BCS under scrutiny from Capitol Hill

Image via Wikipedia

Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- The Justice Department says the Obama administration is considering a number of steps that would look into the legality of the controversial Bowl Championship Series.

Assistant Attorney General Ronald Weich wrote in a letter to Sen. Orrin Hatch Friday that the department will determine whether to open an investigation into whether the BCS violates antitrust laws. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter.

Hatch, a Republican from Utah, had requested such an investigation.

Weich said the administration is looking at several other options, including asking the Federal Trade Commission to review the legality of the BCS under consumer protection laws.

Several lawmakers and many critics want the BCS to switch to a playoff system, rather than the ratings system it uses to determine the teams that play in the college football championship.


Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press