Tom O'Connor denies any Atlantic 10 discussions involving George Mason

George Mason athletic director Tom O'Connor issued a written statement today in regards to the George Mason to the Atlantic 10 rumors:

"George Mason University has not had any formal discussions nor have we been invited to join the Atlantic 10 Conference. As a founding member of the Colonial Athletic Association, we are proud of the CAA’s accomplishments and are committed to the success of the conference. The nature of college athletics dictates that we have to be aware of all the discussions that may be going on with conference membership issues on all levels. We have the responsibility to ensure that Mason is in the best position to continue the success of our athletic programs within the mission of George Mason University."

Steven Goff of the Washington Post later added this after he met with O'Connor:

Met with AD O'Connor. Says GMU board of visitors has never discussed conference switch. "We're committed to CAA. We've said that all along"
— Steven Goff (@GMUWashPost) March 26, 2012

Reaction to CBS's erroneous story: "I knew it was untrue, so it didn't bother me" #masonmbb
— Steven Goff (@GMUWashPost) March 26, 2012

VCU put out similar statements today, with the key word being "formal". O'Connor denies the school has discussed any conference movement that the A10 has not approached him or George Mason. A formal invitation has been issued but I think where there's smoke there's fire.

Michael Litos puts out that CAA teams are due money on June 30 for the conference's NCAA tournament units. This includes money still being redistributed among CAA teams for George Mason's Final Four run in 2006 and VCU's last year. So basically, don't expect anything to be said about leaving the CAA until July 1.

Jeff Eisenberg, of Yahoo Sports also has a good write-up on the situation from today.