57 Comments

I feel better about the future of OSU/WSU and the Pac12 after reading this. Also feel better about the world. Thank you.

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Impressive and touching. I was (I guess still am-never really leaves) a courtroom guy, a litigator for 45 years. I loved it. Judge L. is the epitome of what we’ve all hoped for, every time we walk beyond the bar, step into the ring. Mrs. L is an obvious gem too. To say, even 3,000 miles away in Carolina , I am fascinated by ‘all this’ is a total understatement. Let the chips fall where they may…

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Someone I would like as I am "small town" through and through. I trust the judge to come back with a fair ruling.

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Thanks for the background info. Seems his decision will be well-based on the law.

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Great piece of writing. Thanks.

I would guess he has read the bylaws of the PAC and will make the proper judgement based on their own set of rules.

We need more folks like the good judge in our court system.

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We could use a LOT him in the congress!!! and Washington D C!!!!

Some that are smart and fair for the people, and not AL FOR MYSELF!!!

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Gary Libby is a good guy. When he was a practicing attorney he helped me out with a “misunderstanding” I had with the USC band one beautiful October game day in Pullman in 1984. I just couldn’t stand hearing “Fight On” for the one thousandth time, right after USC scored the winning touchdown with seconds left on the clock, and the Cougs lost by 2. The game still haunts me today.

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When I got fired from the Clearwater Sun Sports Department in 1967 for writing a third-stringers "color" piece on Super Bowl II that skewered the interview style/tactics of syndicated national sportswriter Jim Murray(he won a Pulitzer in 1990), figured I'd made a poor job choice and gave it up.

When I read John's in-depth, insightful, incredibly observant, often heart-warming writing, I can't help but wonder "what might have been?" if I had made it a career. I can only imagine and hope that many, many years of experience in the business would have blessed me with the ability to communicate exhibited in everything he does.

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Just last week, I had a conversation with someone about the judge and how he might handle it. After your wonderful story, John, I have no concerns. Judge Libey seems to lead with integrity. That should be good enough for all of us.

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I love these stories about good, everyday people. Thank you.

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Again,John, only you provide us with the "glue" that keeps all the rest of this on a sensical level; very well played, and again, thank you.

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Next couple weeks will be interesting. I sure hope we get to hear about lots more discovery coming out and WSU/OSU don't settle too early.

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Salt of the earth. My kind of guy. I know my dad would have like Judge Libey and that's good enough for me.

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Years ago we visited the Pendleton Roundup for the rodeo festivities, then on our way to Spokane stopped by the county fair. It's out of town a ways in a sea of golden brown crops. Suddenly you are there. Pullman is not far away. I hope the judge does rule strictly on the legal issues and if he does, we will have answers to a lot of questions concerning the fate of the Cougars and Beavers. Our legal system in reality dates back to biblical times, if the ruling is on moral grounds, right and wrong, and fairness, then the PAC 2 wins the day. But these are not moral or ethical times. Truth be told, there is no Power 5, no separate conferences, no independent schools. We have big media dressed up as mascots, Ducks, Husky dogs, Cougars. I hope not only this suit is won for the good guys but that big media and those colluding are sued into the stone age. And big media held liable under anti trust laws. We fans and the kids have been royally screwed. And the corn dogs are good at that small county fair too.

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Yep, riddled with anti trust issues, but there are not a ton of anti trust cases taken on by the Federal Gov't. You'd have to have deep pockets to win it, I'd guess is the reason why.

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I believe that anyone would trust the decisions of Judge Libey. Straight forward and dependent on the law. He reminds me of the judge in the small town I grew up in. The case will be judged fairly as it should be. I appreciate the background you provided. Again, you’re an excellent writer who provides an even handed approach to something that is complicated.

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Good story John. Wishing OSU and WSU the very best with the case. Go get paid.

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Mr. Smith goes to Washington comes to mind

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