What’s Next in Clemson vs. ACC

CLEMSON — Friday was a big win for Clemson in its lawsuit against the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Judge Perry H. Gravely denied the ACC’s motion to dismiss the case in the state of South Carolina in a Pickens County Courthouse. The judge said Clemson proved specific jurisdiction and ruled in the university’s favor .

What’s next as Clemson tries to separate itself from the ACC, as it hopes to find way out of the league’s grant of rights chokehold and large exit fee.

Probably a long wait.

Of course, it does not help that North Carolina judge Louis Bledsoe announced he will retire on Jan. 1. His retirement could delay Clemson’s appeal to his ruling in the state of North Carolina earlier this week . Clemson filed an appeal to Judge Bledsoe’s ruling to the North Carolina Supreme Court on Thursday.

The news of Bledsoe’s retirement is not too surprising considering it was mentioned in the South Carolina jurisdiction hearing on Friday. Clemson attorney Rush Smith alluded to Bledsoe’s possible retirement from the bench, as he explained why it was important for Judge Gravely to rule on jurisdiction in South Carolina instead of waiting on the North Carolina appeal to go through, which could take anywhere from a year to 18 months.

If it gets through the appeal process in North Carolina, the case will then go back to the state court, according to Smith and that will take a little more time. If Clemson loses the appeal, it indicated on Friday it could take the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

As for now, the ACC is likely going to appeal Judge Gravely’s ruling, which means more of a delay. In other words, it is going to be a long time before there is any resolution, unless both sides reach a settlement.

Keep in mind, the ACC is going through a similar battle with Florida State.

– -Photo by Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK

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