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Bowl System May Violate Federal Law

Congress explores launching antitrust probe, backing playoff

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 18, 2008 11:31 AM CDT

(Newser) – A Congressional resolution could have the Justice Department looking into whether the college football bowl system is illegal, the AP reports. The authors of the resolution say  the system restricts trade because only the biggest schools seem to have a shot at being voted into the championship game. A look at the leglsiators' home addresses suggests a personal angle, however.

Hawaii, Georgia, and Idaho have all been relegated to smaller bowl games recently despite knockout seasons, and one lawmaker asks, "Who elected these NCAA people?" But they insist that their push for a playoff system isn't about local loyalties. "It's money," says one. "That's what this is all about."

Boise State's Austin Pettis (87) heads upfield after making a catch in the Hawaii Bowl football game Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, in Honolulu. East Carolina won 41-38.
Boise State's Austin Pettis (87) heads upfield after making a catch in the Hawaii Bowl football game Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, in Honolulu. East Carolina won 41-38.   (AP Photo)
LSU quarterback Matt Flynn kisses the national championship after defeating Ohio State at the BCS championship. But some congressmen aren't sure his team should have been there.
LSU quarterback Matt Flynn kisses the national championship after defeating Ohio State at the BCS championship. But some congressmen aren't sure his team should have been there.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Hawaii teammates perform the Ha'a dance following their victory over UNLV. The Warriors were invited to the Sugar Bowl, where they lost to the Georgia Bulldogs 41-10.
Hawaii teammates perform the "Ha'a" dance following their victory over UNLV. The Warriors were invited to the Sugar Bowl, where they lost to the Georgia Bulldogs 41-10.   (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken, File)
Georgia's Brandon Coutu (96) carries the championship trophy after the Bulldogs defeated Hawaii 41-10 in the Sugar Bowl football game at the Superdome, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008.
Georgia's Brandon Coutu (96) carries the championship trophy after the Bulldogs defeated Hawaii 41-10 in the Sugar Bowl football game at the Superdome, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
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