Ashley Moody subpoenas College Football Playoff committee records following Seminoles’ exclusion.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In the aftermath of the Florida State Seminoles’ exclusion from the College Football Playoff, the fight with the selection committee has escalated as Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office has issued a 10-page subpoena to the 13-member committee. This move comes after weeks of outcry from fans and media across the country over the Seminoles’ undefeated record and their omission from the playoff.
Moody’s office is launching an investigation to determine if the committee engaged in any anticompetitive behavior. In a statement, Moody expressed concerns about the committee’s decision, stating that it appears biased and demanding answers not just for Florida State, but for all schools and fans of college football. The attorney general emphasized the importance of merit in Florida, declaring that the committee now has their attention.
The decision to leave out the Seminoles sparked outrage from fans, media pundits, and even politicians like Governor Ron DeSantis and U.S. Senator Rick Scott. In response, Moody’s office has issued a civil demand for information, which includes communications, documents, and votes related to the committee’s final decision. The scope of the demand is wide-ranging, aiming to uncover any potential improprieties in the decision-making process.
The subpoena seeks various communications, such as those involving the Southeastern Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, NCAA, ESPN, Group of Five Conferences, Power Five Conferences, and other relevant parties. It also requests documents pertaining to public statements, media talking points, interview notes, restrictions on alternate playoff schedules, member compensation in 2023, recusals of committee members, and the committee’s standards on ethics and conflicts of interest.
The College Football Playoff committee, according to their website, selects the top four teams based on several factors, including strength of schedule, head-to-head results, championships won, and other undisclosed criteria. In the case of Florida State, the committee chose to include one-loss champions from the Big 12 Conference (Texas) and the SEC (Alabama) over the undefeated Seminoles.
The 2023 College Football Playoff Committee consists of former athletic directors, coaches, players, and a sportswriter turned professor. The committee members this season are Chris Ault, Mitch Barnhart, Boo Corrigan (committee chair), Chet Gladchuk, Jim Grobe, Mark Harlan, Warde Manuel, David Sayler, Will Shields, Gene Taylor, Joe Taylor, Rod West, and Kelly Whiteside. Their diverse backgrounds bring a wealth of experience to the decision-making process.
Governor DeSantis has sought funding of up to $1 million to support Florida State and the state university system in their legal battle against the Seminoles’ exclusion. However, no lawsuit has been filed by any state entity thus far.
As the College Football Playoff approaches, tensions are running high. The playoff will commence on New Year’s Day with the Rose Bowl matchup between Alabama and Michigan, followed by the Sugar Bowl clash between Texas and Washington. The winners of these games will face off for the national championship on January 8.
The battle between Florida State and the College Football Playoff selection committee continues to unfold, with the attorney general’s investigation and the demand for information shedding light on the decision-making process. The outcome of this dispute will have far-reaching implications for college football and the future of the playoff system.
