Bowlsby reacts to SEC voting to invite OU, UT

Jul 14, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby speaks to the media during Big 12 media days at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The following is a press release from Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby in reaction to the SEC’s unanimous vote to invite Oklahoma and Texas into the league.

“Today’s SEC announcement reaffirms that these plans have been in the works with ongoing discussions between the parties and television partners for some time. We are disappointed these discussions went as far as they did without notice to, or inclusion of, other Big 12 members.  Despite our concerns for the process and for the overall health of college athletics, we will do everything possible to make sure that the student-athletes at both universities enjoy an excellent experience throughout the remaining four years of their participation and competition in the Big 12 Conference.”