But Middle Tennessee State University Athletic Director, Chris Massaro, says the school was forced to announce it was leaving the Sun Belt Conference sooner

than it wanted to because the Sun Belt was considering increasing its exit fee to as much as $10 million.
Massaro detailed the realignment move Monday in a letter posted on the school's website. Massaro said Middle Tennessee was approached by Conference USA on November 25 about joining, and officials hoped to announce the move after playing at Arkansas State on Dec. 1.
The Sun Belt planned a board meeting Nov. 28, prompting Middle Tennessee to tell league officials of their decision. Massaro says the board meeting then was canceled. The Blue Raiders (8-4) did not get a bowl bid Sunday.