The Big East already filed a countersuit against West Virginia when the Mountaineers tried to -- and, eventually, successfully -- force their way into the Big 12 this season, so what’s another suit against a former (sort of) member, amirite?
According to a report from Bloomberg.com, the Big East filed a complaint Monday claiming TCU has not paid the $5 million buyout that the Horned Frogs promised to fork over when they opted to join the Big 12 last fall instead of the Big East.
“The Big East made demand for the payment owed under the agreement, but Texas Christian University has refused to make that payment or acknowledge its obligation to do so,” the lawsuit states. As a result, TCU has allegedly “materially breached” its contract with its “former” league, so to speak.
In reply, TCU released the following (the link also has a copy of the suit):
“TCU administrators were surprised by this lawsuit and believe it is premature. The University is hopeful for an amicable resolution of this matter. Because of the pending litigation TCU will have no further comment.”
TCU originally made plans to join the Big East in 2010. However, when TCU joined the Big 12 last October in the wake of more conference realignment, it agreed to pay the $5 million exit fee, but did not have to wait the required 27-month period to leave. A few weeks later, WVU sued the Big East for the right to join the Big 12 in 2012, at which point the Big East countersued in an attempt to keep the Mountaineers from bolting right away.
TCU, along with WVU, will join the Big 12 in all sports beginning next month. Currently, Pitt is filing its own suit against the Big East for the right to join the ACC in 2013.