Justice Department has 'serious questions' for NCAA on college bowl process
May 4th, 2011
06:11 PM ET

Justice Department has 'serious questions' for NCAA on college bowl process

[Updated at 6:11 p.m. ET] In a letter to the NCAA disclosed Wednesday, the Justice Department said it has received several requests for an antitrust investigation into the current Bowl Championship Series system, and it wants information to help it decide what to do.

That controversial system makes it very difficult for teams in some athletic conferences to qualify for major bowl games, potentially costing millions of dollars in revenue to those not chosen.

"Serious questions continue to arise suggesting that the current BCS system may not be conducted consistent with the competition principles expressed in federal antitrust laws," Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney told NCAA President Mark Emmert.

The decision to release the letter came hours after Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a major opponent of the current system, demanded further consideration of the issue in a face-to-face appearance with Attorney General Eric Holder at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Holder responded by disclosing the Justice Department had sent a letter to the NCAA on the issue Tuesday.

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soundoff (5 Responses)
  1. Tarek Hamzi

    Anti-trust I don't think so. Just ask my GAY boyfriend. He is a lawyer $160,000 per year.

    May 4, 2011 at 10:00 pm | Report abuse |
  2. State Gun

    Orrin is the man,Orrin says not enough wifes,Orrin says Utah will win NCAA championship,Orrin likes to listen to himself... .

    May 5, 2011 at 12:41 am | Report abuse |
  3. HarshReality

    Well, we all know it's not a fair shake for most teams, but it's also not worthy of any "investigation". They need a play-off system like in NCAA Basketball. Certainly more money to be made there!!! I can't believe they haven't jumped on that cash cow already. . .

    May 5, 2011 at 1:09 am | Report abuse |
  4. drich

    I think the BCS is fair and for the teams that think they dont get a fair chance at the BCS championship need to schedule against better teams. Even if they have to play four monster teams for their outside conference games then you will have earned your spot in the BCS championship if you beat those teams. simple as that.

    May 5, 2011 at 7:38 am | Report abuse |
    • Erik

      Really? How about the schools that try and get turned away. Live in Nebraksa, they turned down a home and NOTHING against Boise State. Boise State was going to come to Nebraska and play, asking for nothing in return. They have been turned down nearly everytime. No one wants get upset by a mid-major. If the best had to play each other often, we wouldn't be seeing very many undefeated seasons. And if they truly are the best, they will survive a playoff.

      May 5, 2011 at 7:48 am | Report abuse |
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