The Hill News

Arizona's secretary of state has asked the state attorney general to open a criminal probe into whether or not Fiesta Bowl employees were compelled to illegally donate to political allies of the game. 

The Arizona Republic reported late last week that Secretary of State Ken Bennett wrote to Attorney General Terry Goddard that "reimbursement for political contributions, whether engaged in by! the organization's agents and/or employees, would be in violation" of state law.

Here is more from the Republic: 

Fiesta Bowl Chairman Duane Woods was surprised to hear the matter had been referred to the Attorney General's Office.

"I'm disappointed because I just think it's a waste of state resources and our time as well," Woods said.

Bennett's office has been investigating the Fiesta Bowl since a complaint was filed in late December.

"After multiple interviews with current and former employees of Fiesta Events, a review of campaign-finance records (2000-present) and a thorough examination of materials provided by the organization, questions remain involving allegations that Fiesta Events reimbursed em! ployees for political contributions," Bennett said in his lett! er.

< p>The bowl has also come under criticism for donating money to Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) primary opponent. McCain has also received money from the bowl in the past. 

College football's bowl system last year came between the crosshairs of some members of Congress who want it replaced with a playoff system. The BCS has pushed back against government efforts to change the system, saying it is outside their purview. 

PlayoffPAC, a political group that has pressured lawmakers to change the bowl system, filed a complaint with Bennett in December, saying that the bowl pushed employees to donate to political candidates, and then were reimbursed by the bowl. The group says the practice is illegal under Arizona and federal campaign finance law that bans the funneling of corporate campaign contributions through individuals. 

Bennett also decided to push the investigation further after an probe conducted by a third-party consultant hired by the bowl found there to be no wrongdoing. 

The Fiesta Bowl is one of four major BCS bowls that host two of the top college football teams in the country. Teams play for national recognition and lar! ge monetary rewards for their universities. The BCS also spons! ors a na tional championship game in which the top two schools in its complex rankings system play for the title.