Big East Conference v. West Virginia University
Rhode Island Superior Court
C.A. No. PB 11-6391 (2011)
- Written by Marissa Richardson , JD
Facts
West Virginia University (WVU) (defendant) was a state university that had been a member of the Big East Conference (Big East) (plaintiff) since 1991. As a member of the Big East, WVU agreed to comply with the bylaws by which the Big East was governed. The bylaws included requirements that member schools had to comply with if they sought to withdraw from the Big East. Noncompliance with the requirements allowed the Big East to seek injunctive relief, as well as attorney’s fees and costs. On October 28, 2011, WVU publicly announced its intention to leave the Big East for another conference. On October 31, WVU filed an action in a West Virginia circuit court, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief. Four days later, on November 4, the Big East filed an action in a Rhode Island court, seeking specific performance by WVU and injunctive relief prohibiting WVU from withdrawing without complying with the bylaws. WVU moved to dismiss pursuant to the first-to-file rule.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Silverstein, J.)
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