On Wednesday, the Southeastern Conference announced the passing of former commisioner Mike Slive. Slive was 77 years old.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our friend and former Commissioner Mike Slive.
His impact was felt far beyond the footprint of the SEC. His presence will be missed. https://t.co/Sjvo5Ws8mL pic.twitter.com/7y0dMXXmAa
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) May 16, 2018
Slive served as the commissioner from 2002-2015 and oversaw the conference as it became the preeminent league in collegiate football.
The SEC won a total of 81 National Championships, including eight in football, under Slive’s guidance. The University of Florida won 17 of those titles.
A memorial will be held in Birmingham, Alabama on Friday at 11:30 AM.
Some of the reaction via Twitter is listed below. Everyone that came in contact with Slive has a positive memory and a story to share.
Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin:
I’m so saddened to learn that Mike Slive, who was both a personal friend and mentor, has passed. He was a brilliant leader who cared deeply about the people he led and the universities they represented. College athletics in general (1/2)
— Scott Stricklin (@ScottStricklin) May 16, 2018
and the Southeastern Conference in particular, will reap the benefit of Mike’s efforts and wisdom for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz, Anna and all of Mike’s friends and loved ones. (2/2)
— Scott Stricklin (@ScottStricklin) May 16, 2018
Pat Dooley of The Gainesville Sun:
The passing of Mike Slive makes me want to cry. We had a special relationship with our common issue of prostate cancer. He treated me like a younger brother, even allowed me to go on his private plane to three bowl games in one day. He made the SEC what it is today.
— Pat Dooley (@pat_dooley) May 16, 2018
Edgar Thompson of The Orlando Sentinel:
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
NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport:
A class act and one of the great men I’ve covered. Mike Slive will be missed. https://t.co/r0mFZUno0g
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 16, 2018
Pat Forde of Yahoo! Sports:
RIP Mike Slive. What a great man. So smart, yet so personable. Took 2 jet-around-the-SEC trips with him and they were wonderful assignments.
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) May 16, 2018
Outkick the Coverage’s Clay Travis:
Awful news about former SEC commissioner Mike Slive. Prayers to his family. He was a phenomenal person, brilliant and kind. Two stories for you: morning after my second son was born, the phone rang. It was Slive congratulating me, the first non-family member to call.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) May 16, 2018
Per the SEC Press Release:
Rest In Peace, Mike Slive. Thanks for all you did for the betterment of collegiate athletics.