Talk about a nail-biter, can’t believe Okie State got that
close in the final vote for the BCS Championship Game!
Well, that’s what
happens when the system relies on human voting and computer models instead on
competition on the field.
You think I give a damn?
Well, you might if the
non-BCS conference schools grow a pair and initiate an anti-trust lawsuit.
Huh?
Under federal anti-trust
law, “every contract, combination in the form or a trust or otherwise, or
conspiracy, in the restraint of commerce” is illegal. Sherman Act § 1
How does that apply to the BCS?
An argument can
certainly be made that by only including six so-called “Automatic-Qualifying
conferences” (AQ’s are the SEC, Big 12, Pac-12, Big Ten, ACC, and Big East) to play in the 4 premier bowl games (Sugar, Rose, Orange,
and Fiesta), as well as the “National Championship Game,” the BCS is restraining
commerce.
How is a college football game considered “commerce?”
The five BCS games this
year will pay-out $123MM this year – all to AQ schools – that’s some serious
commerce.
So what’s the antitrust violation?
By excluding nearly
half of the NCAA schools competing in the Bowl Subdivision (formerly 1-A), the
BCS shields preferred schools from competition in the “National Championship
Game.”
As well as that pile of bones handed out, right?
Exactly.
So you’re saying the Federal Department of Justice needs to
investigate?
Not necessarily. Section 4 of the Clayton Act creates a
private right of action for any person who shall be injured by reason of
anything forbidden in the antitrust laws, and they can receive triple damages,
if successful.
So who would that be?
Boise State and TCU (Mountain West Conference).
Well, I just got one thing to say. Some people aren’t gonna like it.
What’s that?
Roll damn Tide.
Roll damn Tide.
May all your dreams be filled with sugar plums tonight,
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
