In a surprising move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed to allocate $1 million from the state budget for potential legal action against the College Football Playoff committee.
The committee's decision to exclude Florida State University (FSU) from this year's playoff, despite their undefeated season and Atlantic Coast Conference championship, has sparked controversy and outrage.
Unveiling his budget proposal for the fiscal year 2024-25, DeSantis expressed his intention to earmark the funds for any litigation expenses that may arise from what he termed a "very, very controversial ruling." The governor was critical of the committee's decision, asserting that FSU "earned a spot" in the playoff.
The governor stated, "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." He congratulated FSU on their exceptional season and ACC championship win, despite their exclusion from the playoff.
The playoff, scheduled for New Year's Day, will see top-ranked and undefeated Big Ten champion Michigan face off against 12-1 SEC champion Alabama in one semifinal at the Rose Bowl.
The second semifinal, to be held at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, will pit unbeaten and second-ranked Pac-12 champion Washington against No. 3 Big 12 winner Texas, who boasts a 12-1 record and a head-to-head win over Alabama.
FSU, which suffered a significant setback with the loss of star quarterback Jordan Travis to a broken leg, will now compete in the Orange Bowl on December 30 against SEC runner-up Georgia.
The decision to exclude FSU has been met with widespread criticism. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) has written to the committee demanding "total transparency regarding how this decision was reached and what factors may have been at play in reaching this outcome."
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the controversy, using FSU's disappointment to take a jab at his potential 2024 GOP nomination rival. He posted on Truth Social, "Florida State was treated very badly by the 'Committee.' They become the first Power Five team to be left out of the College Football Playoffs. Really bad lobbying effort Lets blame DeSanctimonious!!!"
In response to Trump's comments, DeSantis defended his stance in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham. He said, "He also took Disneys side against us when we stood up for the kids. He also said [Andrew] Cuomo in New York did COVID better than we did. And he attacked me for being pro-life."
DeSantis concluded by challenging Trump to a debate, telling the former president, "Say it to my face." As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether FSU will pursue litigation and what the potential implications could be for the College Football Playoff committee.
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