West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey took a bold stance on Monday, calling for an investigation into the NCAA Selection Committee after the West Virginia Mountaineers were excluded from the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Standing behind a lectern adorned with a sign reading “National Corrupt Athletic Association,” Morrisey passionately argued that the Mountaineers deserved a spot in the coveted March Madness bracket.
“This is a miscarriage of justice and robbery at the highest level,” Morrisey declared during the press conference. His remarks follow mounting frustration among Mountaineer fans, who believe the team had built a strong case for inclusion despite being labeled a bubble team.
The Mountaineers, finishing the season with a 19-13 overall record and a 10-10 mark in Big 12 play, showcased impressive performances throughout the year. Among their achievements were six Quadrant 1 wins, including victories over then-ranked No. 2 Iowa State, No. 3 Gonzaga, and No. 7 Kansas. These feats surpassed the resumes of several teams that made the bracket, including North Carolina, which managed only one Quadrant 1 win.
Head coach Darian DeVries expressed shock and disappointment, saying, “We strongly believe that we have a resume that is worthy of an NCAA Tournament team. This team poured their hearts into this season.” Athletic Director Wren Baker echoed similar sentiments, labeling the omission a “terrible travesty.”
Governor Morrisey’s concerns extended beyond the selection process. He hinted at potential retribution from the NCAA, citing his successful 2024 lawsuit against the organization that challenged restrictive transfer rules. “Is this retribution?” he asked, vowing to uncover the truth. He has requested West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey to investigate the possibility of bias or backdoor dealings in the selection process.
Adding to the controversy, North Carolina Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham, who chaired the selection committee, recused himself during discussions about the Tar Heels. Despite this, speculation persists about the fairness of their inclusion as the final team in the field.
Morrisey’s strong words have amplified the national debate over transparency in NCAA Tournament selections. As the investigation unfolds, Mountaineer fans and basketball enthusiasts alike are left wondering if changes to the selection process could prevent similar controversies in the future.
Whether or not the NCAA revisits this decision, West Virginia’s passionate advocacy for their team has further ignited discussions about fairness and accountability in college athletics.
