How You Can Stick It To The Man & Legally Get Your March Madness Fix

The person who leaked the NCAA Tournament bracket via Twitter 50 minutes into CBS' 2-hour Selection Sunday broadcast is considered a hero, according to various news and social media sources. There would not be all this praise had CBS completed the show as it has in the past - one hour swiftly moving through each bracket without the missed shots (e.g., Charles Barkley awkwardly trying to work with the selection touchscreen board). This frustration with college sports broadcasting contracts comes at a time when society is scrutinizing the ethical viewpoints and practices of those running the college sports world, which adds to the firestorm. One mantra appears to be rising out of the mess - a "stick it to The Man" vibe - and will likely gain additional momentum the next few weeks.

Will Your NCAA Tournament Bracket Be Legal in the State of Michigan?

Saying that the NCAA Tournament and bracket pools do not go together is like saying that I-75 and "10mph over the posted speed limit" do not go together. We know it happens. Law enforcement knows it is the norm. We may or may not realize it stretches legal limits. We do it anyway.

The recent hype over the legality of daily fantasy sports is directing a lot of attention toward relevant state and federal law. With respect to Michigan's point of view on the matter, it gets a little risque. I have written on Michigan's stance on daily fantasy sports as of 2015, but making brackets is a different type of simulation that is also forced to live under an outdated rule.

How does Michigan law view your March Madness tourney bracket?

NCAAM Tournament Broadcasting Revenues Under the Law

Since most of us are dedicated to sitting in front of multiple televisions addicted to March Madness, I decided to present this post in a more interactive format to liven up your life. If you are curious as to why the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament revenues are distributed the way they are or would like to learn how they are distributed to begin with, this is for you. The madness in March is not just in the games themselves. It also has roots (or, should I say, a lack thereof) in the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.