Abercrombie plans to resubmit BCS bill claiming illegal restraint of trade

Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) plans to resubmit a bill claiming that the Bowl Championship Series is an illegal restraint of trade, CBSSports.com has learned.

Capitalizing on the momentum created by comments made by President-elect Barack Obama, Abercrombie and his co-sponsors plan to make the announcement at a press conference this week, possibly as soon as Thursday. They are also intending to send a letter of support to Obama.

Obama reiterated Sunday on 60 Minutes that he would like to see an eight-team playoff in major college football.

Abercrombie caused a minor stir in April when he initially announced submission of the bill. Abercrombie, a senior member of the House of Representatives, admitted back then he didn't fully grasp details of the BCS but was still proceeding with fervor.

"It's a racket," Abercrombie told CBSSports.com at the time. "They've got a little cartel. It's La Cosa Nostra ... and slavery."

Abercrombie is joined by co-sponsors Lynn Westmoreland (R-Georgia), Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah) behind the bill that never made it to the floor for a vote this year. It would be considered again when the 111th Congress convenes in January.

Seven months ago Abercrombie, Westmoreland and Simpson asked the Justice Department to investigate the BCS.