Virginia AG threatens legal action on behalf of James Madison football - ESPN

A law firm engaged by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares on Wednesday sent a demand letter to the NCAA, obtained by ESPN, that threatens legal action if James Madison's «exclusion from bowl consideration in 2023» isn't reversed.

The letter was sent in advance of the decision by the NCAA on Wednesday night to deny James Madison a postseason waiver approval. It asks for a response by noon on Friday.

The Dukes are 10-0 and ranked No. 18 in the latest AP Top 25 poll. They have not been included yet in the College Football Playoff rankings because they aren't eligible for the postseason.

«We are prepared to act on behalf of JMU in the unfortunate circumstance that JMU's request for relief is not timely approved,» said the letter, obtained by ESPN on Thursday. «Specifically, JMU is prepared to promptly file a lawsuit in the Western District of Virginia asserting that the bowl ban violates the antitrust and, potentially, other laws.»

The NCAA's decision Wednesday effectively ends JMU's chances in playing in a New Year's Six bowl game, as the Dukes cannot be a conference champion and therefore would not qualify. There is a chance that JMU could play in a lower-profile bowl, however, as it could fill a spot if there are not enough bowl-eligible teams.

«The facts here haven't changed regarding JMU,» College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock said Wednesday night. «The committee considers all teams that are eligible to play in the postseason, and that's where things stand.»

Miyares' office announced Wednesday night the state attorney general office was disappointed in the decision and exploring legal options.

In a statement to ESPN on Thursday, Miyares called the NCAA's decision «extremely disappointing.»

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