Published: August 10, 2008 10:01 pm      

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: New fantasy game could raise UB’s national profile

Imagine a fan in Happy Valley getting giddy over James Starks’ nose for the end zone; a Buckeye backer beaming about Drew Willy’s accurate arm; or a dorm room in Gainesville toggling between CNN and ESPN2 on election night, simultaneously rooting for Barack Obama and Naaman Roosevelt.

The University at Buffalo could realize many of its football fantasies this fall. Although some will find the catalyst unsettling.

CBSSports.com announced last week plans to launch a fantasy college football game using the names of student-athletes, instead of generic indentifications such as “Buffalo QB,” used over the years at lesser-known sites.

Combining the exploding popularity of fantasy sports with the deep-rooted passion held by college football fans, CBS is expecting this new entity to become as relevent as fantasy games for professional football and baseball.

The NCAA, citing amateurism issues, has historically warned against such practices as a violation of its bylaws. Although such a notice has been sent by the association to CBS, a recent court case has been interpreted by some parties as allowing the use of college players, and the NCAA appears wary of pushing the issue with CBS — at least at this time.

“We are in discussions with CBS to try to work (out) a solution that we would be comfortable with,” said Bob Williams, an NCAA spokesman.

The U.S. Supreme Court last month refused to hear a case brought by Major League Baseball against a fantasy sports corporation over the use of baseball players’ names and statistics. The court’s move in effect said that statistics and names already in the public domain are not owned by a league or athletic association.

“There’s some debate as to whether the court decision applies to amateur athletes,” Williams said. “The court didn’t specifically say it did; some are interpreting it as it does. It remains to be seen.”

Amy Perko, executive director of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, which urges reform in college sports, said CBS “seems to be in direct violation of current NCAA rules.”

Informed of CBS’ announcement after a recent training camp practice, UB coach Turner Gill required an explanation of what fantasy sports entails, then asked, “Is money involved?”

Adament in his opposition to any form of gambling, especially when it involves college athletes, Gill said he’s “OK” with the fantasy game if money isn’t wagered.

His quarterback said he doesn’t have any misgivings with companies profiting of the production of amateur players.

“I know it’s huge,” Willy said. “A lot of my friends that don’t play football play fantasy. I’m going to have no reason to do it, but it’s going to be interesting to see that. If people are enjoying it, let them enjoy it.”

With a potentially high-scoring offense that many expect will lead the Bulls to their first winning record since entering Division I in 1999, the emergence of fantasy college football games could raise UB’s national profile.

Starks, the junior tailback from Niagara Falls who produced 14 touchdowns and more than 1,400 total yards last season, has been identified as a top fantasy player for 2008 by CollegeFantasyFootballInsider.com.

“Recognition is always good,” Gill said. “ They might see a guy’s name on the board from the University at Buffalo, and they might want to watch this guy, see what he’s all about.”

Brett Hamlin, a senior wide receiver, perked up at the suggestion that fantasy players throughout the country could be converted into Bulls fans.

“That will broaden our name and get us out there,” he said. “And if somebody wants to put me on their fantasy football team, that’s like a dream come true.”

Gannett News Service contributed to this report. Contact reporter Jonah Bronstein at 282-2311, ext. 2258.