[KChiefs1]

Insider's thoughts:

First of all, let's look at all of this rationally. We believed today was the day because of a regularly scheduled meeting of the Presidents. It seemed logical. Here is what I know is true and what I think is happening.

1. Deaton wanted to speak to all of the other Presidents. In doing so, he did that in good faith and not to run out the door. I know this for a fact.

2. The release says that ALL institutions expressed their desire to have Missouri stay. Not that we are leaving or that anything has changed. It isn't and hasn't. This is a fact.

3. The reason for going there is also to hold the Big 12's feet to the fire in relation to exit fees. I should have put this first. This is an attempt to hear about expansion, as we are still members in good standing, and if there are plans to go forward. It is ammunition to let those negotiating those fees to find out what is happening. If Deaton does not go, you are no longer privileged to that information.

4. The exit fee stage is the only bartering measure. This is a fact. Coaches have been told, some "special" people have been told and the SEC has released stuff saying we are going to the SEC. If Mizzou can say you have these three markets lined up for our departure, our fees should be a lot lower. Millions. It's a lot of money to save.

5. Nothing stops us from having a release tonight or in the morning stating we are conditionally withdrawing and applying to the SEC. I think we all just got a little snookered into thinking this meeting - which again was regularly scheduled - would be the time of exit.

Hold fast. Don't panic. No actions in the past month would be necessary if we were staying. Furthermore, every move so far has been with a lot of strategy. The KC move was brilliant. This one only has to do with paring down the fees. We didn't express our desire to stay. THE OTHER SCHOOLS EXPRESSED THEIR DESIRE TO HAVE US STAY. Big difference.