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SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says he plans to file an antitrust lawsuit against college football's Bowl Championship Series, likely next year.
Shurtleff told KSL Newsradio he has looked into the matter and the BCS has still made no changes.
"The BCS has been dragging its feet and it hasn't thought we're serious about it," Shurtleff said. "We are serious about this."
The first order of business is drawing the U.S. Department of Justice and/or attorney generals in other states into the fight.
"Primarily because of the cost and the number of expert witnesses needed - we need the support of the Department of Justice," Shurtleff said.
He has completed an executive briefing book and is seeking a meeting with the antitrust chief with the Department of Justice before the end of the year. If he finds no takers, Shurtleff says he plans to go it alone.
"We do believe these antitrust violations are hurting Utah taxpayers in the end, and so I have a duty to do something about it," Shurtleff said.
Litigation is expected to be filed sometime in 2010, barring BCS heads reversing course.
Shurtleff launched an investigation into antitrust issues involving the BCS after the University of Utah was snubbed in its bid to play in the national championship game. Instead, the Utes triumphed over Alabama, 31-17, in the Sugar Bowl to cap an undefeated season.
E-mail: aadams@ksl.com
