Paul Dee's Opening Statement Regarding The BIG EAST Lawsuit

June 6, 2003

Paul Dee’s opening statement given at a 12:45 p.m. press conference regarding the lawsuit filed by five BIG EAST Universities.

“Good afternoon everyone, I would not ordinarily have appeared today because I wouldn’t have anything to report. Apparently this morning five universities in the BIG EAST Football Conference brought litigation against The University of Miami, Boston College and the Atlantic Coast Conference, seeking to conjoin us from leaving the conference or in the alternative for damages. I know no more than what I read in a news briefing put out by the Associated Press. I have briefly talked to counsel and our President regarding the lawsuit. I have not yet seen it, and having not seen it, I am not in a position to comment on any of the specifics in the lawsuit. I did want to acknowledge that this has taken a step in a different direction. We are aware of the allegations and we will be prepared to present the University’s side of the case. We believe that everything we have done has been appropriate and we think that at the end of the day it will remain the University’s election with respect to where it will be or will not be with respect to an athletic conference. I don’t know that I can do or say more than what I have told you, or answer any questions because I don’t know with any more specificity. The case was brought in a state court in Hartford, Connecticut and that is all I really know at this point.”