Western Athletic Conference commissioner Karl
Benson announced today that in order to protect the WAC, WAC member
institutions and its student-athletes, the WAC is seeking a judicial
determination as to the date that Fresno State and the University of Nevada
Reno may terminate their membership with the WAC.
The WAC has maintained -- consistent with the
bylaws -- that these institutions may not depart the WAC until June 30,
2012. However, through both direct
communication with individuals at both schools and media reports, Fresno State
and University of
Nevada Reno have indicated
an intention to terminate their membership with the WAC prior to the date allowed
by the bylaws.
Due to the irreparable
injury such early withdrawal would cause to the WAC, a judicial determination
is required in the near future.
Additionally, as communications occurred regarding the Mountain West
Conference's desire to schedule conference play with Fresno
State and University of Nevada Reno
prior to June 30, 2012, the WAC is also seeking injunctive relief from such
action.
"The WAC is simply seeking to protect its
interests and insure that all member institutions are protected from a
potential and threatened violation of the bylaws." said Benson. "Such
inappropriate action would make it impossible for member institutions to
schedule athletic events and thereby would adversely affect the WAC, the WAC
member institutions and the student-athletes."