In a headline that looks like it belongs to ‘The Onion,’ Florida lawmakers are so upset with the decision of the College Football Playoff Committee to leave Florida State out of the CFP in favor of Alabama, they are considering legal action.
Florida Politicians Lose Their Minds Over FSU ‘Snub’
This past Sunday, the FSU Seminoles, having triumphantly navigated their season as the ACC champions, found themselves unexpectedly sidelined from the CFP’s final four. The move sparked a vehement reaction from Florida’s political quarters, with several lawmakers publicly airing their grievances and hinting at possible legislative responses.
Governor Ron DeSantis was among the first to voice his discontent. In his words, “What we learned today is that you can go undefeated and win your conference championship game, but the College Football Playoff committee will ignore these results.” This sentiment reflects a broader disbelief and frustration among FSU supporters and alumni.
What we learned today is that you can go undefeated and win your conference championship game, but the College Football Playoff committee will ignore these results.
Congratulations to @FSUFootball on an outstanding season and winning the ACC championship!
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) December 3, 2023
The issue took a more serious turn with former FSU player and now State Senator Corey Simon, who didn’t mince words in expressing his outrage. “The corruption of college football rears its ugly head again,” he tweeted, directly accusing the CFP of being influenced by vested interests and calling for lawsuits to be filed.
The corruption of college football rears its ugly head again. ESPN and Disney have a vested interest in the SEC participating in the CFP. Lawsuits should be filed tomorrow
— Corey Simon (@csime90) December 3, 2023
Rick Scott Demands Answers From the CFP Committee
This isn’t the first instance of a Florida team facing exclusion despite a spotless record. The University of Central Florida’s 2017 snub from the CFP, despite an undefeated season, still lingers in the memory of many Floridians. That year, UCF went as far as to declare itself national champions, a move endorsed by then-Governor Rick Scott.
The controversy touches upon Florida’s already strained relationship with Disney, which broadcasts the CFP through its ESPN network. This adds an element of perceived corporate influence, further fueling the flames of discontent among Florida’s lawmakers.
Senator Rick Scott’s reaction to the decision was also one of indignation. “I’ll be demanding the committee answer as to how this decision was made and what led to this outcome,” he declared, reflecting a demand for greater transparency in the playoff selection process.
🚨 BREAKING: I am demanding answers and transparency from the @CFBPlayoff Selection Committee following its unprecedented exclusion of @FSUFootball from the playoffs.
Read my letter to Chairman Boo Corrigan ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/D554J82c4S
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) December 4, 2023
Congressman Jared Moskowitz was no less critical, announcing his intent to circulate a letter and propose a resolution condemning the NCAA’s decision. He described the situation as “a corrupt decision for college athletics,” suggesting that financial interests were at play.
I am circulating a letter and will be doing a resolution condemning @NCAAFootball @NCAA decision to leave @FSUFootball out of the playoffs. This decision is about TV money, a corrupt decision for college athletics. https://t.co/laQ2K3hWau
— Jared Moskowitz 🟧 (@JaredEMoskowitz) December 3, 2023
Representative Byron Donalds, in his critique, labeled the CFP committee “trash,” citing several reasons that, in his view, justified Florida State’s inclusion in the playoffs. His comments further illustrate the deep sense of injustice felt by FSU supporters.
The CFP committee is trash!
1. @FSUFootball is undefeated.
2. FSU won the conference championship with a 3rd string QB.
3. Texas was never ranked ahead of FSU all year.
4. FSU didn’t need a hailmary to survive rivalry week, like Alabama did. Plus we won with the 2nd string QB!— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) December 3, 2023
While the impassioned responses from Florida’s lawmakers underscore their deep commitment to the state’s collegiate athletics, one might argue that the intensity of their reactions seems a bit excessive. The leap from disappointment over a sports decision to calls for legal action and legislative measures might appear overly serious, blurring the lines between athletic competition and political engagement.
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