The first conference realignment hammer has fallen, and it appears that Texas A&M is indeed heading to the SEC. The SEC released a statement confirming the Aggies as the newest addition to the now 13-team conference.
"After receiving unanimous written assurance from the Big 12 on September 2 that the Southeastern Conference was free to accept Texas A&M to join as a new member, the presidents and chancellors of the SEC met last night with the intention of accepting the application of Texas A&M to be the newest member of the SEC. We were notified yesterday afternoon that at least one Big 12 institution had withdrawn its previous consent and was considering legal action. The SEC has stated that to consider an institution for membership, there must be no contractual hindrances to its departure. The SEC voted unanimously to accept Texas A&M University as a member upon receiving acceptable reconfirmation that the Big 12 and its members have reaffirmed the letter dated September 2, 2011."
What do they mean by "legal action"? No, UConn isn't sticking their nose into this mess. This time the role of the Huskies is being played by Baylor who are threatening to sue Texas A&M if the B12's television deal with ESPN falls through. That kind of allegation will be difficult to prove in court, but if Oklahoma, Oklahom State, Texas and Texas Tech run to the Pac-16 that would in essence end the Big 12 and most likely terminate their contract with ESPN. But how could all those dominoes be pinned on Texas A&M? It would be a stretch.
In all likelihood Baylor's lawsuit will disintegrate quickly, paving the way for the SEC to add another team to even out their numbers. Who is it going to be? Virginia Tech? West Virginia? Oklahoma? Florida State? Now the rest of the college football will have to wait, and see what domino will be the next to fall in this crazy year of conference realignment.