Pollard calls A&M decision 'unfortunate'

Associated Press

Iowa State athletics director Jamie Pollard says the Big 12 is moving quickly and aggressively to study alternatives now that Texas A&M has announced plans to leave the league.

Texas A&M dealt a blow to the Big 12 on Wednesday, saying it plans to leave by July 2012 if it is accepted by the SEC or another league.

Pollard called the Aggies' decision "unfortunate," adding that Texas A&M has been highly competitive in the conference and represented the league well nationally.

Pollard says that although the league's preference is for the Aggies to stay, it respects their decision and wishes them well in the future.

 Texas A&M will make what could be its final visit to Jack Trice Stadium to face the Cyclones on Oct. 22.

Here is Pollard's complete statement: 

“It is unfortunate that Texas A&M is moving forward with plans to depart the Big 12. They have been highly competitive in the conference and represented our league well on the national stage. Although our preference is for them to stay in the Big 12, we wish them well in the future and respect their decision. The Commissioner, Presidents and Directors of Athletics are poised to move quickly and aggressively in studying alternatives for the conference.”