SEC Commissioner Mike Slive Announces Retirement Plans

After serving as commissioner of the Southeastern Conference since 2002, Mike Slive has decided to step down effective July 31, 2015.     

According to SECSports.com, Slive is vacating his post to receive treatment for prostate cancer.

Despite the fact that he will no longer be the SEC's commissioner come his set date, Slive intends to continue being a major supporter of the conference.

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I have been blessed in more ways than I can count and I will have as much passion for this job on my last day as I did on my first. I consider my health situation a temporary detour in a remarkable road that has allowed me to meet amazing people, experience incredible events and celebrate historic victories. I will relish my final year in this position and look forward to being the biggest fan of the SEC for many years to come.

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There is little doubt that Slive will leave the SEC better than he found it, especially in the wake of the SEC Network's launch, per Bryan Fischer of NFL.com:

Although it remains to be seen who will take Slive's spot when he officially steps down, Alex McDaniel of AL.com wrote that SEC Executive Associate Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Greg Sankey is the likeliest replacement:

There is no question that SEC commissioner is a coveted position, since it has become a cash cow due to its college football dominance.

Slive has laid an excellent groundwork for future commissioners, and the next person to assume that role will owe some measure of credit to Slive for his or her success.

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