West Virginia University’s statement they released from Director of Athletics Wren Baker and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Josh Eilert was a clear shot at the NCAA. It also gave some insight into WVU’s stance on why Battle should be clear as he “endured a vast amount of trauma in and around his life.”
The statement took a clear stance against the NCAA saying they “failed to do the right thing for the well-being and mental health of the student-athlete.”
The full statement from WVU can be read here
In addition, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey took to social media to also voice his displeasure with the NCAA. Morrisey had previously written to the NCAA regarding Battle’s waiver, and took to social media saying the NCAA has placed themselves in “legal peril.”
Morrisey said in full: “For too long, the NCAA has failed to maintain a consistent and defensible transfer policy. Refusing to let RaeQuan play is only the latest example. Its approach has placed it in legal peril. The NCAA is not immune from the laws of competition. It cannot continue reaching wildly inconsistent conclusions about students’ eligibility that harm athletic and economic fair play. This decision is deeply disturbing. I am coordinating with RaeQuan’s attorney and other attorneys general on next steps. But rest assured, my office will vigorously pursue all of our legal options.”
While West Virginia cannot appeal the decision, they now can make everything go public. The waiver was denied, the appeal was denied, but now they have the ability to air their grievances about the situation and why they believe the NCAA failed to do the right thing for Battle.
RaeQuan Battle will still be sidelined for the remainder of the 2023-2024 season. Battle was expected to be a big part of the Mountaineers and now they are still searching to find contributors on a team which sits at 2-2 through four games and does not have a much easier road ahead.
