(03-11-2015 06:21 PM)GE and MTS Wrote: (03-11-2015 05:38 PM)SlyFox Wrote: It wouldn't take much of a lawsuit to get us up to the next level. Frankly we have an incredible case based on our capability and desire to be FBS being denied by exclusivity of an organization that has an Antitrust exemption. But is winnign such a lawsuit what we really want? Being an Indy that had ot sue its way into the club wouldn't bode well for us.
I agree with you. I believe it would be suicide for our athletic programs if we sued the NCAA to go independent in FBS straight from FCS. Then after we win a lawsuit against them, we have to get five schools to come to play us at Lynchburg a year. Who would want to come to our house to play us after we just sued them? And that's just football. I bet the FBS schools in the NCAA would be bitter enough to blacklist us for their other sports too. So if we go FBS independent, get excited to have some combination of UMass, Idaho, New Mexico State, an FCS school, and one other school to throw us a bone. The following year I don't know what we'd do because those schools (minus the FCS one) would probably want a return trip to their place.
No one here seems to be saying going indy is the first choice and that suing for membership is a good idea. Some seems to be saying it's the last choice if it's the last option.
If I understand you correctly, if no invite comes for LU, you would be content with LU staying FCS in perpetuity. 5, 10, 20 years or longer and you would be okay with FCS? I don't believe the school will stand for that.
A point to clarify, the NCAA would be the organization challenged, not any individual school. No school would suffer any economic consequence or embarrassment as they are not involved. It would be more like a challenge to a rule or agreement by a ruling body. No schools would be harmed economically or be singled out.
In a similar manner, 8 years ago when LCA applied for membership in the VHSL the request was denied. Two years later LCA again applied and was denied. LCA filed suite against the VHSL in June 2014.
Here's the N&A June article:
http://www.newsadvance.com/news/liberty-...f6878.html
This is pointed out to clarify that if LCA wins it's claim for membership in the VHSL, it's against the VHSL not the individual schools. Granted the NCAA and the VHSL are two different animals. But the similarities are striking.
Blacklisting is a very tricky topic. It opens up another whole kettle of fish that will take us down a rabbit hole with what if scenarios. Let's just say that any group of schools that refused to play LU based on a membership rule challenge would be likely liable for damages. As the schools will not be a part of the suit this is a mute point. Most anytime any group uses blacklisting as a tactic problems usually occur (realtors and fair housing, discrimination etc..)
Let's all just hope that C-USA, the SBC, or MAC come through with an invite. It's the best for all concerned.