HELENA – U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg is asking the NCAA to rethink a rule which could disqualify football teams at Montana and Montana State from hosting playoff games.
State and university officials have been working to prove that a Montana’s legalized betting on fantasy sports leagues does not violate the NCAA’s stance against wagering on the outcome of sporting events. The NCAA has said the University of Montana should not have been allowed to host playoff games last season because the state allows a form of sports gambling.
In a letter to NCAA President Myles Brand, Rehberg said the playoffs in the Football Championship Series are highly coveted and done properly. He says it would be a shame if the NCAA punished players, fans and communities over the fantasy betting.
State university officials say the fantasy leagues, including one run by the Montana Lottery, are not the kind of sports betting the NCAA rule should be going after.