WVU Lawsuit Settled
In the battle for collegiate conference supremacy, West Virginia University, paid big time to get what they wanted. While WVU's athletic director, Oliver Luck, said the terms of the settlement were confidential, it has been reported that the settlement totaled $20 million. It is unknown how the settlement proceeds will be paid, however, they will not come from state, taxpayer, tuition, or other academic dollars, rather exclusively from private sources and money the athletic department raised independently. This settlement stems from WVU's suit against the Big East challenging the enforcability of the Big East's by laws so WVU could leave for the Big 12 prior to the 2014 season, a 27 month requirement. After WVU filed suit, the Big Easy sued WVU in another venue, alleging that WVU breached its contract with the Big East and was required to remain in the Big East for two years. Recently, WVU's motion to dismiss the Big East's lawsuit was denied, which most likely prompted the settlement. As part of the settlement and dismissal of the suits, WVU agred to have a West Virginia court enter a judgment declaring the Big East's by laws valid and enforceable. By leaving the Big East, WVU should receive between $18 and $19 million per year from the Big 12's lucrative television deals, nearly double what it would have received from the Big East. With the settlement, WVU is cleared to join the Big 12, and will begin conference play at home against Baylor on September 29, 2012.
My name is Christopher Fusco. I am the managing partner of Callahan & Fusco, LLC with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.