National Champion a National Emergency? Don't think so...

It created quite a buzz, that’s for sure. Just days before Election Day, Barack Obama came out and said exactly what millions of Americans wanted to hear. No, not a solution to the nation’s deteriorating economy or new thoughts on foreign policy. In his most powerful and confident tone Obama announced: “I think it’s about time we have playoffs in college football!”

The statement came in an interview with ESPN’s Chris Berman during the halftime show of a Monday Night Football game, and suddenly, it was the talk of the sports world. A politician of that power echoing what all the fans, sportswriters, and coaches have been saying ever since the BCS began spoiling title hopes for title-worthy teams. When the others spoke, it was insignificant… just more of the same hopeless complaining. When Obama spoke, it brought a new light, a new fire… it brought back the hope.

Could our President actually have a say in today’s most heated sports debate? Probably. Should our President actually do anything about it? Eh, probably not.

It’s been a busy 18 days since Obama became President. An 18 days filled with economic stimulus packages, Guantanemo Bay and abortion bills, Wii bowling with the daughters… yet no mention of the BCS. That’s possibly because college football season ended almost a month ago putting the debate to bed until a new season with new controversies. But it’s probably because Obama knows better than to use his power to meddle in the affairs of sports. It’s great to have a President passionate about sports and even better to have one who expressed opinions. But that’s as far it should go and it’s as far as it will go. To start having politicians dictating the rules of our nation’s professional and collegiate sports would start a long journey down a very slippery slope. Where could it go from there? Congressmen vetoing trades because it hurts the team in their district? Basketball players charged with misdemeanors for flagrant fouls or football players charged for helmet to helmet contact? How about a Presidential pardon for the next big-named baseball player to be suspended for steroids?

Obviously these suggestions are extreme and would probably never happen but it helps to prove that problems in sports are trivial when compared to the problems that politicians should really be worrying about.

And if Obama did decide to act… what could he do? Legal experts gave Tim Lemke of the Washington Times some possible options.
1. Obama could impose an executive order on the NCAA to create a playoff. Result: Being a private institution, the NCAA probably would have the upper hand when the bill went to Congress.
2. Obama could have the Justice Department explore whether the NCAA is violating any laws by excluding non-major conferences from BCS games. Result: Most non-major conference schools shouldn’t be in BCS games anyway. Stupid idea.
3. Obama could threaten to remove the NCAA’s tax-exempt status. Result: Not enough money for the NCAA’s smaller sports to survive.

Taking legal action for an issue that is so trivial when looking at the big picture would be a waste of time. But changes DO need to be made in college football. So here’s to hoping that the conference officials and university Presidents in charge of these decisions will listen to their President and will put an end to the BCS before someone else steps out of their place and does it for them.