The University of Washington

April 29, 2010

University of Washington
Seattle, Washington 98195

Dear Husky,
Thank you for reading my Facebook note. I am visiting the University of Washington today to discuss President Emmert’s call for a multi-game playoff, his concerns regarding the renovation to Husky Stadium, and the current State of the Kennedy Proposal.

November 7, 2008, Seattle Times writer Bud Withers ran an article titled, “The debate of BCS versus playoffs”. He dug into former Pac-10 Commissioner Tom Hansen’s brain, advancing “every notion from the popular plus-one proposal to a 16-team pigskin-palooza”. Hansen went with the grain and rejected each proposal but President Emmert has different beliefs.

Emmert stated to Withers that he believes a playoff is “inevitable” but other Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) presidents, like University of Georgia President Michael Adams and University of Florida President Bernie Machen, had much such claims and no significant discussion or debate has occurred within Bowl Championship Series (BCS) meetings, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Football Issues Committee, nor has there been a Comprehensive Review of the FBS post-season on Capitol Hill. (District of Columbia)

Withers insisted on playoffs and Emmert continued to respond. Although Emmert did not specifically say this about Executive Director Bill Hancock, he did allude to the “illusory arguments” regarding the insertion of a multi-game playoff. The arguments pouring off the official BCS website, www.playoffproblem.com, cite reasons such as missed class time, travel expenses, increased rate of injury, the inherent unfairness with a home-hosting model, value of the regular season, and the importance and heritage of non-BCS bowls.

Although he will still be deemed “President”, his new office lands in Indianapolis as the Association’s Fifth Commander. November 1, 2010 he will replace Jim Isch who has been serving in the role after Myles Brand lost his battle with cancer. With appointment to his new role, Emmert could possibly implement what players, coaches, and some fans have dreamed for years.

"I'd like to be one having shaped that [the playoff evolution], rather than having it shaped by others.” November 7, 2008 President Emmert to Bud Withers.


As deficit issues rise and as athletics continue to operate in the red, will President Emmert respond to the 1,055 member institutions and find a way to “shape” a billion dollar fund-raiser during the short holiday period?

If indeed he finds a way to implement the Kennedy Proposal, or any other BCS playoff proposal, the public funding for athletic buildings, such as Husky Stadium, will be created. For example, the University of Alabama produced 91,312 for their Spring Game. How much revenue could eight additional games produce for the NCAA and its member institutions? What would the televisions contract be worth? Merchandise? Advertising? How would EA Sports be affected?

As the questions continue to add up, the dollars would, too. My personal interest is not to expand the FBS post-season for dollar increase but to afford the players the opportunity to settle the national championship. As a result, the influx of public dollars would be invested back into Higher Education institutions across the country.

January 14th, 2009, President’s Emmert’s blog, “The UW and the economic downturn”, he states, “Finally, I want to say a word about Husky Stadium since many of you have asked.” “Normally, seeking funding in tight economic times for the stadium would simply not be on our list of priorities. But by issuing debt now, we could do the project, create 5,000-7,000 construction jobs, and still have no negative impact whatsoever on the 2009-11 budget. We believe it is worth considering and would benefit the state economy now and the University for decades to come.” Since that time, new field turf has been installed but with Emmert’s departure, what lies ahead for the renovation of Husky Stadium? Questions regarding stadium improvement, facility improvements, Olympic Sports, and others continue to be asked on campuses around the country, but what is being installed? What are the Presidents and Chancellors doing to Improve the State of Higher Education?


They are being fiscally irresponsible and spending millions of dollars to combat the multi-game playoff push coming from Congress and others interested parties when those same public dollars could be used to implement a playoff. According to Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany, a playoff could bring “three or four times more money”. *******************************************************************************

The State of the Kennedy Proposal

I spoke with a fan of mine and he asked, “How is Congress receiving the Kennedy Proposal?” They aren’t. I have not sent finished version of Part I to Congress and have not been in direct contact with any such members since August of 2009; however, the time has come to try and bring the issue to the forefront. Congressional members who have endorsed the insertion of a multi-game playoff will be receiving the Kennedy Proposal beginning in May. Although the costs will be an issue ($25 for color print), we plan to cover a broad range of Congress. God Bless, Brandon E. Kennedy