Liberty Contemplating Lawsuit Re: Conference Membership?

[HkyMtneer]

Noticed something that popped up a bit ago that alluded to the prospect of Liberty filing a lawsuit, presumably against the Sun Belt, as a result of once again being passed over, or so it would appear, in favor of little Big South brethren Coastal Carolina. Granted, this mention came from a mid-tier site so I somewhat question(ed) it's validity and made a couple well-placed calls to Central VA. One of those I spoke with had no clue about a potential lawsuit being readied, the other person left me with the vibe that the idea has merit. It's something to think about. Liberty has one of the best in-house legal counsels in the country and the opportunity to make a stink might prove worthy of the time, especially when you compare athletic programs (CCU & Liberty) readiness. We've debated the pros/cons of LU numerous times here on the MMB, usually as a direct result of something I've posted, so I really don't want to go down that nasty road again but thought the piece worthy of posting. Ultimately, I don't think a Liberty lawsuit would be viewed so much as a legitimate attempt to force themselves into the belt, rather a lawsuit might compel the NCAA to open up the independent door once again, which is an avenue I believe TPTB at LU would take at this point.

http://www.midmajormadness.com/2015/8/3 ... ustice-for

[BeauFoster]

"We didn't get what we wanted, so it must be because we are religious. We're gonna sue you meanies!" They tried to buy their way in and still couldn't make any friends. Screw Liberty.

[Gonzo]

If an attorney took this he should be sanctioned...

[Appsolutely]

How un-Christian of them! They should turn the other cheek...ie., get over it.

[HkyMtneer]

"We didn't get what we wanted, so it must be because we are religious. We're gonna sue you meanies!" They tried to buy their way in and still couldn't make any friends. Screw Liberty.

To be fair that mantra is the default reasoning for any "oppressed" party entering into a discrimination lawsuit, be it for racial inequalities, sexual orientation, etc. I dare say half or better of those lawsuits are won by the plaintiffs, or at least settled out-of-court, regardless of whether any actual discriminatory offense took place, so I guess if Liberty were to proceed they would be thinking along those lines.

[hapapp]

"We didn't get what we wanted, so it must be because we are religious. We're gonna sue you meanies!" They tried to buy their way in and still couldn't make any friends. Screw Liberty.

To be fair that mantra is the default reasoning for any "oppressed" party entering into a discrimination lawsuit, be it for racial inequalities, sexual orientation, etc. I dare say half or better of those lawsuits are won by the plaintiffs, or at least settled out-of-court, regardless of whether any actual discriminatory offense took place, so I guess if Liberty were to proceed they would be thinking along those lines.

Certainly a way to curry favor with the SBC.

[HkyMtneer]

"We didn't get what we wanted, so it must be because we are religious. We're gonna sue you meanies!" They tried to buy their way in and still couldn't make any friends. Screw Liberty.

To be fair that mantra is the default reasoning for any "oppressed" party entering into a discrimination lawsuit, be it for racial inequalities, sexual orientation, etc. I dare say half or better of those lawsuits are won by the plaintiffs, or at least settled out-of-court, regardless of whether any actual discriminatory offense took place, so I guess if Liberty were to proceed they would be thinking along those lines.

Certainly a way to curry favor with the SBC.

I don't believe a lawsuit would be so much directly aimed at the SBC, as I believe Liberty knows that ship has sailed, at least for the time being. Rather, a positive or possibly even neutral outcome to such a suit might allow LU to gain a legal position to move forward with a further claim towards the NCAA in a possible quest for FBS Independent classification.

[appstate77]

To quote scripture, Liberty has "reaped what they have sown." They will not get any kindly made invitation to a conference until their President has a last name that does not begin with Falwell. The SoCon didn't want them. Neither does The Belt.

A lawsuit will only make their reputation worse. They will be left on the FCS island crying "persecution, persecution" while they continue to make the Christian Faith, the Faith I have served as an ordained minister since 1978, look silly.

All I'll say about it..........

[AppinVA]

I don't think a suit would be directed at the SBC, per se, but more toward the possibility of being able to go independent in FBS should they wish. I don't see where they have ground in the former, but I see a case for the latter.

I wish them luck, and welcome them to FBS should they sue for and win the right to be FBS independent.

[T-Dog]

I'm fine with them becoming an FBS Independent. I would like to know where they're going to put their non-football sports though. I don't think the Big South would keep them and I don't think the A-10 would take them.

[BeauFoster]

My concern is that LU will try to sue the schools in the conference, along with the Belt.

[Gonzo]

[AppState1]

I assume Liberty will be represented by an attorney with an online law degree.

[Rekdiver]

A lawsuit against a specific conference is a joke. Against the NCAA and the P5 as anti-trust and racketeering could have legs.

[CoastalFan2001]

You serious, Clark? This can't be true.

[HkyMtneer]

Quote from Chancellor Falwell in the Lynchburg newspaper:

"...and when asked if suing to become an FBS independent has been discussed among the administration, he said, “no, it hasn’t.”

The Chancellor did note in the piece that he still regularly exchanges text with Karl Benson and that the SB door isn't necessarily shut, while also saying that "more than one option" exists in regards to a possible path towards FBS membership.

http://www.newsadvance.com/sports/liber ... e067d.html

[app97]

I didn't want LU in the Belt, but what were the specifics as to why they were denied?

[TheMoody1]

I didn't want LU in the Belt, but what were the specifics as to why they were denied?

I am not sure that Liberty was ever put up for an official vote. IMO- it is because they have a contoversial past and are a private school that many consider an online diploma mill.

[HkyMtneer]

I didn't want LU in the Belt, but what were the specifics as to why they were denied?

Straightest answer: not enough votes, if they were ever put up for a vote. The reasoning behind not enough votes: varied. It was probably a combination of many things from: market, private vs. public schools, LU having resources (financial, etc.) that the Sun Belt schools generally do not have access to, religious stance(s), past/current views/values not aligning, the aforementioned online program's reputation as a revenue generator(which is distinctly separate from the residential program), etc.

[Saint3333]

My concern is that LU will try to sue the schools in the conference, along with the Belt.

Our defense is pretty easy. Line up Liberty vs. CCU in the big three sports and CCU has the better track record. And their location is better being close to three SBC schools, not one.