SEC commissioner announces retirement

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - Roy Kramer, who helped craft the Bowl Championship Series as he became one of the most powerful officials in college sports, announced Tuesday he is retiring as commissioner of the Southeastern Conference.<br> <br> Kramer will remain as commissioner until a successor is chosen. No timetable was given for picking a new commissioner.<br> <br> The 72-year-old Kramer, who has overseen SEC sports for 12 years, downplayed the significance of his departure plans at a news conference at SEC headquarters.<br> <br> Kramer said, ``This conference was a great conference before I ever got here. This conference will be a great conference after Roy Kramer is gone. It has been a great ride over those 12 years.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> SEC President Robert Khayat, who is chancellor of Mississippi, called the end of Kramer&#39;s tenure ``one of the historical moments in the conference ... The only word that really fits this is bittersweet.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Former Georgia President Charles Knapp will direct the search for a new commissioner with a private firm hired to target candidates. A committee of presidents of SEC universities will oversee the search.<br> <br> Asked why he decided to retire, Kramer replied, ``It&#39;s time to move on.&#39;&#39;