CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – UPDATE 3/17/25 1:26 PM: In a press conference on Monday afternoon, Governor Patrick Morrisey alongside Attorney General JB McCuskey announced an investigation into the NCAA following its decision to leave the WVU Men’s Basketball team out of the 2025 tournament.
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ORIGINAL STORY: West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is considering legal action against the NCAA after the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineers men’s basketball team was left out of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Morrisey took to social media to express his frustration, hinting at possible litigation.
“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!” Morrisey posted on X.
WVU’s exclusion has sparked outrage among fans and analysts alike, particularly due to the inclusion of North Carolina, which ultimately pushed the Mountaineers out of the tournament.
Criticism has been directed at Selection Committee Chair Bubba Cunningham, who also serves as North Carolina’s Athletic Director.
Reports indicate Cunningham receives incentives if the Tar Heels qualify for the NCAA Tournament, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest.
Morrisey is not alone in voicing his discontent.
WVU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Darian DeVries expressed disappointment over the decision.
“Obviously, we are extremely shocked, saddened, and disappointed with not being selected for the NCAA Tournament. We strongly believe that we have a resume that is worthy of an NCAA Tournament team,” DeVries stated.
“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.”
WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker echoed those sentiments in a post on X.
“Heartbroken for @WVUhoops. I can’t comprehend this team being left out. Our resume was better than several teams in the field, and it’s a terrible travesty that we weren’t included. I have so much appreciation for @Coach_DeVries, our coaching staff, and players. They deserved better than what the committee delivered today. Let’s rally around these young men and let them know how proud we are of them!”
On Monday morning, Morrisey doubled down on his criticism, calling the NCAA’s decision “shady.”
“The National Corrupt Athletic Association is continuing its shady activities against WVU. There’s clearly some home cookin’ going on in North Carolina.
An investigation may be warranted,” he wrote on X.
New reports indicate that WVU will decline invitations to both the NIT and the newly established Crown Tournament.
