Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Judge denies motions in WVU media rights laws

A judge has denied several motions to dismiss West Virginia Radio Corp.'s lawsuit over how West Virginia University awarded a media rights contract for sporting events.

Judge Thomas Evans on Monday rejected requests by WVU Board of Governors, the WVU Foundation and other parties to dismiss the lawsuit in Monongalia County Circuit Court. The motions were based on arguments that West Virginia Radio had failed to make a case for fraud and a violation of public procurement laws. Evans ruled these are important public policy matters and need to be heard.

The network wants Evans to stop WVU from finalizing a 12-year contract with North Carolina-based IMG College.

The judge also is hearing arguments on West Virginia Radio's motion to block the deal and reset the clock to June.