Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum Issues Another Strongly Worded Statement Regarding OU

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum certainly didn’t mince words following OU and Texas’ joint announcement about leaving the Big 12.

The strongly worded statement comes after the official joint announcement Monday morning from the two universities announcing their intentions to not renew the grant of media rights with the Big 12 when they expire in 2024-25.

“Earlier today, OU delivered a document to the Big 12 Conference office which indicated they will not renew their grant of media rights with the Big 12 following the 2024-25 season,” said President Shrum in her statement. “This action was strategic, deliberate and results from months of planning with the SEC. These conversations, which developed over a long period, are a clear breach of the Big 12 Conference bylaws and broke the decades-long bond of trust between our universities. It is difficult to understand how an Oklahoma institution of higher education would follow the University of Texas to the detriment of the state of Oklahoma. 

“Nevertheless, we are looking to the future and what is best for Oklahoma State University. Over the last few days, I have received countless phone calls, texts and emails from high-ranking officials and members of the Cowboy family showing their support for OSU as we navigate the road ahead. Regardless of what comes next, OSU is dedicated to the state of Oklahoma. We remain confident OSU is in the strongest position ever, and I am excited about the future of Oklahoma State University, our land-grant mission, world-class faculty and top-notch athletic programs.”

The move between OU and Texas first came to light last week when Brent Zwerneman of the Houston Chronicle broke the story of the proposed move. The two universities have been in discussions with the Southeastern Conference for the past several months about joining the SEC.