By SHAWN BERMAN
Staff Writer
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After 13 years as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) commissioner, 74-year-old Mike Slive has decided to retire so he can begin treatment for his prostate cancer.
“I have been blessed in more ways than I can count and I will have as much passion for this job on my last day as I did on my first,” Slive said in a press-released statement. “I consider my health situation a temporary detour in a remarkable road that has allowed me to meet amazing people, experience incredible events and celebrate historic victories.”
Since taking over in 2002, the SEC has undoubtedly become the nation’s most prominent football conference. Under commissioner Slive, the SEC has won a total of eight BCS Championships, including a seven year streak from 2006-2012. The SEC has also won 67 national championships in 15 different sports.
Perhaps even more impressive is the revenue that Slive brought in. Just this year alone, the SEC will distribute $309.6 million dollars, making $20.9 million per school. The fact that Slive has been able to triple the revenue for the SEC since taking over is largely due to television contracts with CBS and ESPN.
Since launching back in August, the SEC Network has also brought in a lot of money that hasn’t even been accounted for yet. Slive said the launch of the SEC Network was “the most successful new cable network in all of cable history.”
Slive has even been instrumental in the push for student-athlete welfare. Because of him, many student-athletes will get full cost-of-attendance stipends, enhanced medical coverage, a pared-down rulebook, and multiyear scholarships.
In fact, Slive has also been a major aspect in laying the groundwork for the new four-team College Football Playoff system.
Slive has often said that his greatest accomplishment was breaking the so-called “color barrier” that was associated with the SEC. Prior to the 2004 season, Mississippi State’s football program hired Sylvester Croom, making him the first African-American head coach in the SEC, paving the way for others to follow.
“It was a story not about sport, but it was story about us,” Slive told ESPN. “It was a story about society. It was a story about the South. And I don’t believe there’ll be a more pivotal event that will occur in my tenure.”
Slive’s retirement will take effect July 31. There are many names that have been linked to one of the most powerful jobs in sports. The most intriguing name may be former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.
Rice, a Birmingham native herself, would be an ideal fit. This is not the first time that Rice has been linked to a position like this. Just last month, in the wake of all the domestic violence scandals happening in the NFL, it was rumored that Rice was one of the main frontrunners for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s job.
It is clear that no one will be able to replace what Slive has done for the SEC or collegiate sports. On his radio show last week, legendary SEC analyst Paul Finebaum said, “I will cherish my friendship with Mike Slive every day. He is the greatest commissioner in the history of the SEC and no one can outdo what he’s done for us.”
