The Drubbing

I have a problem with congressional leaders and other politicians sticking their nose into sports. I hated the Mitchell Report, I hate all of the circus hearings that Congress holds on a wide range of topics that are none of their business and take their time away from more important issues. But Joe

Barton, a representative from Texas and the ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee has put me in a tough spot, because I also hate the BCS. He has introduced a bill, which is co-sponsored by another Texas Republican and an Illinois Democrat, doesn’t seek to kill the BCS and force a playoff (which is what I’d ultimately like to see as the conclusion of the college football season) but instead, prohibit the BCS to market their final game as a “national championship.” Barton has cited the numerous years that the championship winner was not completely settled an the numerous failed attempts to improve the system as the reason for introducing this legislation.

The BCS method of determining who is No. 1 consistently misfires. Simply exposing the flaws and subjecting them to discussion … hasn’t led to improvement by those who run the system.

Something has to be done about the BCS. Every single year it takes way too much attention away from the teams, coaches, players and schools that really matter. There are only a handful of people that will seriously argue that the BCS is perfect or even a good thing. Most everyone falls into the categories of “this has got to go” or “this is the best we’ve got.” 

So while I don’t like the politicians forcing the hand of the sports world, because Barton isn’t forcing the BCS to do anything, he’s merely protecting the consumer from the BCS’s false claims, I suppose I can overlook Congress’ proposed involvement in this issue.

Update: Rep. Barton compares the BCS to communism in congressional hearings.