The Florida State board of trustees voted unanimously Friday to file suit against the ACC to challenge the legality of both the league’s grant of rights and $130 million withdrawal fee, a necessary first step to plot its future and potential exit from the conference.
“I believe this board has been left no choice but to challenge the legitimacy of the ACC grant of rights and its severe withdrawal penalties,” board chairman Peter Collins said. “None of us like being in this position. However, I believe that we have exhausted all possible remedies within the conference and we must do what we believe is best for Florida State not only in the short term, but in the long term.”
Florida State is now in unprecedented territory. No school has ever challenged a grant of rights in court.