Column - Politicians Love Sports

When Congress recently took on the Bowl Championship Series, it reminded me of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. I just couldn't bring myself to root for either side.

How about a 0-0 tie in a torrential downpour?

U.S. Rep. Joe Barton of Texas pushed a bill through a subcommittee last week that would bar the BCS from calling its title game the “national championship.” Essentially, he would take out the C and leave the BS.

He's sticking up for Texas Christian University, an undefeated team denied a shot at the BCS title.

Rep. Barton's play call didn't exactly earn him a Gatorade shower.

Many, many detractors wondered why in blue blazes Congress would be messing around with college football with all the other critical issues facing the nation. Tough to argue.

But you might as well save your breath, my fellow Americans. Sports and politics are joined at the hip pointer. Examples pop to mind faster than a presidential first pitch.

While I was covering the Iowa Legislature, barely a week went by without lawmakers stopping to pass glowing resolutions honoring teams or athletes who achieved something laudable.

Young people in warm-up suits would line up in the back of the House or Senate while legislators lined up to sing their praises.

Gov. Tom Vilsack hosted the McDonalds All-American high school hoops team. Hayden Fry stopped by the Statehouse a few times and even stumped for George W.

Bush. Gov. Chet Culver valiantly offered to travel to bowl games for both Iowa and Iowa State after he failed to praise the Cyclones' win over Nebraska. The “Floyd of Rosedale” trophy for the Iowa-Minnesota football winner started as a bet between governors.

It's easy to see why they do this stuff. Sports is popular and politicians are not. When's the last time you saw 70,000 people watch the Legislature in action?

Politicians want to bask in the reflected glow of athletic triumph. They want to be in that hometown newspaper photo showing the team being honored at the Capitol.

I could blame them for having misplaced priorities, but I take some blame.

If I didn't eat, sleep and breathe this stuff, invest blood, sweat and treasure and give more thought to the BCS than health care reform, maybe my leaders would abandon the grandstands.

But I should not be a legislator. I can't imagine how many times I'd call some poor bill-drafter from a sports bar and order up legislation making it illegal to settle for overtime with 50 seconds left, or something like that.

Now, all I have the power to order are more hot wings. We're all better off.

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todd.dorman@gazcomm.com