West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has vowed to take legal action against the NCAA after his state’s men’s basketball team was snubbed from the tournament. Morrisey, who is chair of the “National Corrupt Athletic Association” (a mock organization), claims that West Virginia’s exclusion from the 68-team field was a “miscarriage of justice” and “robbery at the highest level.”
The Mountaineers, who finished 19-13 overall and 10-10 in conference play, were considered a safe bet to make the tournament but were instead left out. Morrisey has asked state Attorney General John McCuskey to investigate whether any “backdoor deals” or biases influenced the selection committee’s decision.
The snub has drawn ire from West Virginia officials, including Head Coach Darian DeVries and Athletic Director Wren Baker, who both released statements expressing disappointment and shock. The team’s exclusion has also led to criticism of the NCAA’s selection process, with some pointing out that other questionable teams made it into the tournament.
Morrisey has previously taken on the NCAA in a lawsuit challenging transfer rules during his tenure as state attorney general. He is now suggesting that West Virginia’s snub may be retaliation for that case.
The controversy has sparked debate about bias and corruption within the NCAA, with some calling for greater transparency and accountability from the organization. As the investigation into the selection committee gets underway, Morrisey is promising to “get to the bottom of it” and ensure that justice is served.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/article/west-virginia-governor-threatens-legal-action-against-ncaa-after-mountaineers-tournament-snub-174438428.html