Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking action on behalf of the 2023 undefeated Florida State University (FSU) football team by demanding answers from the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. The Committee has come under scrutiny for its secretive selection process, leading Attorney General Moody's Antitrust Division to issue a Civil Investigative Demand seeking more information about possible anticompetitive conduct.
In a statement, Attorney General Moody expressed her concerns about the Committee's decision, saying, "No rational person or college football fan can look at this situation and not question the result." She emphasized that the NCAA, conferences, and the College Football Playoff Committee are subject to antitrust laws, and her office is launching an investigation to examine any potential anticompetitive conduct.
The 2023 Florida State Seminoles have had an impressive season, with a perfect 13-0 record and holding all teams to 30 points or less. Despite being the Power Five Conference Champions and previously ranked fourth, the Seminoles were denied the opportunity to play in the national championship game or playoff over teams with a loss. This unprecedented decision has raised concerns about the fairness of the Committee's selection process.
In addition to fighting for FSU, Attorney General Moody's investigation aims to ensure fairness for all schools, teams, and fans of college football. She stated, "In Florida, merit matters." The omission of FSU from the College Football Playoff is estimated to cost the school and the Atlantic Coast Conference millions of dollars.
The Civil Investigative Demand issued by Attorney General Moody's office seeks various communications and documents related to the Committee's deliberations. This includes communications with conferences, the NCAA, ESPN, and other relevant parties, as well as documents related to public statements and restrictions on alternate playoff schedules. The demand also seeks information on the compensation of Committee members, recusals from deliberations, and the Committee's standards relating to ethics and conflicts of interest.
The Attorney General's Antitrust Division is committed to enforcing state and federal antitrust laws to protect competition and the interests of Floridians. Since taking office, Attorney General Moody's Division has recovered over $3.4 billion on behalf of Florida's citizens, taxpayers, and state and local entities through its enforcement efforts.
Attorney General Moody's demand for answers from the College Football Playoff Selection Committee highlights the need for transparency and fairness in the college football playoff system. The investigation will shed light on the Committee's decision-making process and ensure that all schools and teams are given a fair opportunity to compete for the national championship.
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