Virginia AG threatens legal action over JMU bowl exclusion

Field Level Media|published: Thu 16th November, 13:55 2023

Sept 9, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; James Madison Dukes running back Ty Son Lawton (7) points at the camera after scoring a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at Scott Stadium. credits: Hannah Pajewski-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia's attorney general has threatened legal action if the NCAA doesn't reverse its decision to exclude James Madison from bowl consideration this season.

A law firm engaged by Virginia AG Jason Miyares sent a demand letter to the NCAA ahead of the NCAA's anticipated announcement Wednesday night. The letter requests a response by noon Friday.

"We are prepared to act on behalf of JMU in the unfortunate circumstance that JMU's request for relief is not timely approved," said the letter, which was obtained by ESPN on Thursday. "Specifically, JMU is prepared to promptly file a lawsuit in the Western District of Virginia asserting that the bowl ban violates the antitrust and, potentially, other laws."

James Madison, which is in Harrisonburg, Va., has yet to wrap up its second season of a required two-year transition period from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Football Bowl Subdivision.

The Dukes are 10-0 and ranked No. 18 in the AP Top 25, but are not in the College Football Playoff rankings due to the transition eligibility.

James Madison asked for the waiting period for full bowl eligibility to be sliced to one year and the NCAA refused.

The Dukes could still wind up in a bowl game. They would be eligible for bowl bid consideration only if not enough teams finish with records of .500 or better to stock the 41 bowl games.

—Field Level Media

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