Slive set to be new SEC commissioner

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - Mike Slive, the head of Conference USA who used to defend schools against NCAA investigations, is set to become the new commissioner of the beleaguered Southeastern Conference. <br> <br> The athletic director at CUSA member Louisville, Tom Jurich, said Monday ``The SEC&#39;s lucky to get him, he&#39;s a great leader. He can help them through tumultuous times. He&#39;s got the background for it. We&#39;re going to miss him.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The official announcement of Slive&#39;s hiring is scheduled for Tuesday at a news conference at SEC headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. <br> <br> The 61-year-old Slive was the choice of the 13-member selection committee to replace the retiring Roy Kramer, the SEC&#39;s commissioner the past 12 years. Slive was at his CUSA office in Chicago Monday but did not immediately return phone messages. <br> <br> Slive, a lawyer whose former firm defended schools against NCAA probes in the 1980s and early 1990s, also heads the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee. <br> <br> Two SEC football programs -- Alabama and Kentucky -- are on NCAA probation, and three others -- Arkansas, LSU and Tennessee -- are under investigation.