Navy to Big East, Marinatto mum on WVU

Big East Commissioner John Marinatto spoke with media on a conference call today about the addition of Navy as a member in 2015.

He was joined by AD Chet Gladchuk and football coach Ken Niumatalolo who both stressed the move from independent to a BCS conference was critical to stay relevant. Navy has operated as an independent for more than 130 years.

No real news concerning the West Virginia situation came up, but Marinatto was asked if the addition of Navy changes the situation at all, and said, in a nutshell: No.

Marinatto: “It has not. Our position with regard to that situation has been advanced with the numerous pleadings we’ve filed, all of which are publicly available.”

Asked if it could indicate the two parties are closer to a settlement in the courts: “I’m not going to comment on that either.”

Asked when the Big East anticipates having a schedule for 2012: “I’m not going to be able to comment in specifics.”

West Virginia and the Big East have been ordered into non-binding mediation next month by the judge in the Rhode Island half of the case.

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One other interesting note: The addition of Navy ups the Big East exit fee to $10 million, from $5 million.