The University of Missouri Board of Curators met behind closed doors on Tuesday, where they voted to give Chancellor Brady Deaton control over the future of reallignment in Missouri sports.

After a four hour meeting, they gave a 10 minute news conference that included a few questions and answers from a panel of four.  Deaton, Athletics Director Mike Alden, Interim President Steve Owens, and a board member were on the panel.

The Board of Curators said MU wasn't necessarily leaving the Big 12, but felt now was the time to explore options, so they were not going to make a long term committment to the Big 12, which the conference has asked for from all of its members.

When asked about whether MU was considering going into the SEC, Deaton simply said there was no comment on the issue at this time.

Chancellor Brady Deaton also is stepping down as chairperson of the Big 12 board of directors in order to help Missouri explore the options and keep from having a conflict of interest.

Deaton said he will meet with his team of officials Wednesday to begin the process, which he said could take "some time" to resolve.

The Big 12 has not given MU a deadline in making a decision to stay or leave the conference.