National Collegiate Athletic Association

The NCAA News Digest

March 31, 1997

POSTSEASON FOOTBALL

Senators say alliance violates antitrust law

Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has asked the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the postseason football bowl alliance, alleging that it violates antitrust laws through restrictive agreements.

In a speech on the Senate floor March 20, McConnell said, "There is substantial evidence that the most powerful conferences and the most powerful bowls have entered into agreements to allocate the postseason bowl market among themselves and to engage i n a group boycott of nonalliance teams and bowls. The effect of these agreements is to ensure that the strong get stronger, while the rest get weaker."

The bowl alliance is confident that it has not violated antitrust statutes and is formulating a response to the issues raised by McConnell, said Roy F. Kramer, commissioner of the Southeastern Conference and chair of the alliance.

"We've had excellent legal advice with regard to any issues raised and we are confident we are in compliance," Kramer said. "In consultation with our attorneys, we are formulating a full response to all of the issues he raised."


BETTY FORD PROGRAM

Vacancies remain for popular drug-awareness program

A number of vacancies remain for the 1997 NCAA/Betty Ford Professional in Residence program.

Since 1991, more than 250 representatives have gone through the program, which raises awareness and provides a better understanding about alcoholism and drug addiction.

Each NCAA institution is permitted to send two representatives to the three-day PIR program at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California. Past participants have called it a remarkable experience and have encouraged others to take advantage of the opportunity.

Expenses for the program, hotel costs and most meal costs are covered by the program. Representatives are responsible for travel expenses, some meals and any incidental expenses.

The 1997 program dates, along with the deadlines for applications, are as follows: May 6-9 (April 14); May 20-23 (April 21); June 3-6 (May 5); August 26-29 (July 28); September 23-26 (August 25); October 7-10 (September 8); December 2-5 (November 3); a nd December 16-19 (November 10).

The program is part of the NCAA Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) program, administered through NCAA Sports Sciences.

Staff contact: Elizabeth Binkley

TITLE IX

for Kansas City Title IX seminar

The registration deadline for a May 12-13 Title IX seminar in Kansas City, Missouri, is April 7.

Staff contacts: Janet M. Justus (overall) and Kaily C. Sola (registration information).