WV Governor Jim Justice to Write Letter to NCAA About RaeQuan Battle

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced on Thursday afternoon that he plans on writing a letter to the NCAA regarding the waiver status of WVU G RaeQuan Battle.

“From what I understand from the coaches at WVU, this kid needs to play basketball and he needs it really bad. So from this standpoint, I’m going to write a letter to the NCAA requesting they reconsider this decision,” Justice said during his briefing.

WV Governor Jim Justice on RaeQuan Battle, says he will write a letter to the NCAA pic.twitter.com/ChYkJKYxo6

— Ethan Bock (@ethanbock_) October 26, 2023

Battle is a multi-time transfer, who is in need of a waiver to compete with the Mountaineers this season. Battle transferred to WVU from Montana State and originally started out his collegiate career at Washington. The NCAA denied Battle’s initial waiver on Monday and West Virginia is appealing the decision.

West Virginia’s Attorney General Patrick Morrisey put out a statement this week, saying that this situation raises “serious legal issues that demand answers.”

Battle started in all 35 games this past season for Montana State, averaging 17.7 points on 47 percent shooting from the field, 35 percent from three and 83 percent from the free throw line. The Tulip, Wa. native scored 27 points against Kansas State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Battle was named to the All-Big Sky First Team during his senior year. Battle began his collegiate career at Washington.

WV Sports Now will continue to update on the status of Battle’s waiver.