COLLEGES Va. Tech to accept ACC offer

Miami's decision is expected on Monday.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Virginia Tech received a formal invitation to join the Atlantic Coast Conference on Friday and will accept, university president Charles M. Steger wrote in an open letter to alumni.
Calling the ACC "an organization of some of the nation's most prestigious universities," Steger explained Tech's position throughout the ACC's six-week expansion process many have likened to a soap opera.
"We know that this affiliation will be good for our students, athletes, fans, and communities for many years to come," he concluded in the letter, which was made available to media covering the Hokies.
The letter detailed the school's actions throughout the process, with Steger telling alumni that he notified the Big East of the ACC's offer to begin discussions about joining last Tuesday night, the same night the offer was extended, and knows that Tech will be criticized for fighting both for the Big East and for inclusion in the ACC at the same time.
"At the end of the day, many will disagree with our decisions. They of course are free to do so," Steger wrote. "However, we have dealt as best we can with a very complex changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics to the best of our ability in difficult times."
Documentation
Earlier Friday, athletic director Jim Weaver said he was unsure all the necessary paperwork has been completed to make the move official, but that any perceived delay does not mean the Hokies are unsure what to do.
The process of finalizing the Hokies' letter of agreement to join the ACC involves having it go through several administration offices, including Steger's, and the school's lawyers, he said.
When the letter completes its review and sign route through the offices, it will be signed, certainly by Monday morning, Weaver said.
"There's no issue of whether we will sign it," he said. "This isn't getting done by one person. ... A lot of people are involved."
Miami
Monday is the day Miami is expected to announce its decision on whether to accept its invitation from the ACC or remain in the Big East.
ACC spokesman Brian Morrison said Friday the conference is not commenting on either bid until it officially hears from the schools.
Miami and Virginia Tech must inform Big East officials by Monday if they decide to join the ACC, obligating each to pay a $1 million exit fee. If they wait until after Monday to leave, the fee doubles.