'New York Times' deems inclusion in BCS a conflict of interest

NEW YORK -- The New York Times pulled its computer college football rankings out of the formula used by the Bowl Championship Series to determine which teams play for the national championship.

Richard Meislin, editor of news surveys for the newspaper, said Thursday that the rankings' inclusion in the BCS was a conflict of interest, according to the Times' ethics guidelines.

The newspaper also withdrew from the BCS formula in 2001, citing editorial policy, but rejoined in 2002.

"We've been reviewing a lot of what we do with an eye toward conflicts of interest," Meislin said. "Being part of the BCS puts us in position to be influencing events we cover."

Times reporters also are not allowed to vote for the Heisman Trophy or the Tony Awards, Meislin noted.

The Times' poll was one of seven used by the BCS.

Meislin said the Times made BCS officials aware of its intentions about two weeks ago.

BCS coordinator Kevin Weiberg said earlier this week that there were no plans to add another computer poll to the Bowl Championship Series formula for the upcoming season.

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