Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 12, 1993 TAG: 9311120169
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOUISVILLE, KY. LENGTH: Short
At the request of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, the U.S. Justice Department has agreed to look into whether an agreement between a coalition of college football conferences and major postseason bowls violates antitrust laws.
McConnell, R-Ky., wrote to assistant attorney general Anne Bingaman last month, arguing that an agreement among five football conferences, Notre Dame and the major postseason bowl games could constitute a violation of the Sherman Act, since it excludes other independent teams.
On Wednesday, McConnell received a letter from Sheila Anthony, assistant attorney for legislative affairs, promising the Justice Department would "promptly review this matter to assess the situation."
McConnell is an alumnus of Louisville, which has committed to play in the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 28 in Memphis, Tenn. The Liberty Bowl is one of only a handful of bowls open to independent teams.
"I'm glad the Justice Department has decided to look into this," McConnell said in a statement Thursday. "Despite their amateur status, college sports are a big business, and we need to ensure that the best teams are allowed to compete for the money, exposure and prestige that the major bowls offer."
The coalition was formed two years ago between five conferences - Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Eight, Southeastern and Southwest - and independent Notre Dame. The alliance guarantees invitations from those conferences to all the major bowls, including the Cotton, Fiesta, Orange and Sugar on New Year's Day.
by CNB