Gene D, BC featured in Fiesta Bowl investigation

With the Auburn stuff brewing, the Fiesta Bowl scandal is momentarily on the back burner, but that doesn't mean that we should overlook BC's connection. The Bowl seems to be one of the most corrupt organizations you could find. Allegations and violations include paying off politicians and massive expense reporting tax fraud. Gene Defilippo was not interviewed by the investigators but he is featured prominently regarding a boondoggle trip to Boston the Fiesta Bowl committee made in 2008. The Fiesta Bowl expensed $65,000 for bowl officials, friends and politicians to come to Boston in 2008. The educational/business development purpose of this trip was a dinner on Friday night before the game. Gene was the key note speaker. From the report (p.179-180)

The educational function of this trip appears to have been a dinner presentation on Friday night titled "BCS Football: An Economic Engine for Arizona" featuring guest speaker, Gene Defilippo, the Boston College Director of Athletics. According to Martin, Defilippo's presentation "was not so much educational." Martin explained, "We had a dinner like we always do and Gene Defilippo spoke at the dinner. That was our training, but it was more like a welcome speech" Keogh further stated: "the Boston College Director came and talked to the group...you know, to fill the 'business purpose' obligation part."

Now let me be clear: Gene has not done anything illegal. How much he knew about this boondoggle cannot be proven. But we all know that there was no way that the Fiesta Bowl was ever going to select BC for their bowl. So Gene's sole purpose for this was to give a fluffy speech, make a toast and give the fat cats an excuse to write off their $65,000 trip to Boston. He just helped grease the engine that is the college football bowl system. If they're happy, Gene's happy. And that has been Gene's MO. He's an insider and a glad hander. That skill has benefited BC at times, like the move to the ACC. My frustration lies in that he is enabling all this bowl nonsense and it doesn't really serve BC's goals or purposes. We get the short end of the stick regarding bowls. We are the type of school that would benefit from a playoff. A playoff will never happen though as long as the Presidents and ADs are in bed with the Bowls.