ACC boss to fight Clemson, FSU lawsuits 'for as long as it takes' - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said Monday that the league would fight lawsuits with Clemson and Florida State «for as long as it takes,» adding «this conference is bigger than any one school or schools» as the league prepares to enter football season embroiled in courtrooms with two of its premier programs.

In his opening remarks at ACC Kickoff, Phillips vigorously defended the league as questions have swirled about its long-term future. Florida State and Clemson are engaged in lawsuits against the ACC over the league's withdrawal penalty and grant of rights, and the league has filed countersuits against both schools.

«I can state that we will fight to protect the ACC and our members for as long as it takes,» Phillips said. «We are confident in this league and that it will remain a premier conference in college athletics for the long-term future. These disputes continue to be extremely damaging, disruptive and incredibly harmful to the league.»

He noted that both Clemson and Florida State unanimously signed the grant of rights agreement in 2013 and again in 2016 and «quite frankly, eagerly agreed to our current television contract and the launch of the ACC Network. The ACC, our collective membership and conference office deserves better.»

Phillips also defended former commissioner John Swofford, who was added to Florida State's amended lawsuit several months ago. Florida State, which filed its lawsuit in December, alleged «chronic fiduciary mismanagement and bad faith,» contending Swofford insisted in conversations with potential bidders for ACC media rights in 2010 that Raycom Sports be included in any new deal signed by the ACC.

Raycom had a long partnership with the ACC but was struggling