Clemson seeks damages from ACC over 'misstatements and slander' regarding media rights

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CLEMSON — After suing the Atlantic Coast Conference over its grant of media rights and exit fees in March, Clemson University is seeking damages from the conference over alleged false statements regarding its media rights.

In an amended complaint that was filed on April 17 in Pickens County, South Carolina, and made public Thursday, Clemson wants the court to "award Clemson damages to be determined at trial, including the costs of litigation, for harm caused by the ACC's misstatements and slander of Clemson's title to its media rights and other tangible property."

Clemson and Florida State are the only two ACC schools that have sued the conference. Both schools' complaints are in an initial legal step for both to potentially leave the conference and join the SEC or Big Ten.

In its original complaint, Clemson argued the ACC only owns its media rights if it is in the conference, not if it departs. The ACC disagreed in its countersuit, arguing it owns the Tigers' media rights until 2036 even if they exit the conference, and added Clemson signed and agreed to the grant of rights in 2013 and 2016.

In the 40-page complaint, Clemson asserts that the ACC made "erroneous assertions" regarding how ironclad its media rights are, which has contributed to the public's misconception about the deal. The university believes the conference made false statements with "malintent" to harm and deter it from exiting the ACC.

"As a result of the ACC's misstatements, the value of Clemson's media rights has been diminished in the eyes of these and other third parties," the amended complaint said. "This diminution in value injures Clemson, impedes its ability to negotiate future media rights agreements, and worsens its negotiating position with potential future collaborators."

MORE:Clemson's lawsuit makes clear that its exit from the ACC is not a question of if but when

Clemson's amended complaint asks the court to award punitive damages to the university for "the ACC's willful and malicious conduct," and also asks the court to determine its sovereign immunity and whether it can be sued in another state.

The ACC filed its countersuit against the university in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, like the conference did against Florida State.

Clemson is still asking the court to rule it doesn't have to pay the ACC's withdrawal penalty of $140 million and does not owe any fiduciary duties to the conference.

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00