VCU, George Mason not leaving CAA

Virginia Commonwealth and George Mason have no plans to leave the Colonial Athletic Association for the Atlantic 10, CAA commissioner Tom Yeager said Monday.

A published report said the two universities were mulling an offer from the A-10 to begin play in 2013-14. But VCU and George Mason -- perennial men's basketball powers in the CAA, which is home to Hofstra's athletic programs -- denied any contact with the A-10.

"Both VCU and George Mason have issued statements that there is no substance to these rumors whatsoever," Yeager said on a conference call. He said officials at both universities assured him the schools will remain in the CAA. Yeager said he and A-10 commissioner Bernadette McGlade have had no discussions about teams leaving the CAA.

"As a professional courtesy, [commissioners] talk amongst ourselves," he said. "I am sure, without a doubt, that had these discussions risen to the level as has been reported, that Bernie McGlade and I would have had a conversation about that."

Yeager did say the CAA will look into raising the exit fee of $250,000 to become more in line with other conferences' indemnification for early withdrawal.