They can take that over too?!?! OH GOD NOW THEY ARE MESSING WITH SOMETHING I CARED ABOUT!

Barton has introduced legislation that would prevent the NCAA from labeling a game a national championship unless it's the outcome of a playoff system.

I don't think the NCAA recognizes a Div. 1-A (Bowl subdivision, whatever) "national championship" presently. Before the BCS, they were all just media awards. The BCS is an anti-trust conspiracy cooked up by six conferences and Notre Dame.

Who cares about 14th grade football anyway?

For subby: Nirvana fallacy (new window)

By creating a false dichotomy that presents one choice which is obviously advantageous-while at the same time being completely implausible-a person using the nirvana fallacy can attack any opposing idea (reformed social welfare programs, for example) because it is imperfect. The choice is not between real world solutions and utopia; it is, rather, a choice between one realistic possibility and another which is merely better.

An example of the nirvana fallacy would be opposing a policy that reduces poverty because it does not completely eliminate poverty. Another example might be achieving perfect competition on the market.

Not EXACTLY what the headline does, but it's the closest thing I could come up with. And it's certainly better than a Rick Romero-esque "Congress can deal with multiple issues simultaneously - you don't see EVERYTHING on C-Span."

Nabb1: Barton has introduced legislation that would prevent the NCAA from labeling a game a national championship unless it's the outcome of a playoff system.

I don't think the NCAA recognizes a Div. 1-A (Bowl subdivision, whatever) "national championship" presently. Before the BCS, they were all just media awards. The BCS is an anti-trust conspiracy cooked up by six conferences and Notre Dame.

Apply that to the "World Series" as well and maybe we're getting somewhere.

Oops...stupid cache.

...because Congress should do nothing else until Swine Flu is cured.

And they should do nothing else until the recession is over.

And they should do nothing else until everyone can marry whoever they want.

And they should do nothing else until I can afford a solid gold Humvee.

/Looks like they'll be doing a whole lot of nothing then.
//Thanks for Stupid-tagging yourself, stupidmitter. Saves us the trouble.

Just make it a playoff already.

Oh yeah, I agree w/ this guy:

http://sportsrubbish.blogspot.com/2009/01/video-i-love-bcs-song-will-forte-on.h t ml

necropoultryac: Who cares about 14th grade football anyway?

Lots of folks. I'm not sure I care if a team is crowned "offical, without a doubt, #1, super serial here", so I'm not sure why people cry about a playoff system. Even if the system was universal enough to include all 100+ I-A teams, there will be someone biatching at the matchups or whatever. The current system isn't quite fair, but you can tweak it without having to rearrange classes around a multi-week playoff.

It seems like they'll help out all non-BCS fans. But it's Congress. Their solution will be more of a problem.

I'd like to know where in the Constitution Congress gets the power to mess with the BCS.

At least they're doing SOMETHING on Friday.

Well shiat if Congress can own 50% of GM they can damn well stick their nose into the NCAA's stinky BCS underwear

Um, if people expect college ball to play out like the NFL they will be sorely disappointed. I don't know a good way to deal with so many teams. How would they choose play off teams for the bowls...?

This is on the politics page? Well before it gets too far out of hand, there's not much Congresss can do til the contract runs out with ESPN. Logically there should be a 17 team playoff system that either uses the bowls as game sites or Let the higher seed host its game but we know that's not going to happpen.

Whatever it takes to derail the B(C)S.

Just make it so it isn't a month long wait from last game of season to bowl championship game.

Um, if people expect college ball to play out like the NFL they will be sorely disappointed. I don't know a good way to deal with so many teams. How would they choose play off teams for the bowls...?

Same way they do in every other sport at every other level of college athletics?

You know what? fark the NCAA.

They control a perverted system that benefits schools, programs and coaches at the expense of players and non atheletes.

The amount of time, money and interest spent on college athletics is truly disgusting.

That goes for us fans too. Stop supporting this mess.

/end rant

Arnold T Pants: I'd like to know where in the Constitution Congress gets the power to mess with the BCS.

it's IMPLIED. The Founders IMPLIED the meaning.

Can they do something to get Mike Leach to STFU and get Notre Dame off TV every Saturday? Mind you, I enjoyed watching them lose badly for a year or two but now it's just ridiculous.

rufus-t-firefly: For subby: Nirvana fallacy (new window)

By creating a false dichotomy that presents one choice which is obviously advantageous-while at the same time being completely implausible-a person using the nirvana fallacy can attack any opposing idea (reformed social welfare programs, for example) because it is imperfect. The choice is not between real world solutions and utopia; it is, rather, a choice between one realistic possibility and another which is merely better.

An example of the nirvana fallacy would be opposing a policy that reduces poverty because it does not completely eliminate poverty. Another example might be achieving perfect competition on the market.

Not EXACTLY what the headline does, but it's the closest thing I could come up with. And it's certainly better than a Rick Romero-esque "Congress can deal with multiple issues simultaneously - you don't see EVERYTHING on C-Span."

Your n00b is showing.

5_second_rule: This is on the politics page? Well before it gets too far out of hand, there's not much Congresss can do til the contract runs out with ESPN. Logically there should be a 17 team playoff system that either uses the bowls as game sites or Let the higher seed host its game but we know that's not going to happpen.

not sure about a 17 team system, but certainly using the Bowls as playoff games makes great sense. The bowls still make their money, which is what this is all about anyway...plus the fans get a proper playoff.

and while congress doesn't have direct authority over the NCAA, they certainly can use the power of the purse to force compliance.

Arnold T Pants: I'd like to know where in the Constitution Congress gets the power to mess with the BCS.

What is the Constitution thing you speak of? I can't remember hearing it mentioned in any recent elections/newscasts/laws being passed.

Listerine: Arnold T Pants: I'd like to know where in the Constitution Congress gets the power to mess with the BCS.

it's IMPLIED. The Founders IMPLIED the meaning.

Interstate Commerce Clause. It's the catch-all.

football is serious business

Arnold T Pants: I'd like to know where in the Constitution Congress gets the power to mess with the BCS.

Article I, Section 8, Clause 3:

"The Congress shall have power . . . To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes"

The Commerce Clause Power is often amplified by the Necessary and Proper Clause which states that this Commerce Clause power, and all of the other enumerated powers may, be implemented by the power "To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."

What jurisdiction does congress have over how college athletics conduct themselves? What action can congress take to merit the time wasted on seeing if the current selection system is fair?

I'd rather congress waste it's time doing crap like this then passing more laws dictating how I can live my daily life and tell me all the reasons I'm a convict just by waking up in the morning...

nmrsnr: What jurisdiction does congress have over how college athletics conduct themselves?

interstate commerce. Plus, I think the NCAA is a monopoly.

Congress also controls Major League Baseball because it is a monopoly.

jasonmicron: rufus-t-firefly: For subby: Nirvana fallacy (new window)

By creating a false dichotomy that presents one choice which is obviously advantageous-while at the same time being completely implausible-a person using the nirvana fallacy can attack any opposing idea (reformed social welfare programs, for example) because it is imperfect. The choice is not between real world solutions and utopia; it is, rather, a choice between one realistic possibility and another which is merely better.

An example of the nirvana fallacy would be opposing a policy that reduces poverty because it does not completely eliminate poverty. Another example might be achieving perfect competition on the market.

Not EXACTLY what the headline does, but it's the closest thing I could come up with. And it's certainly better than a Rick Romero-esque "Congress can deal with multiple issues simultaneously - you don't see EVERYTHING on C-Span."

Your n00b is showing.

Been here a month longer than you have.

rufus-t-firefly
Account created: 2005-07-15

Can't help it if you never venture out of the Sports threads.

My favorite part is where Rep. Joe Barton equates the BCS to communism.

You know, because it totally makes sense.

rufus-t-firefly
cool I got pre-answered, but the commerce isn't based on the athletic events themselves, but on advertisement surrounding the event, so I don't see how congress can regulate bowl games, although they could threaten the media companies' ability to cover the events.

rufus-t-firefly: Can't help it if you never venture out of the Sports threads.

If you don't recognize the headline as a cliche headline, I think *you* need to venture out of the sports threads more often.

IlGreven: ...because Congress should do nothing else until Swine Flu is cured.

And they should do nothing else until the recession is over.

And they should do nothing else until everyone can marry whoever they want.

And they should do nothing else until I can afford a solid gold Humvee.

/Looks like they'll be doing a whole lot of nothing then.
//Thanks for Stupid-tagging yourself, stupidmitter. Saves us the trouble.

No, because Congress shouldnt' get involved in sports, period. Especially how college teams decide their championship.

Eh, go for it. If this is apparently what it takes.

16 teams. 11 conference champions, 5 at-larges to choose however the hell you want. I do not budge on the all-conference-champs-get-in point. We let them all in in college basketball. And besides, the overall #1 seed playing the Sun Belt champion is a reward to the #1 seed for a season well played.

jasonmicron: rufus-t-firefly: Can't help it if you never venture out of the Sports threads.

If you don't recognize the headline as a cliche headline, I think *you* need to venture out of the sports threads more often.

I'm not in the sports threads at the moment, though this one might be in both politics and sports...

The problem is that WAAAY too many people (especially on Fark) actually believe that gov't should solve every other problem before delving into ________.

And the cliche headline is the lazy man's way to a greenlight...which is probably why I don't have that many.

Congress can do whatever they want, but the powers that be will still make sure that only the biggest teams get the best games. If you institute a top 8-playoff, the voters will simply make sure that Utah is ranked 9th, and thus not invited. The bowl system is not why college football is unfair, it is only part of it. SEC teams will still schedule three home non-conference games against Assmaster St. Notre Dame will still be undeservedly invited to whatever playoff system is implemented. The Pac-10 will continue to get screwed.


Same as it ever was. Congress will be about as effective changing that as they are with everything else they do (read: fark up).

necropoultryac: Who cares about 14th grade football anyway?

Certainly not me!

nmrsnr: What jurisdiction does congress have over how college athletics conduct themselves? What action can congress take to merit the time wasted on seeing if the current selection system is fair?

Withdraw federal funds from universities that participate in an athletic system that doesn't meet their standards. They do this for many, many other university related issues, including athletics (see various anti-discrimination statutes). A legitimate argument can be made that participation in the BCS is detrimental to public universities if the BCS is not a "fair" system (ie: biased towards certain schools)

/Same way they control most things.

ihatedumbpeople: No, because Congress shouldnt' get involved in sports, period. Especially how college teams decide their championship.

Professional sports is a business and, in the end, should be treated like any other business.
College sports is a business too, with the added factor that schools with inherent advantages due to the system will get more money and take students away from schools without those advantages. And if the schools with advantages become too focused on the sports aspect and not focused enough on the college aspect, they end up taking away an education from a nonathletic student that has earned it so they can give it instead to some barely-literate meathead who the high school teachers were press-ganged into passing because he won the state championship.

I can see rationale for Congress to get involved in either.

Arnold T Pants: I'd like to know where in the Constitution Congress gets the power to mess with the BCS.

If college football isn't the very picture of "interstate commerce," then nothing is.

Congress absolutely has the constitutional authority to do this - but that doesn't make it any less moronic.

jasonmicron: My favorite part is where Rep. Joe Barton equates the BCS to communism.

You know, because it totally makes sense.

Republicans generally don't know what socialism and Communism actually are (other than convenient epithets), so this doesn't surprise me.

And Joe Barton is the guy who thinks he knows more about science than a Physics Nobel Laureate (new window).

"I seemed to have baffled the Energy Sec with basic question - Where does oil come from?"

Epic FAIL (R-TX).

Subby fail
/playoff needed, it's the only way to be sure

vernonFL: You know what? fark the NCAA.

They control a perverted system that benefits schools, programs and coaches at the expense of players and non atheletes.

The amount of time, money and interest spent on college athletics is truly disgusting.

That goes for us fans too. Stop supporting this mess.

/end rant


THIS.

NCAA = Mafia

The_Six_Fingered_Man: Listerine: Arnold T Pants: I'd like to know where in the Constitution Congress gets the power to mess with the BCS.

it's IMPLIED. The Founders IMPLIED the meaning.

Interstate Commerce Clause. It's the catch-all.

Yes, the Founders intended the Interstate Commerce Clause to give Congress authority to regulate and decide the championship selection process of college football. What wisdom. It's pretty obvious they didn't intend that, but that doesn't stop people from reading their own wishes into it so they can "make their mark in history".

Pretty sad how much control some people want to have over other people.

FTA: "It's like communism," Barton said at the House Energy and Commerce Committee's commerce, trade and consumer protection subcommittee hearing. "You can't fix it."

Barton, the top Republican on the committee, quipped that the BCS should drop the "C" from its name because it doesn't represent a true championship.

"Call it the 'BS' system," he said to laughter.

God I hate our elected officials. First of all, the NFL is almost exactly communism. NCAA football is the closest thing to the American system that exists in any given sport. Secondly, he's using an incredibly old, stupid, hackneyed joke and gets laughter.

Thirdly, in the promotions, they don't call it the national championship. They call it a BCS championship. Because that's what it is. Shut the f*ck up about the whole labeling of a goddamn national championship and worry about companies writing more significant bullsh*t on their products. Worry about the government covering up their own f*ck-ups, like, say, the whole Pat Tillman thing. Worry about how you constantly use bullsh*t terms like "Clean Air Act" to make it legal to put more toxins into the air, and how pretty much any bill's title results in pretty much the opposite of whatever it says.

But no, I'm glad you f*cking assclowns are worried about "national" championships that the NCAA doesn't even use.

Have an 8-team super conference. Best 8 teams in the nation. I don't care how you start it off in year one, but from then on out:

They all play each other. 7 games there. The other 5 games are not pansy invitationals. The NCAA decides them. (Ok, maybe allow for 1 pansy rival game like LSU/Tulane).

The top 7 make the playoffs, seeded by record. The best non-conference team gets the 8th seed. The last place team is kicked out of the conference for the next year too (like UK soccer).

That 8th seed team is now in the playoffs for the next year.

Rinse, repeat.

Last year Utah would obviously be the 8th seed. And they'd get to prove themselves next year.

Why Would I Read the Article: Assmaster St.

Rectum? Damn near killed 'em.

Go Running Brown Eyes!

IAmRight: Thirdly, in the promotions, they don't call it the national championship. They call it a BCS championship.

Enlarge it if you can't see the "national" part: