PROVIDENCE, R.I. – American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco has issued the following statement on the passing of former SEC Commissioner Mike Slive.
 
Mike Slive was a great leader and an even better human being. He was a warm family man as well as a highly skilled and committed administrator whose accomplishments over a long, varied and distinguished career are too numerous to list. The college community has lost a wonderful friend and champion in Mike Slive. Student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans in the SEC and across the country will be in his debt for the wisdom, compassion, dedication and intellectual depth and breadth he always brought to everything he did and which will have a lasting impact. He was a strong leader whose calm, firm and thoughtful presence and manner contributed to his effectiveness. Mike also was a great friend of the American Athletic Conference and his support and counsel over our five-year existence meant a great deal to all of us.
 
This is a profound personal loss for my family and me as Mike was a cherished friend, mentor and colleague for decades. We will treasure, as will so many others whose lives he touched, fond memories of a giant of a man who always remained humble, and who had a delightful sense of humor and an engaging personality. Mike leaves a proud legacy marked by kindness, concern for others, a capacity for friendship, and unmatched professional accomplishments.
 
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Liz, daughter Anna, son-in-law Judd, and granddaughter Abigail.