Mike Slive to step down as SEC Commissioner in 2015

Mike Slive has announced that he is to step down as SEC Commissioner at end-July 2015, citing a reoccurring of 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,” said Slive.  “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.  I will relish my final year in this position and look forward to being the biggest fan of the SEC for many years to come.”

The release from the SEC said that his prognosis is “good”, although his travel plans will be curtailed in the short-to-near term future.

Under Slive, the SEC has enjoyed unprecedented success as a conference, effectively owning college football over the best part of the last decade, and he was instrumental in the deal with ESPN that gave the SEC its own network, giving the member schools a multi-billion dollar deal.