Report: A&M notifies Big 12 it will withdraw

[August 30, 2011]  COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) -- The New York Times is reporting Texas A&M has notified the Big 12 it will withdraw from the conference.

The newspaper reported on its website Monday night that Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin sent a letter to Missouri Chancellor and Big 12 board chairman Brady Deaton to inform the league it was leaving.

The New York Times story cited two unidentified college officials with direct knowledge of the decision.

Texas A&M said earlier Monday it had received a letter from Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe outlining the withdrawal procedure should the Aggies decide to leave the league.

Texas A&M's departure would cast doubt on the future of the Big 12 and could lead to more major changes to college athletics.

[Associated Press; By KRISTIE RIEKEN]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.