Pac-12 departing schools release statement after court rules in favor of WSU, OSU
The departing Pac-12 schools are challenging the Whitman (Washington) County court’s Tuesday decision in favor of Washington State and Oregon State.
The 10 schools leaving for other conferences released a joint statement. While the court rules that the 10 schools do not have voting power, the schools will challenge that the conference bylaws say they are full members. The 10 schools also say they have the right to the revenue earned during the 2023-24 season, which is sure to be a major point of contention.
The statement, which can be read in full below, says the appeal will go to the Washington Supreme Court. The 10 schools are requesting a hold on the implementation of the Whitman decision.
“We are disappointed with the decision and are immediately seeking review in the Washington Supreme Court and requesting to put on hold implementation of this decision. As members of the Pac-12, participating in ongoing and scheduled competitions, we are members of the board under the Pac-12 bylaws. We have the right to the revenue earned by our schools during the 2023-2024 academic year, which is necessary in order to operate our athletics programs and to provide mental and physical health services, academic support, and other support programs for our student-athletes. We remain committed to the best interests of our student-athletes, athletic departments, and university communities and will persist in our efforts to secure a fair resolution.”
