In a groundbreaking move, the Florida State University (FSU) Board of Trustees unanimously decided to challenge the Atlantic Coast Conference's (ACC) Grant of Right (GOR) agreement, marking the initial step towards leaving the ACC. FSU Board of Trustees Chair Peter Collins asserted that the board had no alternative but to question the legitimacy of the ACC's GOR and its punitive withdrawal penalties.
Presenting FSU's legal arguments, outside counsel David Ashburn pointed to violations of Florida antitrust law, unenforceable penalties, breaches of contract and fiduciary duty, as well as violations of public policy and a fundamental failure of contractual purpose.
During the meeting, startling revelations came to light, exposing critical aspects of the ACC's contractual dynamics. Notably, uncertainties loom over the ACC's television revenue post-2027, with ESPN holding the unilateral right to extend the media deal, an option yet to be exercised. Ashburn revealed that FSU agreed to the 2016 GOR under an ultimatum from ESPN, emphasizing, "We don't believe that holds water."
The strained relationship between Florida State and the ACC intensified over the past year, as financial gaps with the Big Ten and SEC became glaringly apparent. The revelation of the "Magnificent Seven's" exploration of leaving the ACC preceded a controversial westward expansion by the conference. The final blow occurred when FSU, as the undefeated Power 5 conference champion, was excluded from the College Football Playoff, solidifying the ACC's status as a second-tier league. Credit goes to Tomahawk Nation of SB Nation for the original information.
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23 авг 2024