Congress and Football

I agree that congress could be influential, but do they really have a legal right? The difference with baseball is that nobody, not even those who were in the middle of it, thought it was right. Real, obvious, laws were being broken. Fairness was being compromised. And kids' heroes were being tainted (that is how you get the Dems on your side).

I think the only thing that is 'unfair' (in the fair trade practices meaning) is that non-BCS conferences don't get auto bids in the highest paying bowls. (in a regular definition of unfair, I just say 'get better and you'll get better bowls') Of course, there aren't enough slots for all conference champions to make it in. Would congress then have to make it illegal for there to be some B-Ball conferences without auto bids? I don't know. Congress could somehow say that is collusion, anti-trust, etc, I guess.

But, as far as congress mandating a playoff... that would be struck down in any court. Also, I think there would be a number of congressman who wouldn't vote for it because it would take money from their constituents (those in Detroit, for instance who would likely lose a bowl game, or at least make it even more insignificant). Simply, too many people with too much influence would be risking a loss of money. Therefore, it will never happen by congressional force.

I found it amusing that the one congressman kept comparing the BCS to communism, when what he wants is socialism. "Give the WAC a bid to the playoff." Let's say there was a 4 team playoff. Why does Boise St. think they would have made it in during their undefeated years? Or Utah last year. If they didn't, what would be their complaint (to congress, that is). Basically, their only real argument is for a playoff large enough that would ensure an undefeated team in their conference would make it in. Or some sort of auto bid for being undefeated, which would counter the real suggestion- schedule tougher teams in non-conference.

I heard there is a bill to make it illegal to call the BCS Championship the 'national championship.' That could pass, and it wouldn't really mean anything. Everyone would know what we are talking about. And they couldn't prevent me or you or any other top-of-the-line blogger from saying National Champion. Of course, I would probably call it the "Unfair National Championship".

Speaking of playoffs, why is it that they always talk about the BCS bowls (or BCS bowl locations) being hosts of the playoffs, if there is one? I've never really understood that. It really could take place anywhere there are people. I vote for Mexico City, Tokyo, Mumbai, Sau Paolo, NYC and Shanghai, with the FCG (Fair Championship Game) to be played at the Superior Dome (the closest Michigan indoor stadium to AA that isn't tainted by the Lions)