Florida State University Board Of Trustees Receive Good News Regarding ACC's Lawsuit

The university's motion to dismiss will be heard in North Carolina on March 22.

Jackson Bakich | Feb 10, 2024

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Florida State Seminoles

On Friday, Florida State University received good news: its motion to dismiss or stay the Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) lawsuit against the public institution will be heard on March 22.

This proceeding will be heard in the Mecklenburg County Business Court. It will also review the ACC’s motion to seal documents such as the “ironclad” Grant of Rights that has been secretly concealed from conference members in North Carolina and can only be viewed with permission.

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Last month, the FSU BOT amended its own lawsuit against the ACC.

One of the main arguments for FSU is that the ACC has failed to withhold its fiduciary responsibilities, among other complaints.

Florida State estimates leaving the conference would cost $572 million immediately.

In the amendment, the university name-drops former ACC Commissioner John Swofford and the deals made during the latter portion of his tenure, providing more evidence of the fiduciary irresponsibility that FSU is alleging.

“Florida State is a victim of chronic mismanagement and self-dealing by ACC leadership and finds itself unable to effectively evaluate alternatives while the Severe Withdrawal ACC Penalties and the ACC GofR (Grant of Rights) hang over Florida State’s head,” the amendment states.

The amendment accuses Swofford of negotiating with ESPN and Fox in 2008 to keep Raycom part of the ACC’s broadcasting partnership rather than “trying to bid against their deeper pockets.”

With more and more evidence provided by FSU, this story continues to develop slowly but surely. It appears the public won’t know the entire story until a decision is made.

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason.

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Published Feb 10, 2024

JACKSON BAKICH

Born in Orlando but raised in Lake County, Florida, Jackson Bakich is currently a senior at Florida State University. Growing up in the Sunshine State, Bakich co-hosted the political talk radio show "Lake County Roundtable" (WLBE) and was a frequent guest for "Lake County Sports Show" (WQBQ). Currently, he is the Sports Editor of the FSView and host of "Tomahawk Talk" (WVFS), a sports talk radio program covering Florida State athletics in Tallahassee.