Following the controversial College Football Playoff selection that saw his alma mater, Notre Dame, get snubbed from the 12-team field, FOX Sports analyst and former Irish quarterback Brady Quinn launched a scathing attack on ESPN, accusing the network of controlling the entire playoff process.

The "Disney Creation" Claim

Speaking on the "Stugotz and Company" show, Quinn asserted that the entire selection process is dominated by ESPN and its parent company, Disney. He argued, "This entire process is controlled by ESPN and Disney," suggesting that the CFP operates not as an independent body, but as a "made-for-TV event" designed to benefit the network's key financial partners, namely the SEC and ACC.

Allegations of SEC Bias

Quinn pointed to the final rankings as evidence of this influence. He questioned the logic that allowed a team like Alabama to remain highly ranked despite suffering a decisive loss in its conference championship, while Notre Dame dropped two spots despite not playing. His core argument is that ESPN and its media voices elevate the perceived strength of the SEC, meaning SEC losses and wins are often weighted more favorably by the committee, regardless of objective metrics.

Hypocrisy and Notre Dame's Snub

The FOX analyst also called out ESPN for its hypocrisy regarding Notre Dame's playoff aspirations and subsequent decision to skip a bowl game. Quinn noted that ESPN commentators spent weeks downplaying Notre Dame's schedule and independence, only to criticize the school for "pouting" and declining a bowl invitation after being used as a "pawn" in the selection debate. He further accused the ESPN-owned ACC Network of repeatedly airing Miami's head-to-head win over Notre Dame during selection week to lobby for the Hurricanes.

In short, Quinn used his platform to air a widespread "conspiracy theory," framing the CFP as a rigged system where ESPN's commercial interests ultimately dictate the outcomes.

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