WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) today held a press conference to discuss news reports about possible college conference realignment and the possible effect on the Big 12 Conference, home to Kansas State University and the University of Kansas. 

The press conference can be viewed in the video player located at the bottom of the page.

Brownback and Roberts’ statements are below:

Brownback said, “The Big 12 is a strong and vibrant conference with a bright future.  The Big 12 should stay together to stay strong and we encourage our friends in Nebraska to keep the legacy of the Big 8 alive and stay in the Big 12.  In the last few days, I have spoken with the folks at K-State and KU, and I have talked with Coach Osborne, the governor of Nebraska, Nebraska regents, and other friends from Nebraska.  Everyone in Kansas agrees that an intact Big 12 is the best option for everyone involved and I have been able to convey that sentiment to our friends in Nebraska.  We are hopeful that Nebraska and all other members of the Big 12 will stay home.

“Kansas and Kansas State as well as Nebraska are charter members of the Big 6, Big 7, Big 8, and Big 12.  We have a rich and storied tradition together and our futures together are assured to be great.  Friends and family on both sides of the Nebraska and Kansas border travel back and forth for games, with some kids living in one state and going to school in the other.  To potentially break those ties goes beyond football and beyond academics; it’s about family in many cases.

“For 100 years, Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and the University of Nebraska have been family.  Since the inception of the Big 12, we have been a dominant conference second to none.  In the past 14 years, the Big 12 has been home to 34 team national champions and 400 individual NCAA Championships.  And over the past five seasons 13 NCAA championship trophies have been brought home to the Big 12.  We are a strong and vibrant conference that wins championships and graduates great students.  Our future together will be bright and I encourage all the members of the Big 12 to work together within the conference for an outstanding future.”

Roberts said, “Kansas State University and the University of Kansas have a long and storied history competing with our neighboring states universities.  Whether that be the University of Colorado, the University of Missouri, or the University of Nebraska. 

“I have been in communication with President Schulz and Chancellor Gray-Little and have told them that I will be of any assistance that I can be.

“Recent media reports state that the Colorado Board of Regents met in emergency session last night and that the Nebraska Board of Regents will meet this weekend possibly to discuss athletic conference affiliation.  Hopefully, the Regents in Colorado and Nebraska, as well as the Board of Curators for the University of Missouri will come to the same conclusion as the Kansas Board of Regents.  On Monday, the Kansas Board of Regents announced their strong support for the ongoing joint efforts to sustain and advance the Big 12.

“Rest assured I will continue to work with my colleagues and continue to seek the advice of Chancellor Gray-Little and President Schulz.”