Big East sues TCU, seeking $5 million

[cpawstoney]

The Big East sued TCU on Monday, claiming the school has failed to pay its $5 million exit fee to join the Big 12.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington. Big East spokesman John Paquette said the league had no comment

Last month, Pitt sued the Big East to be able to join the ACC in time for the 2013 season.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast/post...king-5-million

[cpawstoney]

In the lawsuit, the Big East says it has "made demand for the payment owed under the Agreement, but TCU has refused to make that payment or acknowledge its obligation to do so."

"TCU administrators were surprised by this lawsuit and believe it is premature. The University is hopeful for an amicable resolution of this matter," the school said in a statement. "Because of the pending litigation, TCU will have no further comment."

TCU is leaving the Mountain West and will become a member of the Big 12 in July.

The Big East settled in February dueling lawsuits with West Virginia, which is also joining the Big 12 in July. The Big East received $20 million and West Virginia was allowed to leave the conference before the end of the 27-month notification period required by the league's bylaws.

http://espn.go.com/dallas/ncf/story/...rogs-5-million

[swilsonsp4]

Apparently, the $5MM is a number drawn out of a hat in Providence. This is headed for negotiations, IMO.

http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/06...5-million.html

"The lawsuit also contends that TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte 'publicly acknowledged TCU’s contractual obligation to compensate the Big East for its refusal to join the conference' on Oct. 11, 2011, at a news conference announcing that TCU would join the Big 12 instead."