CFP to help with travel costs

Thanks to a timely waiver granted by the NCAA on Tuesday, the College Football Playoff will help with travel costs for the parents or guardians of the players participating in the College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T on Monday.

The CFP is able to provide up to $3,000 in travel expenses for families of each competing student-athlete, according to the NCAA, but the playoff announced its reimbursement will be capped at $1,250 per parent or guardian.

The NCAA's waiver was announced in conjunction with a pilot program it is using this spring to help cover expenses for players' families traveling to the men's and women's Final Fours.

The announcements by both the playoff and the NCAA came within hours of Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith saying the College Football Playoff failed by not providing financial assistance for players' families to attend the inaugural games.

"We know how expensive travel can be, so we're pleased to provide assistance to parents or guardians who want to see their sons play in the first College Football Playoff National Championship," Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP, said in a statement. "It will make the game even more special for the student-athletes to know that their family members are receiving this benefit."

The reimbursement will cover expenses for hotel accommodations in North Texas and travel reimbursement and meal expenses for a maximum of two parents or legal guardians per athlete.

The NCAA also said member schools and conferences can adopt new rules to provide these family travel expenses on a permanent basis or for other championships.