West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has once again hinted at the possibility of suing the NCAA following the West Virginia University (WVU) men’s basketball team’s exclusion from the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Morrisey, who has previously taken legal action against the NCAA on behalf of WVU, took to social media to express his frustration and suggest that further oversight of the organization may be necessary.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Morrisey referenced his previous legal battles with the NCAA, stating, “West Virginia and other states sued the NCAA once before and won under my watch—maybe it’s time for some more oversight yet again. This is wrong on every level!” His remarks quickly gained attention among fans, media, and sports analysts, fueling further controversy over the tournament selection process.
Morrisey previously played a key role in a legal battle against the NCAA in 2023 when he served as West Virginia’s Attorney General. That lawsuit, which involved a coalition of seven states, successfully challenged the NCAA’s transfer policy. The case revolved around WVU basketball player RaeQuan Battle, who was initially denied an eligibility waiver after transferring multiple times as an undergraduate. The legal action resulted in an injunction that allowed Battle and other affected players to compete, ultimately forcing the NCAA to revise its transfer policies.
The exclusion of the Mountaineers from the 2025 tournament has sparked widespread disappointment, with WVU men’s basketball coach Darian DeVries and athletic director Wren Baker publicly voicing their frustrations. DeVries, in an official statement, called the decision “extremely shocking, saddening, and disappointing,” emphasizing that the team had built a resume worthy of an NCAA Tournament selection. “I am incredibly proud of this team and what they accomplished. They poured their hearts into this season and put all their collective efforts into making the NCAA Tournament, and I believe they did that,” he added.
Baker echoed those sentiments, describing the committee’s decision as a “terrible travesty.” In a social media post, he stated, “I can’t comprehend this team being left out. Our resume was better than several teams in the field, and it’s heartbreaking for WVU hoops. Coach DeVries, our coaching staff, and players deserved better than what the committee delivered today.” He urged fans to continue supporting the team, despite the disappointing outcome.
The debate over WVU’s exclusion has reignited broader discussions about the transparency and fairness of the NCAA selection process. Many analysts and fans argue that other teams with weaker resumes were included in the tournament, raising questions about the criteria used by the selection committee. Some speculate that political and financial influences may play a role in these decisions, further intensifying the controversy.
If Morrisey follows through with his legal threats, it could lead to another high-profile court battle between state governments and the NCAA. Legal experts suggest that while a lawsuit would face significant challenges, Morrisey’s previous success against the organization demonstrates that state intervention can have an impact on NCAA policies.
As the situation unfolds, Mountaineer fans remain outraged, with many calling for greater accountability in the tournament selection process. Whether legal action is ultimately pursued remains to be seen, but Morrisey’s comments have already ensured that the NCAA’s decision will not go unchallenged.