COLFAX, Wash. — Washington State University and Oregon State University won a crucial court battle late Tuesday afternoon as the schools continue to battle for the future of their athletics programs, but challenges remain.
Whitman County Superior Court Judge Gary Libey ruled that WSU and OSU should be the only governing members of the Pac-12 board of directors. He revised the injunction to require WSU and OSU to create an agenda whenever they meet and to notify the departing 10 schools.
“We have always been committed to protecting the best interests of the conference, our student-athletes, coaches and fans,” WSU President Kirk Schultz and Director of Athletics Pat Chun said in a joint statement. “Today’s news allows Washington State University and Oregon State University to start that process as the controlling members of the Pac-12 Conference Board.”
Attorneys for the Pac-12 said they planned the challenge the ruling and asked Judge Libey to stay his decision to give them time to do so. Attorneys for OSU and WSU didn’t object, and Libey agreed to stay his ruling until Nov. 20 at noon.
After issuing his ruling, Libey clarified the existing temporary restraining order that prevents the board from gathering to make any decisions beyond normal daily business will remain in place.
