West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced an investigation into the NCAA Selection Committee’s decision to exclude the Mountaineers from the 2025 NCAA Tournament, calling it an injustice.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Morrisey stood behind a podium labeled “National Corrupt Athletic Association” and criticized the committee’s process. “West Virginia earned its place in the tournament,” he stated. “This decision was unfair and raises serious concerns about how selections are made.”
Morrisey went further, suggesting possible conflicts of interest involving Selection Committee chairman Bubba Cunningham, who also serves as North Carolina’s athletic director. He pointed out that North Carolina secured the final at-large bid over West Virginia and referenced reports that Cunningham had a financial incentive tied to the Tar Heels’ selection.
As the investigation moves forward, North Carolina quickly justified its spot in the tournament with a dominant 95-68 victory over San Diego State in the First Four matchup Tuesday night.
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The controversy has drawn national attention, with Arkansas head coach John Calipari weighing in on The Pat McAfee Show. “Only in West Virginia would the governor take legal action over a tournament snub,” Calipari said. “But you’ve got to love the passion.”
McAfee himself acknowledged the frustration among West Virginia fans. “They feel like they were robbed, and UNC heard the noise,” he said. “That was one of the best performances they’ve had all year.”
Bracket analysts widely considered West Virginia one of the most unjustly omitted teams in this year’s tournament. The Mountaineers finished the season with a 19-12 overall record and went 10-10 in conference play. They compiled six Quad 1 wins and remained undefeated against Quad 3 and Quad 4 teams—an impressive resume.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark also voiced his disappointment in a statement. “West Virginia’s exclusion from the NCAA Tournament was surprising and disappointing,” he said. “This team fought through adversity and secured big wins in one of the toughest conferences in the country. They deserved a spot, and their absence is a loss for college basketball.”
Despite the controversy, the Mountaineers now face an uncertain postseason while the investigation into their snub unfolds .