Big East Countersues West Virginia to Uphold 27-Month Waiting Period

The Big East has countersued West Virginia University on Friday following the Mountaineers’ suit against the conference in order to get out of their contract, which stipulates that there is a 27-month waiting policy before any school can leave.

Big East commissioner John Marinatto had this to say about the situation. "Today's legal action underscores the Big East conference's stated position that it will vigorously pursue the enforcement of its rights and West Virginia University's obligations under the conference's bylaws, which West Virginia formally agreed to and helped construct.”

Pittsburgh and Syracuse are also leaving the conference but they have not sued the conference.

TCU was going to join the Big East but since they have yet to compete—they were going to start play next year—they do not have to wait and will join the Big 12 next season instead.

There has been absolutely no let up from Marinatto regarding allowing any team out of the contract early, and that is likely because the conference is in dire need of teams.

The league may be a giant in basketball, both figuratively and literally, but without those four teams, the conference would only have five football schools. Those spots are hoped to be filled soon though the Big East has yet to issue any formal invitations. It is expected that Boise State, Houston, SMU, Central Florida, Navy and Army would receive those invites.

Once the conference has enough members to settle a television contract, there is really no reason for them to hold Pitt, Syracuse or West Virginia, but if money can be made off of this suit against WVU, all bets are off.

Let’s hope this thing resolves itself quickly so we can get back to the football being played on the field and not all of the off-field money grabbing issues currently taking hold of the sport.