This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Provo • Brigham Young University athletic department officials issued a statement today in response to Wednesday's announcement from Texas A&M University that it plans to leave the league by July of 2012 if it is accepted by another conference.
Speculation is rampant that the Big 12 has targeted BYU as a possible replacement for the Aggies.
Here's BYU's statement:
"There is much speculation right now regarding conference affiliation that seems to change by the hour. Commenting on such conjecture is not productive and creates a distraction for our program. As we enter the 2011-12 athletic season, BYU is focused on the opportunities ahead. We are excited about our relationship with ESPN as a football independent and our affiliation with the West Coast Conference."
The statement concludes with a note that the university will have no further comment.