Texas A&M has officially notified the Big 12 that it will explore its options pertaining to conference affiliation, the university announced on Thursday.

Texas A&M says if it chooses to withdraw from the Big 12, it will do so in accordance with Big 12 bylaws, and would be supportive of the Big 12′s efforts to secure a new member in the conference.

Aggies take next step in process

Texas A&M has yet to formally withdraw from the Big 12, but they took the next step down that road Thursday, writes David Ubben. Blog “As I have indicated previously, we are working very deliberately to act in the best long-term interests of both Texas A&M and the state of Texas. This truly is a 100-year decision,” Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin said in a release. “While we understand the desire of all parties to quickly reach a resolution, these are extremely complex issues that we are addressing methodically.”

On Aug. 14, the Southeastern Conference announced that its presidents had met and decided to take no action regarding Texas A&M or any other university regarding future expansion. The decision is believed to have been a statement to allow the SEC and Texas A&M to establish a clear timeline between the university’s pursuit of the conference.

The SEC openly pursuing Texas A&M as a member of the Big 12 could open the conference up to litigation under tortious interference, or interference with a written contract.

“Ultimately, we are seeking to generate greater visibility nationwide for Texas A&M and our championship-caliber student-athletes, as well as secure the necessary and stable financial resources to support our athletic and academic programs,” Loftin said. “As a public university, Texas A&M owes it to the state’s taxpayers to maximize our assets and generate additional revenues both now and well into the future.”

The Big 12′s board of directors is scheduled to meet on Saturday.

David Ubben covers Big 12 football for ESPN.com.

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via Texas A&M Aggies officially notify Big 12 of conference exploration – ESPN.

The turbulent career of Janzen Jackson at Tennessee is over.

Not even a full 24 hours after Derek Dooley reiterated that Jackson was on a zero-tolerance policy and managed day-to-day, the Vols coach announced the decision to dismiss the junior safety in a release on Wednesday morning.

No specific reason was provided, but Dooley is scheduled to meet with the media after a mock game Wednesday night at Neyland Stadium. Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation but not authorized to speak publicly about the issue confirmed to the News Sentinel that Jackson has dealt with substance abuse problems during his time with the Vols, which appear to have contributed to his withdrawal from the program in the spring prior to returning over the summer.

Citing privacy laws, UT could not confirm nor deny an ESPN.com report that Jackson failed drug tests, but his status with the team clearly changed at some point following practice Tuesday morning and the public announcement on Wednesday.

“Our program has devoted a tremendous amount of energy, resources, support, and care in an effort to help Janzen manage his personal challenges,” Dooley said in the release. “I will always be there to help him as a person, but there comes a time when a player’s actions preclude him from the privilege of playing for the University of Tennessee football team.

“Although I’m disappointed with this outcome, we will never compromise the long-term organizational values and goals we maintain here at Tennessee.”

Jackson spent time away from the program throughout spring and the first session of summer school dealing with undisclosed personal problems in hopes of coming back for another season with the program.

But a violation of the policy Dooley put in place for his return will now keep him continuing a career that included 23 games, 106 tackles and six interceptions as an invaluable weapon at the back of the UT defense.

More details as they develop online and in Thursday’s News Sentinel.

via Janzen Jackson dismissed from Tennessee football team » GoVolsXtra.