MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Oct. 31 (UPI) -- West Virginia, looking to join the Big 12 Conference, has filed suit seeking an immediate release from the Big East, documents indicated Monday.
The civil suit, filed in Monongalia (W.Va.) County Circuit Court, says the school shouldn't be held to a 27-month waiting period required of all departing teams because of actions by Big East Commissioner John Marinatto, ESPN.com reported.
The suit contends the waiting period should be voided because the Big East did nothing to maintain the viability of the conference and protect the six remaining schools following the departures of Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Texas Christian.
The broadcaster quoted the suit as accusing Marinatto of failing to take necessary measures to "maintain, let alone enhance the quality of competition in the league."
West Virginia, the suit claims, thus had no choice but to accept an invitation to the Big 12.
"We are disappointed that West Virginia has adopted this strategy and cannot imagine why it believes it does not have to respect and honor the bylaws it agreed to as a member of the Big East," Marinatto said in a statement.
