The SEC appeared "poised and ready to welcome Missouri to the league this coming (or past) Monday -- as an introductory statement dated Oct. 22 leaked on the conference's own website made clear late Thursday night," according to Jerry Hinnen of CBSSPORTS.com. The statement includes "references to an announcement yet-to-be made" by SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, links to "related introductory Missouri content, and July 1, 2012 specified as the date in which the Tigers would officially join the league." The page as of 11:40pm ET Thursday night "appeared on the official 'SEC Digital Network.'" However, that and "all associated content had been removed by 11:55 ET" (CBSSPORTS.com, 10/28). In St. Louis, Vahe Gregorian notes while it is "conceivable it was fraudulent and the SEC could not be reached for clarification, the level of detail went deep under the heading, 'Tiger Tracks: Missouri Joins The SEC.'" The release referred to Slive "announcing Mizzou's membership on Monday, presumably meaning Oct. 24 but possibly meaning Oct. 31, and extols the virtues of Mizzou." That included "highlights of its football and men's basketball history, mentions of its distinguished alumni and the fact it would be the SEC's fourth member of the distinguished American Association of Universities." It also "outlined historical ties between MU and the SEC" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 10/28). SEC Associate Commissioner for Media Relations Charles Bloom addressed this issue Friday morning, writing on his Twitter feed, "Web vendor made mistake. No agreement between #SEC and Missouri."
