WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - A U.S. Justice Department official has said serious questions have emerged on whether the current college football Bowl Championship Series violates competition principles under federal antitrust law.
In a letter to the National Collegiate Athletic Association dated Tuesday and made public on Wednesday, Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney asked why football does not have a playoff system like so many other NCAA sports use.
The Bowl Championship Series, formed in 1998, is made up of five games, including one that ensures the two top-rated teams in the country meet in the national championship game.
It said playoffs have been considered over the years, but rejected because of concerns that they would diminish the regular season, end the current bowl system, create additional injury risk and pose significant logistical challenges.
The Justice Department recently received a request by a group of 21 professors to launch an antitrust investigation into the current system and other prominent individuals have argued the current system violates the antitrust laws.
In addition, Utah's attorney general has announced plans to file an antitrust lawsuit against the BCS.
Varney, in a letter to NCAA President Mark Emmert, said the New York Times reported in March that the NCAA was willing to create a playoff format for a college football national championship.
Varney asked what steps, if any, the NCAA has taken toward a playoff system.
Her final question involved whether Emmert has determined if there are aspects of the current system that do not serve the interests of fans, universities and players.
"Your views would be relevant in helping us determine the best course of action with regard to the BCS," she said.
In a letter to the National Collegiate Athletic Association dated Tuesday and made public on Wednesday, Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney asked why football does not have a playoff system like so many other NCAA sports use.
The Bowl Championship Series, formed in 1998, is made up of five games, including one that ensures the two top-rated teams in the country meet in the national championship game.
It said playoffs have been considered over the years, but rejected because of concerns that they would diminish the regular season, end the current bowl system, create additional injury risk and pose significant logistical challenges.
The Justice Department recently received a request by a group of 21 professors to launch an antitrust investigation into the current system and other prominent individuals have argued the current system violates the antitrust laws.
In addition, Utah's attorney general has announced plans to file an antitrust lawsuit against the BCS.
Varney, in a letter to NCAA President Mark Emmert, said the New York Times reported in March that the NCAA was willing to create a playoff format for a college football national championship.
Varney asked what steps, if any, the NCAA has taken toward a playoff system.
Her final question involved whether Emmert has determined if there are aspects of the current system that do not serve the interests of fans, universities and players.
"Your views would be relevant in helping us determine the best course of action with regard to the BCS," she said.
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