The Big East released a statement to confirm the termination of West Virginia University membership, effective June 30, 2012. West Virginia will join the Big 12 in 2012, but not without paying a healthy sum to the Big East on their way out the door.
A settlement agreement between the university and conference for a reported $20 million to cover exit fees, penalties and more in order to get out of sticking to the conference's 27-month waiting period. Money is the cure it would seem when it comes to the Big East and West Virginia.
“West Virginia University has acknowledged and agreed that the Court in Monongalia County, West Virginia, will enter a judgment that the BIG EAST Conference Bylaws are valid and enforceable, and will dismiss with prejudice all of West Virginia’s claims against the Conference.” stated John Marinatto Commissioner of the BIG EAST Conference.
“Our membership in the Big 12 offers WVU significant advantages,” said West Virginia Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Oliver Luck. “The Big 12 is a strong and vibrant conference academically and athletically. We look forward to the potential academic and athletic partnerships and financial opportunities that membership in the Big 12 offers."
The Big East also confirmed that contrasting lawsuits between both sides will be dismissed upon fulfillment of the settlement.
“This closes a chapter and opens a new one filled with exciting possibilities for WVU’s future," Luck added in a separate press release. "I’ve heard from Mountaineer fans across the country who have made it very clear that they are proud and honored to be heading into the Big 12.”
The Big East will hope to bring in one of their future members a year early, with Boise State the most desirable and likely candidate to move from the Mountain West Conference in 2012.
Expect the Big 12 to release their football schedule soon. The Big 12 was reuired to submit a football schedule to television partners on February 1, but due to the ongoing legal disputes between West Virginia and the Big East the Big 12 was unable to release their football schedule, which includes West Virginia.
Kevin McGuire is a national college football writer for Examiner.com and the host of the No 2-Minute Warning podcast. He can be reached at cfbexaminer@gmail.com.
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