WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

CHARLESTON – State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey will offer his help to West Virginia University as it conducts an internal review regarding the athletic department’s media rights issue.

Morrisey announced March 5 that he will assist WVU as it handles complaints from John Raese, the owner of West Virginia Radio Corp. who has also run for U.S. Senate several times and once for governor.

Raese told WVU in February that the school should rebid its third tier media rights because its process was flawed.

“Specifically, this office will assist WVU in the ongoing internal review of this issue,” Morrisey said. “Through our engagement, we will help ensure that all applicable laws and regulations are being followed.

“To facilitate this review, WVU has offered to provide the Attorney General’s Office with all necessary information, access and resources.”

Morrisey added that he will make no further statements. The university said it has suspended the request for procurement process and will have no comment during the review.

Raese’s company has long handled WVU radio and TV broadcasts. He is concerned about the relationship between WVU’s Board of Governors, its chairman Drew Payne, IMG College and West Virginia Media.

The Charleston Gazette reported Feb. 21 that Payne serves on West Virginia Media’s board of directors and held a major stake in it until last year.

In a letter obtained by WV MetroNews, which is owned by Raese’s West Virginia Radio Corp. and broadcasts Mountaineer athletics, Raese told WVU President James Clements he had asked Morrisey to investigate the issue.

“I would also like to inquire as to whether you have asked Mr. Andrew Payne to resign as chairman of the Board of Governors and as a member of the Board of Governors as a result of his conduct, actions and statements with regard to the issues I have raised…” Raese wrote.

“Such conduct, actions and statements are unacceptable for a person holding the lofty position of Chairman of the Board of Governors of West Virginia University.”

From the West Virginia Record: Reach John O’Brien at jobrienwv@gmail.com.