CAA Commissioner Tom Yeager's Statement Regarding Old Dominion's Withdrawal
RICHMOND, Va. (May 17, 2012) -- A statement from CAA Commissioner Tom Yeager regarding Old Dominion's withdrawal.
"Old Dominion president John Broderick informed me by phone this morning of ODU's intentions to withdraw from the CAA and CAA Football effective July 1, 2013. Old Dominion's decision is predicated on the university's desire to reclassify to FBS Football, which requires membership in an FBS league. The CAA had an open dialogue with President Broderick and C-USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky throughout ODU's evaluation process, but ultimately Conference USA was the desired destination. The conference wishes the university well as it pursues these new interests.
The CAA and CAA Football will remain strong and are committed to growth in every sport providing our student-athletes the best athletic and academic experience possible. As stated earlier this week, we will remain diligent in continuing our membership-related discussions, but will do so in a confidential manner and will not discuss specific institutions or scenarios."