Is it pretty much assumed that the ACC is ironclad in this 50 million exit fee? That's what Maryland is fighting - the amount, correct? Correct me if I'm wrong.
The exit fee is in the neighborhood of $52-53M. And yes, UMD is contesting that number. That amount was passed by a 10-2 conference vote, with UMD and FSU voting no.
It just seems like the ACC is really pissed off at Maryland and I can't imagine it's just the difference between the dollar signs from both sides.
Yep, both sides are PO'ed at the other, and, yes, its not just about the money. The exit fee was originally UMD's idea, suggested by their president, Wallace Loh. And, its original amount was approximately $20M. When the rest of the ACC voted to raise the amount to the current $52M, UMD voted no. And, they have maintained that because they voted no, that they should not be bound by it.
The ACC is most PO'ed by UMD participating in conference business all while secretly negotiating with the B1G under a non-disclosure agreement that was possibly in violation of Maryland state law.
Also, in fairness toUMD, they are also claiming that they ACC did not give its members 15 days notice prior to amending the exit fee, which is also an ACC bylaw.
Let's be honest please. The ACC is butthurt that the B1G and Maryland have done to them what they have done so well to the BE. Steal a team in darkness when everyone is asleep. And I'm sure it hurts Swoffords ego that one of his schools doesn't want to be associated with his conference anymore.
