CAA denies George Mason and VCU bound for A-10

Denials came from all corners of the Colonial Athletic Association concerning two of its schools' potential interest in joining the Atlantic Ten Conference.

On Sunday, CBSsports.com reported that the CAA's George Mason and Virginia Commonwealth, and the Horizon League's Butler have indicated to the Atlantic Ten that they might be interested in joining the conference for the 2013-14 school year.

Locally, Drexel and Delaware are CAA members, although Drexel doesn't field a football team. Villanova is a CAA member in football only.

CAA commissioner Tom Yeager was forceful in speaking to reporters Monday on a conference call.

"Both VCU and George Mason have and will be issuing statements that there is no substance to these rumors whatsoever," Yeager said.

And both schools did issue statements.

Rumors about VCU and George Mason began as soon as Temple decided earlier this month to join the Big East Conference for football next season and for all other sports in 2013.

When contacted about the VCU and George Mason situation, the A-10 made this statement:

"Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade noted that membership issues are constantly examined and analyzed in light of the most recent Division I realignment activities. McGlade further stated that the Conference strategically reviews membership issues and there is no specific timeline regarding if and or when any decisions on membership are made. The A-10's current membership is fully committed through 2013 and is in a position to be very deliberate and patient regarding any decisions that impact the future of the league."

Despite the denials by the CAA, VCU, and George Mason, situations change quickly in conference realignment. Yeager acknowledged that he has not talked to McGlade about the report of VCU and George Mason's potential departure.

"I believe if there was any truth to this in-depth process, we would have had the conversation," he said.