ACC to eliminate Clemson, FSU ‘as long as it takes’

Andrea Adelson, ESPN Senior WriterJul 22, 2024, 02:30 PM ET

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• ACC reporter.
• Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
• Graduate of the University of Florida.CHARLOTTE, N.C.– ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said Monday that the league would fight claims with Clemson and Florida State”for as long as it takes, “including “this conference is larger than any one school or schools “as the league prepares to enter football season involved in courtrooms with two of its premier programs.In his opening remarks at ACC Kickoff, Phillips vigorously defended the league as questions have

  swirled about its long-lasting future. Florida State and Clemson are participated in claims against the ACC over the league’s withdrawal charge and grant of rights, and the league has actually submitted countersuits versus both schools. “I can mention that we will fight to protect the ACC and our members for as long as it takes,”Phillips stated.

  “We are confident in this league and that it will stay a leading conference in college athletics for the long-lasting future. These conflicts continue to be very destructive, disruptive and incredibly harmful to the league.”Editor’s Picks 2 Related He kept in mind that both Clemson and Florida State all signed the grant of rights contract in 2013 and once again in 2016 and”

  quite frankly, excitedly consented to our

  current tv contract and the launch of the ACC Network. The ACC, our collective membership and conference office is worthy of better.” Phillips also safeguarded former commissioner John Swofford, who was added to Florida State’s modified claim numerous months earlier. Florida State, which submitted its lawsuit in December, alleged

  “persistent fiduciary mismanagement and bad faith, “competing Swofford firmly insisted in discussions with prospective bidders for ACC media rights in 2010 that Raycom Sports be consisted of in any brand-new deal signed by the ACC.Raycom had a long partnership with the ACC however was struggling financially, and it needed to keep a plan of ACC media rights for survival, according to the problem. John Swofford’s kid, Chad Swofford, worked for Raycom at the time and eventually ended up being a vice president and basic manager at the business.” John Swofford is a decent and honorable guy and is extensively respected in our market, “Phillips said.”He led his conference with a stable hand for over two decades, and did so through consensus and compromise.

  “Added Phillips:” There isn’t a day that doesn’t go by that I don’t spend some time on the legal cases. I don’t think that’s going to change. We have actually proven that you have to move forward even with these types of interruptions.”

  He also said his working relationships with Clemson and Florida State have not changed, telling his staff the league would not deal with any school in a different way. “This thing does not need to be evil,”Phillips said.” This thing does not have to have to do with

  hatred and all the other things we see free streaming in our societies. We [have our] position, but we’ll do it in a respectful method.”It was his most strong comments in the seven months considering that Florida State filed its suit. Clemson submitted its suit in March.”Powerful moments deserve strong support and management,”Phillips said Monday when asked why he appeared more determined.”I do not understand that I have actually altered at all

  , other than I wait everything I have actually said. Either you think in what’s been signed or you do not. We’re going to do whatever we can to protect the league. This has been a league that started method before me– 71 years ago– and will be a league around a long period of time after I depart.”What gives conviction? I comprehend where we’re going. This conference is bigger than any one school or schools.”