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Sad news to report as the SEC has confirmed that the league’s former commissioner Mike Slive died on Wednesday in Birmingham at the age of 77.
Slive is survived by his wife Liz, his daughter Anna, son-in-law Judd Harwood and granddaughter Abigail.
The league’s seventh commissioner served from 2002 to 2015, when Greg Sankey took over. The league won 81 national championships in 17 of its 21 sponsored sports during Slive’s tenure. During his tenure, the league won seven consecutive BCS National Championships. He also oversaw the creation of the SEC Network and the league expansion of Texas A&M and Missouri.
We are saddened to share that former SEC Commissioner Mike Slive has passed away at the age of 77.
Our thoughts & prayers go out to Commissioner Slive's family. pic.twitter.com/9mxKDVWvor
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) May 16, 2018
Very sad news today as we learned that former SEC Commissioner Mike Slive has passed away at the age of 77. His contriubtions to the SEC are countless; his legacy cemented in history. We paid tribute to him and talked with @GregSankey about his memory. https://t.co/fueqF74C7Q
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) May 16, 2018
Just so hard to believe. Former SEC Commissioner Mike Slive has died at the age of 77. Incredible man.
— Tony Barnhart (@MrCFB) May 16, 2018
Tough news, former SEC commish Mike Slive passes away. A gentleman in truest sense: approachable, available, kind, yet brilliant. Huge hand in making the SEC the power it is.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) May 16, 2018
Mike Slive, then-SEC commissioner who welcomed Texas A&M to the league with wide open arms, has passed away at 77, according to the SEC. One of my all-time favorite people in sports, a great, visionary leader.
— Brent Zwerneman (@BrentZwerneman) May 16, 2018
Commissioner Slive was the ultimate visionary. One of the true icons in sports leadership.
We will be forever grateful for what he did for collegiate sports and the SEC. https://t.co/O46FYMq4a6
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) May 16, 2018
I met Mr. Slive first as @ConferenceUSA commish, he was their first. He then calmed some stormy seas in the SEC.
His ability to connect with everyone made him one of the best at bringing people with different interest together for a common goal.
RIP. https://t.co/Npe64eODrG— Jim Dunaway (@jimdunaway) May 16, 2018
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
