Villanova Football: Pat McQuaide’s Legal Team Files for Deadline Extension

UPDATE 5:50 p.m.: Per a Patriot League spokesperson, game forfeiture has not been discussed at any point in McQuaide’s ongoing eligibility saga.

Villanova quarterback Pat McQuaide’s eligibility lawsuit against the Patriot League continues to develop, with McQuaide’s attorney filing for an extension of the deadline to respond to the conference’s Nov. 2 motion to dismiss.

McQuaide’s legal team, headed by attorney Richard S. Hamilton, currently has until Nov. 16 to respond to the Patriot League’s motion to dismiss, which raised questions as to whether the Ohio appellate court where the case is playing out has jurisdiction over the Pennsylvania-based Patriot League and its conduct. The extension request, filed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, would give McQuaide’s representation until Dec. 31 to respond.

The request for an extension says that “The Patriot League’s Motion to Dismiss raises numerous complex issues, including jurisdictional issues, requiring analysis and responses… This Motion is not brought for delay or any improper purpose. Nor does it result in prejudice to any party. Previously, the Patriot League filed a Stipulation with this Court requesting a 30-day extension of time within which to answer, plead or otherwise respond to McQuaide’s Verified Complaint. No prior extension of time has been granted to Plaintiff. Accordingly, McQuaide requests that his Motion for an extension for time within which to file his Brief in Opposition to the Patriot League’s Motion to Dismiss be granted through and including December 31, 2026.”

What Happens Next?

This season’s FCS Championship game — the best possible outcome for Villanova, currently fighting for a playoff spot —  will take place on Jan. 11, so successfully delaying further action in the case for another six weeks would kick the can down the line enough that an actual resolution might not take place until the season ends.

A full record of the court docket and various filings can be found here using the “Civil Search By Name” function.