Obama Administration: Yes We Can.....Investigate the BCS

Sports News - February 1st, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

Perhaps the Federal Government is considering bailing out NCAA Football fans screaming for a playoff at the conclusion of each season. It could happen sooner than you think. According to ESPN.com, the Obama Administration is exploring several options that would raise issues of legality, with respect to the Bowl Championship Series.

A letter secured by the Associated Press last week addressed to Senator Orrin Hatch from Assistant Attorney General Ronald Weich, discloses the Justice Department's intent to review Hatch's request, whether or not the current BCS System coincides with antitrust laws.

"Importantly, and in addition, the administration also is exploring other options that might be available to address concerns with the college football postseason," Weich said in the letter.

Critics of the current BCS system argue that it is not a representation of a true National Champion, and that the only way procure one would be with the addition of a playoff system. Members of the BCS are against this, saying that it would destroy the bowl system.

"The administration shares your belief that the current lack of a college football national championship playoff with respect to the highest division of college football ... raises important questions affecting millions of fans, colleges and universities, players and other interested parties," Weich stated.

Prior to his election as President, Obama had made his views on the current BCS system readily evident, as he expressed his displeasure on multiple occasions. He is on record saying he planned to "to throw my weight around a little bit" upon being elected.

Weich went on to state in the letter a possibility of a commission forming, that would investigate the costs and benefits of a playoff system, versus the BCS system in place.

At the conclusion of the regular season this past year, five teams were undefeated; Alabama, Texas, TCU, Cincinnati, and Boise State. The BCS System determined that Alabama and Texas would meet for the National Title, which left the other three teams without a chance. Weich made note of this in the letter.

"This seemingly discriminatory action with regard to revenues and access have raised questions regarding whether the BCS potentially runs afoul of the nation's antitrust laws," Weich wrote.

The response by the Administration sparked encouragement from Hatch, who believes that the system needs to change as fast as possible.

"I'm encouraged by the administration's response," he remarked. "I continue to believe there are antitrust issues the administration should explore, but I'm heartened by its willingness to consider alternative approaches to confront the tremendous inequities in the BCS that favor one set of schools over others. The current system runs counter to basic fairness that every family tries to instill in their children from the day they are born."

Currently, the BCS system allots six automatic bids to the BCS Bowl games, to the six BCS Conferences. TCU and Boise State are members of non-automatic qualifying conferences. A team outside of a BCS conference has yet to play for a national title.