Oregon State, Washington State granted preliminary injunction, gain sole control of Pac-12

A judge ruled in favor of Oregon State and Washington State in their quest to gain control of the Pac-12 Conference’s governance and remaining assets on Tuesday. Judge Libey said that he ruled in favor of Oregon State and Washington State because he believed that they were likely to prevail in court on their interpretation of the Pac-12 bylaws and because he believes that they would suffer “irreparable harm without the preliminary injunction” because they cannot make decisions regarding their futures. The lawyers representing outgoing Pac-12 members expressed a great deal of concern about whether that means Oregon State and Washington State can withhold this year’s distributions from outgoing members, but Libey’s comments about getting involved if the “Pac-2” harm the 10 departing members suggest an answer to that question. If nothing else, Libey’s conclusion that “the court finds the plaintiffs likely to prevail” may motivate the parties to reach a settlement that would then allow Oregon State and Washington State to assume control. What they’re saying “We are pleased with the Court’s decision today that Oregon State and Washington State constitute the only remaining members of the Pac-12 Conference Board,” Oregon State president Jayathi Murthy and athletic director Scott Barnes said in a joint statement.