(Image Source: USA Today)

BY KAVEH KAGHAZI

Did the SEC just let the cat out of the bag? A mysterious post about Missouri joining the conference showed up online-- and was quickly deleted.


SEC officials say the web vendor for the conference mistakenly posted a news release Thursday night saying the SEC would accept the Tigers as its 14th member on July 1, 2012.

Oops.
The release was quickly taken off the site -- and according to SEC associate commissioner Charles Bloom on Twitter, Mizzou to the SEC is NOT a done deal.

“Web vendor made mistake. No agreement between #SECand Missouri.”

But on Friday’s announcement that West Virginia will join the Big 12, the Tigers were left off of the conference’s list of schools for next season. A blogger from NBC Sports says it’s all just a matter of time before Mizzou goes south.


“The statement adds what was already believed: that the SEC is close to adding Missouri once the school officially notifies the Big 12 of its intentions to withdraw from the conference. The press release was written up and ready to go. It just got out before it was intended.”


ESPN’s Joe Schad agrees--saying-- MU and the SEC need each other.


“Missouri is attracted to the stability of the SEC, and what it perceives as great financial opportunities. The SEC needs a 14th school and is attracted to Missouri’s television markets and the school’s academic reputation.”


SEC Commissioner Mike Slive announced Thursday-- the conference is working on scheduling for a 13 and 14 team league. Texas A&M was announced as the SEC’s 13th member last month. Slive did not say whether the Tigers would be the 14th team.