The Wiz of Odds

Turns Out, Texas A&M Is Not Flush With Cash

Perhaps now we know why Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin has insisted that the Big 12 live up to its promise of $20 million in conference revenue beginning in 2012-13.

Texas A&M is attempting to trim $60 million campuswide, and one of the proposed cuts is the elimination of toilet paper in residence hall bathrooms shared by up to four people. The move, which would begin in 2011, is projected to save $82,000.

"We looked at what areas can we cut and not negatively affect our students' academics, and it was that," said Sherylon Carroll, associate vice president for communications.

Carroll added that "some students prefer to bring their own toilet paper anyway."

Students are not happy.

Texas A&M Prez: Show Me the Money!

Remember that back-door deal that Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State and Missouri made to help keep the Big 12 together (minus Colorado and Nebraska)? Those schools guaranteed Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M at least $20 million in conference revenue beginning in 2012-13 if they would remain members of the league.

Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe said that Texas and Oklahoma have declined the gesture, but Texas A&M wants to make the other schools live up to the promise.

Aggie president R. Bowen Loftin, above, issued the following statement Wednesday:

"A key part of Texas A&M's decision to remain in the Big 12 earlier this summer was the commissioner's commitment that Texas A&M would receive a minimum of $20 million annually in future conference distributions. We remain committed to the conference, and fully anticipate that the Big 12 will honor its commitment to Texas A&M."

The Houston Chronicle reported that Texas A&M is prepared to go to court to get the deal in writing. A high-ranking A&M official told the newspaper that the school would consider leaving for the Southeastern Conference if its demands were not met.

Part of the reason the Aggies are pressing for the money is that the athletic department is in the early stages of paying back a $16 million loan to the university.

'I Think We Should Just Be Friends'

Something tells me this young lady had eyes for another Texas A&M cadet.

An Afternoon in College Station

A time-lapse video of Texas A&M's Kyle Field during Saturday's game between the Aggies and Iowa State. Ignore the bug at about the 36-second mark.

Who Said Texas A&M Had No Shot?

Welcome to Kyle Field, home of the 12th Man and now, the world's longest basketball trick shot. Click either video for an enlarged view, or watch both angles on the March to Madness. Thanks to Rob Stroope of the Dallas Morning News.

Texas A&M Offended Over Leach's Comments

Texas Tech's Mike Leach isn't backing down from comments made about Stephen McGee after the former Texas A&M quarterback was selected in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

"The Dallas Cowboys like him more than his coaches at A&M did," Leach said.

Enter A&M coach Mike Sherman, who said: "Coach Leach is in no position to comment about my relationship with Stephen McGee."