Republican congressman Joe Barton, of Arlington, says he's not for big government, but he does think Texas Christian University's perfect season illustrates the need for government to get involved in the way college football champions are crowned.
The BCS announced Sunday that TCU will face unbeaten Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Because neither team is from a BCS conference, neither will get to bask in the glory of a national championship. That honor will go to a BCS conference team in the BCS championship game.
"They didn't want the two non-BCS schools to go and play BCS schools because we would prove the whole system is a sham," yelled out one Frog fan at the Sunday game to wild applause.
Barton put it another way.
"They're a cartel to maximize revenue for members of the cartel, and they do it very, very well," he said. "What I'm doing through my bill is saying, 'You can't advertise your game as the national championship game unless you have a play-off.'"
The ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee said the BCS series is just a money grab for the six BCS conferences. About $17 million per bowl is made.
"The BCS has hired two full time lobbyists to work against us in Washington," Barton said.
But, Barton said he expects his bill to be voted out of subcommittee soon for consideration by the full committee. Considering all the controversy this season, he thinks it might just get a little respect - the kind TCU, and Boise State for that matter, think they deserve.
E-mail jdouglas@wfaa.com
