E-mail Shows WVU Suing Big East To Leave Conference Early

West Virginia Univ. is filing suit against the Big East "so it can join the Big 12 next season," according to an e-mail to Big East presidents today from Commissioner John Marinatto. He wrote, "We have been advised by West Virginia league council that the University is filing suit against the Big East Conference today – presumably to get relief from the withdrawal provision contained in our bylaws." The conference requires a $5M exit fee and 27 months notice to leave the conference. Big East presidents and chancellors tomorrow are expected to "formalize plans to add as many as six schools" (CBSSPORTS.com, 10/31).