CAA headquarters went into red alert mode after a CBSSPorts.com article reported yesterday that both VCU and George Mason had been in contact with the Atlantic 10 to join Butler in a league expansion that would go into effect the 2013-2014 season.
Today Commissioner Tom Yeager addressed questions concerning the rumors in a conference call, saying, “both schools indicated there are absolutely no truth to the rumors as well as others that have been bandied about in the media the past couple weeks…they’re not exploring other options. In combination with other conversations we’ve had over the last couple months and weeks, they aren’t looking to go anywhere else, nor have they had any other offer that would turn their heads. So we didn’t hold hands and take blood oaths or anything like that, but I take them at their word.”
VCU Athletic Director Norwood Teague also commented on the rumors in a statement saying, “VCU is a proud member of the CAA. There have been no discussions with any other conferences concerning changing our affiliation.”
CBS’s Brett McMurphy, who is known as one of the best in the business when it comes to conference expansion news, originally reported that VCU’s Board of Visitors had met at least twice about making the move to the A-10. Pam Lepley, VCU’s executive director for university relations, said in an email that was not correct.
“Contrary to media reports, the VCU Board of Visitors has not met about nor discussed conference realignment,” Teague said.
Stay tuned…
