KXAN - Austin 06/14/2010

KXAN (AUSTIN) - The University of Texas announced tonight that it will remain competing in the Big XII conference. A news conference will be held tomorrow to discuss all the details.

With new rumors and reports changing almost by the hour, the Texas House of Representatives will hold a committee hearing on Wednesday to discuss the conference shakeup with the presidents of the University of Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.

“When we are talking about public institutions, there are big dollars at play and this is a part of the budget process,” said higher learning committee chairman Rep. Dan Branch.

Branch said he hopes the hearing will provide some transparency to taxpayers and football fans as the presidents will testify on the decision making process.

“We do not want a combination that somehow hurts the state of Texas or hurts our revenue.”

Reports began to surface Monday that UT had struck a deal to keep the Big XII Conference alive and that would bring the athletic department $25 million. The money would come from a television agreement which would create UT’s own sports television network.

That is a much different outcome than a move to the Pac-10, which has been the popular opinion amongst insiders.

Such a fluid and changing situation is why Branch wants to slow the process down and have discussions to ensure the right decision for the schools and the state is being made.

“Our ultimate concern is that this is good for the state of Texas.”

Keeping the Texas schools in the same conference will not be a priority or mission for legislators according to Branch, but fans hope tradition survives the shakeup.

“Tradition should not be given up for money,” said UT student Angela Frost. “But I guess you have to do what is good for the university and the athletic department as a whole.”

Recent reports have indicated Texas A&M might join the Southeastern Conference, possibly ending it’s storied rivalry with the Longhorns.

The UT board of regents will old a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the possible scenarios.

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UT: Longhorns will remain in Big XII

June 14, 2010 Chris Sadeghi KXAN (AUSTIN) - The University of Texas announced tonight that it will remain competing in the Big XII conference. A news conference will be held tomorrow to discuss all the details. With new rumors and reports changing almost by the hour, the Texas House of Representatives will hold a committee hearing on Wednesday to discuss the conference shakeup with the presidents of the University of Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. “When we are talking about public institutions, there are big dollars at play and this is a part of the budget process,” said higher learning committee chairman Rep. Dan Branch. Branch said he hopes the hearing will provide some transparency to taxpayers and football fans as the presidents will testify on the decision making process. “We do not want a combination that somehow hurts the state of Texas or hurts our revenue.” Reports began to surface Monday that UT had struck a deal to keep the Big XII Conference alive and that would bring the athletic department $25 million. The money would come from a television agreement which would create UT’s own sports television network. That is a much different outcome than a move to the Pac-10, which has been the popular opinion amongst insiders. Such a fluid and changing situation is why Branch wants to slow the process down and have discussions to ensure the right decision for the schools and the state is being made. “Our ultimate concern is that this is good for the state of Texas.” Keeping the Texas schools in the same conference will not be a priority or mission for legislators according to Branch, but fans hope tradition survives the shakeup. “Tradition should not be given up for money,” said UT student Angela Frost. “But I guess you have to do what is good for the university and the athletic department as a whole.” Recent reports have indicated Texas A&M might join the Southeastern Conference, possibly ending it’s storied rivalry with the Longhorns. The UT board of regents will old a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the possible scenarios. Go Back

UT: Longhorns will remain in Big XII