Mike Slive to Retire

Big news today as the SEC has announced that commissioner Mike Slive will retire:

Mike Slive will retire as commissioner of the Southeastern Conference on July 31, 2015, after serving in that position for 13 years, he announced Tuesday. He also stated he is beginning treatment for a recurrence of prostate cancer for which he was treated in the late 1990s.

"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."

His medical condition was diagnosed subsequent to a surgical procedure on his back in August of this year. His prognosis is good and he will continue to carry out his responsibilities from the SEC Office and his home office in Birmingham. It is anticipated that his travel and appearances may be limited for the near future.

He leaves a legacy of having overseen the most competitive and prosperous era the league has ever seen, and he guided it through expansion and the launching of the SEC Network. We'll have more on this later, but for now, let's digest this news and wish him well with his health.