug Sooners if they don’t beat us. …

The Aggies, they’re very spirited guys and all.  I don’t think they’ll move.  I don’t want them to.  Texas doesn’t want them to either.  Nobody wants them to leave.

They’ve got three weeks to come to their senses.  I think they’ll stay with the conference.”


Pickens is one of the most powerful boosters in college athletics, so his words are worth listening to.  However, as an OSU supporter, he’s also laying out a best-case scenario for his school.