The university filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Middlesex County Courthouse against the Big East in an attempt to avoid paying the $5 million to $10 million exit fee, recover millions it claims the league owes the school in withdrawal fees and financial damages and avoid giving a 27-month notice of withdrawal.
The suit is just a taste of what the ransacked conference is going through.
Rutgers is planning to join the Big Ten at the start of the 2014 football season. In order for that to happen, the university needs the court to void by July 1, 2013 the contractual bylaw that forces the school to remain in the Big East until early 2015.
In the past, the Big East has allowed Pittsburgh, Syracuse, West Virginia and TCU to leave the conference before the 27-month waiting period has expired.
The conference voted to increase its exit fee from $5 million to $10 million last month. Rutgers did vote on the motion — but was opposed.
Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti said the Scarlet Knights wanted out of the Big East for increased stability and financial gains.
The Big East has now lost seven teams — Louisville, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, TCU and West Virginia to other conferences and might be on the verge of total collapse.
Hey Rutgers! Have fun with Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
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