DeSantis Promises $1M For Any FSU Football Lawsuit After Snub

Gov. Ron DeSantis is financially supporting the backlash by eliminating undefeated Florida State from the playoffs.

DeSantis announced Tuesday that he is setting aside $1 million for “any litigation costs that may arise from this really, really bad decision by the College Football Playoff” to snub the 13-0 ACC champion Seminoles . The Republican made the remark during a press conference to introduce his 2024-25 budget recommendations.

DeSantis said the Seminoles “earned a playoff spot” but were left out because of a “very, very controversial decision.” FSU is the first undefeated Power Five Conference champion in the history of the playoffs and its predecessor, the Bowl Championship Series, being swept by a team with just one loss. Alabama, the SEC champion at 12-1, was tied for the fourth and final spot, along with Michigan at 13-0, Washington at 13-0 and Texas at 12-1.

Florida State won the ACC Championship on Saturday with a 16-6 triumph over Louisville in Charlotte, NC [ ERIK VERDUZCO | AP ]

DeSantis said an undefeated season “should be really meaningful, and they’re telling us that it isn’t – that other factors are more important.” He said he wanted the state’s traditional powers – FSU, Miami and Florida – everyone could compete for national titles again. He also wants more top recruits to stay in the state; He already made this clear when he enshrined the name, image and likeness of the Florida landmark into law in 2020.

FSU and the State University System Board of Governors are reviewing their options, DeSantis said, but it is highly unlikely anything could happen before the Jan. 1 semifinals (Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl). He doesn’t know what, if anything, would result from any possible litigation.

“It’s unfortunate that we even have to do this, but we’re going to set aside a million dollars and let the chips fall where they may,” DeSantis said.

The governor has the support of at least one other state politician. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said in a letter to Select Committee Chairman Boo Corrigan that he “would have no problem canceling these checks.” Patronis called for more transparency from the committee, saying the decision impacted FSU’s ability to recruit players and impacted “millions of dollars in economic output” to FSU, the community and players through name, image and likeness agreements.

“If your organization and its participants truly believe that they made the right decision, you can still understand that people are hurt and outraged by this decision…,” Patronis wrote. “The future of college football is at stake, and the eyes of the sports world and the college football community are excited.”

DeSantis also took time to talk about the state’s entire university system, which is considered one of the best in the country.

“I would just say I like these academic rankings,” DeSantis said. “I just want the football rankings to match that.”

Times staff writer Romy Ellenbogen contributed to this report.

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