Rich Rodriguez lawsuit heads back to state court; WVU suing him over $4 million buyout clause

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -The lawsuit over a $4 million buyout clause in the contract of former West Virginia University football coach Rich Rodriguez is headed back to the court where it originated.A federal judge ruled Monday the matter belongs in M

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -The lawsuit over a $4 million buyout clause in the contract of former West Virginia University football coach Rich Rodriguez is headed back to the court where it originated.

WVU had argued because it's an arm of state government, it can only be sued in state court.

U.S. District Court Judge John Bailey agrees. He says the university is not an independent body.

The ruling also says it's clear the outcome of the case will have an impact on state funds because any money paid to or held by the university is considered the state's money.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.