Amid controversy over West Virginia being the “First Team Out” of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the state’s governor has announced an investigation into the Selection Committee’s decision, even hinting at possible legal action.
“West Virginia deserved to be in the NCAA Tournament,” Governor Patrick Morrisey declared on Monday, standing behind a podium labeled “National Corrupt Athletic Association.” He called the decision a “miscarriage of justice” and accused the NCAA of “robbery at the highest levels.”
Morrisey also suggested potential misconduct by Selection Committee chairman Bubba Cunningham, who is North Carolina’s athletic director. UNC claimed the final tournament spot over West Virginia, and Morrisey pointed out that Cunningham reportedly had a financial incentive if his team made the tournament.
Whether the state attorney general’s investigation will lead to any action remains to be seen, but North Carolina wasted no time proving their worth. The 11-seed Tar Heels dominated San Diego State 95-68 in Tuesday’s First Four play-in game.
Arkansas head coach John Calipari acknowledged UNC’s strong performance while also applauding the West Virginia governor’s efforts.
“How about the governor suing?” Calipari said Wednesday on The Pat McAfee Show. “Only in West Virginia. If I was there, I’d go hug the governor right now.”
McAfee added his own take: “The state of West Virginia feels like they were left out, and North Carolina heard all the chatter. That bucket looked bigger for them last night they were pulling up from the logo. What if they go on a run? That’s the madness of March.”
West Virginia, which finished the season 19-12 and went 10-10 in conference play, was widely considered one of the biggest snubs of the tournament selection process. The Mountaineers had six Quad 1 wins and were undefeated against Quad 3 and 4 opponents, making their exclusion a controversial one.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark also expressed disappointment over WVU’s omission.
“I was surprised and disappointed to see West Virginia not receive a bid,” Yormark said via ‘ESPN’s’ Pete Thamel. “In addition to their six Quad 1 wins, the Mountaineers won 10 conference games in one of the toughest leagues in the country. West Virginia deserved a spot, and fans across the country agree.”
Despite the frustration, Yormark praised head coach Darian DeVries and his team for their resilience throughout the season, emphasizing that they represented the Big 12 with pride.
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