Missouri Stays, But Beebe Goes From The Big 12

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For those waiting with bated breath to learn of Missouri’s big announcement…

It’s what we thought it would be.  The Big 12 has announced the Dan Beebe is out as commissioner.  And Brady Deaton — chancellor of Missouri — says it’s in the Tigers’ best interest to remain aligned with the Big 12.

“We’re at the point where we were prior to where we started,” Deaton said.

For those looking for wiggle room, Deaton give a definitive “we’re never gonna leave” statement, but it seems as though MU stay put for at least six years as part of re-worked Big 12 TV agreement in which all Tier I and Tier 2 network cash is split evenly.  (No, that does not include Longhorn Newtork cash.)

Deaton would not speak specifically about the SEC.  Best guess — if the Big 12 does blow apart at some point in the future, Deaton feels he has a landing spot in the SEC.  Of course, if North Carolina or Virginia Tech asks in to the SEC first (though that’s not expected to happen), Mizzou could be on the outside looking in, too.

And there you have it, sports fans.  Things could change, but it looks like the great conference realignment push of 2011 is starting to slow down.  Leagues like the Big 12 and Big East will now try to refill their ranks with smaller schools from smaller leagues.  And that means your Southeastern Conference is likely to be a 13-school conference for a while.  Hope you’re not a triskaidekaphobe.

But again… things… could… change.