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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

West Virginia filing suit to dump Big East

College athletics: West Virginia University filed a lawsuit Monday seeking an immediate divorce from the Big East so it can become a member of the Big 12 before the 2012 football season.

The Big 12 announced West Virginia’s acceptance on Friday, but the Big East said it would hold the Mountaineers to a provision in the bylaws that requires notice of 27 months before a school can withdraw.

The lawsuit asks the Monongalia County Circuit Court to declare the bylaws invalid, claiming that the Big East breached its fiduciary duty by failing to maintain a balance between football-playing and non-football members.

The complaint, which asks for a jury trial, also alleges that the Big East agreed to West Virginia’s immediate withdrawal by accepting a $2.5 million down payment on its $5 million exit fee.

“We are disappointed that West Virginia has adopted this strategy and cannot imagine why it believes it does not have to respect and honor the bylaws it agreed to as a member of the Big East,” said Big East commissioner John Marinatto.

Sullinger unanimous pick for AP team

College basketball: Jordan Taylor is in a class by himself on the Associated Press’ preseason All-America team.

The guard from Wisconsin was the only senior on the team. He was joined by four sophomores, including Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger, a unanimous pick of the 65-member national media panel.

Harrison Barnes of North Carolina, Terrence Jones of Kentucky and Jeremy Lamb of Connecticut were the other sophomores.

Red Wings, Kronwall agree on 7-year deal

NHL: The Detroit Red Wings signed Niklas Kronwall to a seven-year, $33.25 million contract and gave general manager Ken Holland one fewer moves to worry about.

Detroit’s deal keeps the 30-year-old defenseman off the market next summer.

“He could’ve been an unrestricted free agent that we couldn’t have truly replaced,” Holland said.

On the ice: Viktor Stalberg scored at 2:18 of overtime and Patrick Kane had two goals and an assist in regulation to help Chicago beat Nashville 5-4… . Ryan Callahan scored twice in New York’s three-goal second period, and the Rangers shook off a blown lead and raced past San Jose 5-2… . Andrew Ladd and Kyle Wellwood each scored goals in a shootout and Winnipeg beat Florida 4-3. Evander Kane scored two goals and Wellwood also scored in regulation for Winnipeg.

Remarkable Uncle Mo favored in BC Classic

Horse racing: Uncle Mo is back at Churchill Downs as the early 5-2 favorite in a field of 13 for the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic nearly six months after he was knocked out of the Kentucky Derby on the eve of the race with what was later diagnosed as a life-threatening liver disease.

“Uncle Mo has never looked better, has never trained better,” said owner Mike Repole, due to arrive in Louisville today. “For him to make this comeback in just four months from being diagnosed is amazing.”

Uncle Mo and John Velazquez will break from the No. 12 post in Saturday’s 1 1/4-mile race.