George Mason decides to remain in the CAA

George Mason has declared its intentions to remain a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, according to Matt Bonesteel of the Washington Post.

In recent weeks there have been multiple rumors that the Patriots would make a move to the Atlantic 10, but after doing their research George Mason has decided that the CAA is the best fit for them.

That included discussions with the Atlantic 10, which recently added Butler as its 14th member once Temple leaves for the Big East in 2013.

CAA commissioner Tom Yeager released the following statement on Friday morning:

“Through this process we’ve engaged in open communication with senior executives at George Mason University. We respected the process George Mason University went through and are pleased it decided that continued membership in the CAA is in the best interest of the university and its athletic programs.”

Three of the five Virginia-based CAA schools have been named in realignment rumors and this is the first decision to be made.

VCU, who was rumored to be headed to the A-10 as well, is reportedly still weighing a change in conferences.

And Old Dominion, who has its burgeoning football program to consider, has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Conference USA expansion.

Georgia State has also been involved in realignment, as they have decided to move from the CAA to the Sun Belt in order to boost their new football program.

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.