Page "Big 12 Conference" Paragraph 19

Despite his confidence, Missouri inched closer to leaving on October 21 when its Board of Curators authorized Chancellor Brady Deaton to move the school out of the Big 12 Conference if it would be in the school's best interest to do so.

On October 28, the Big 12 Conference's press release announcing its invitation to West Virginia University hinted at Missouri's imminent departure, as Missouri was not listed among the " expected " members for the 2012 – 13 school year.