per ESPN.com...
The budget imp***e in the Kentucky state legislature is no match for college basketball.
Even stuck in the middle of a disagreement that has forced a special session, the General ***embly took a moment to meddle in some scheduling by schools in the state.
The Senate version of a budget adopted Tuesday includes a requirement that the University of Louisville fulfill its contract to play Western Kentucky University this coming season.
Louisville coach Rick Pitino has canceled the game, which will cost the school $25,000 for backing out of the contract. Pitino has been unavailable to answer questions about his decision.
Western Kentucky, which beat Louisville 68-65 in Freedom Hall on Dec. 9, 2000, had even agreed to move the game to nearby Nashville, Tenn., at Louisville's request.
The House promptly rejected the Senate's version of the budget bill, but on Tuesday night, Louisville officials announced that the school would reopen negotiations with Western Kentucky to play next season.
"If playing Western Kentucky in Nashville is what is asked of us, that's what we'll do," Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich said in a statement. "We respect the legislators, and we will abide by their wishes."
Louisville spokeswoman Rae Goldsmith said the school had "received a lot of feedback regarding the decision on the Western Kentucky game from a number of people, and we value the views of our legislators."
"Both Western and U of L are focusing on building strong academic and athletics programs, and we don't want the issue of one game to detract attention from the positive work of either university," Goldsmith said, adding school officials were attempting to reach Western Kentucky on Tuesday night.
Western Kentucky spokesman Bob Edwards said the university was grateful for the support of legislators.
"Western Kentucky University is flattered that the legislators, with what they have on their plate, would make this a priority," Edwards said.
The game directive was sponsored by Sen. Richie Sanders, R-Franklin, whose district borders Western Kentucky's campus in Bowling Green.
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Legislators want to force WKU to play Louisville
