Mark Emmert Responds To Justice Department Inquiry Into BCS

NCAA president Mark Emmert responded to the Department of Justice’s inquiry about the BCS and possibility of a playoff system. As you can imagine, Emmert’s response was akin to shrugging his shoulders and saying “not our problem.” It’s passing the buck, in a way, as Emmert notes the Football Bowl Subdivision member institutions must propose an alternative to the system.

Here is an excerpt of Emmert’s response to the DOJ’s most basic question: Why not a playoff?

“Unless the membership decides to discontinue the existing BCS system and formally proposes creation of a championship for FBS institutions, there is no directive for the Association to establish a playoff. As noted, the FBS has never offered for consideration and vote a proposal to create an NCAA FBS championship.”

When asked whether the BCS is the best choice and whether any alternatives exist, Emmert responded with a single sentence that, essentially, said “go ask the BCS that one.” You can read the full letter, in PDF form, here.

I was wondering when this inquiry would get wacky and it appears we’ve hit that point. A DOJ inquiry seemed odd in the first place, and the whole ordeal seems to be little more than a fun public relations war Emmert refuses to touch.

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