And I thought FIFA were crooks ...

... they have nothing on the ACC.

ACC sues Maryland over $50 million buyout

University of Maryland President Wallace Loh went on record earlier this year saying he did not think the $50 million Atlantic Coast Conference exit fee would hold up in court.

He will now get a chance to find out for certain. ...

See the whole story here, from USA Today. 

Kicking Back Comments: So let me get this right ... you have to pay $50M to leave the league? What a (beep)ing joke.

Here is their mission statement:

"The Atlantic Coast Conference, through its member institutions, seeks to maximize the educational and athletic opportunities of its student-athletes, while enriching their quality of life. It strives to do so by affording individuals equitable opportunity to pursue academic excellence and compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics competition in a broad spectrum of sports and championships. The Conference will provide leadership in attaining these goals, by promoting diversity and mutual trust among its member institutions, in a spirit of fairness for all. It strongly adheres to the principles of integrity and sportsmanship, and supports the total development of the student-athlete and each member institution's athletics staff, with the intent of producing enlightened leadership for tomorrow."

Why exactly does this cost $50M? Is this their "providing leadership" fee?

It continues to amaze me how much money is thrown around for sports. I certainly got it for international and professional play.

These are college kids folks. Again, lets put it in perspective.

$50M for leaving ... what a farce. I will follow this one in earnest through the courts.

By the way, this "fee" is about the GDP for Montserrat, the British Territory in the Caribbean (source).