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Should I Stay or Should I Go? To Be a Junior in College Football

By johnnyrico, Section College
Posted on Wed Jan 17 2007 at 3:35 PM EST
More on: (all tags)

The Clash couldn't figure it out, yet the answer seems crystal clear to me. Imagine, for a moment, that you are a 20 year old college student without a job who just happens to play a little football. One day, a man in a suit strolls up to you and says "Hey kid. I got a proposition for you. If I said that you could stop going to class, stop writing papers, stop taking exams and come play a game for me all day long, would you do it?" Then, before you can answer, he adds "Oh yeah, and I'll give you $3 million a year to do it." What would your answer be?

If you answered "No thanks," then, well, your a liar. This question confronting junior collegiate football players---should I stay or should I go---is inevitable wherever there is pro talent. Sometimes, these young men make great choices (see Brady Quinn returning for his senior campaign), while some make slightly less than brilliant decisions (see Matt Leinart. What's the monetary difference between the number one pick and the tenth? Not to mention a loss to Texas in the Rose Bowl?). But in any case, to scald an athlete for not returning to school is simply ignorant and in all honesty, hypocritical.

Any one of us presented with the opportunity to make that kind of money---hell, half of that kind of money---would surely jump at it. Yet there are those who judge these young men to be money-hungry and without principle. "Mamma" wants them to get that diploma. This is ridiculous. If you turn down millions of dollars to stay in school, you'll be the biggest idiot ever to earn a college degree, regardless of what "Mamma" says. No amount of political science, engineering, or even ballroom dancing will make anywhere near the money one makes in pro football.

It's not all about the money though, right? Take one of the smartest national champions of all time, molecular geneticist and former Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel. He's in the lab, curing cancer and alzheimer disease, right? No. He's on talk radio in Columbus, doing analysis with other former Buckeyes and talking football. Why? Because football PAYS, unlike science.

A multitude of players are leaving early, some with great chances (Calvin Johnson, Jemarcus Russel, Adrian Peterson, Ted Ginn Jr.) and some with questionable draft positions (Brandon Jackson, Darius Walker, Anthony Gonzalez). But with the NFL's minimum salary around $600 thousand dollars a year, even the lowliest, dumbest oaf who makes a team or even a practice squad will earn significantly more than a broke college kid.

So stop doling out criticism to these young men trying to take care of their families, as well as their own lives. Because each and every one of us know that, faced with the choice ourselves, there would be no question.

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Should I Stay or Should I Go? To Be a Junior in College Football | 9 comments (9 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Well Written (#1)
by mw2828 on Wed Jan 17 2007 at 5:07 PM EST

And true, without a doubt. I was actually in favor of Mo Clarett's battle against the NFL. If a kid can be asked to go die for his country in a possible draft [and who knows what the next foreign quagmire will be, with Captain Cuckoo Bananas in charge] he should be able to choose when he wants to go pro. Now, it might not be in his best interest, but that's what representation and parents are for. But let these kids have a choice. Oh, and I don't think Darius Walker is going to make it in the NFL.

great job! (#2)
by mlbman92 on Wed Jan 17 2007 at 5:28 PM EST

You did a great job on this article ! I totally agree with your points and we have a similar aspect on the situation. Simply a work of art.

P.S - keep writing (=

-mlbman92

I disagree (#3)
by uxley11 on Thu Jan 18 2007 at 12:52 PM EST

Sure money is the end all be all factor, but I believe when you sign a letter of intent to play for a certain school, you stick it out until it is up. I think the age limit should be changed, but signing a letter should be like signing a contract. As far as I am concerned Ginn, Gonzalez, and Pittman voted against Ohio State, not for the NFL. They felt oh well we aren't going to win here next year, so we'll take off. That is the wrong attitude. Being a buckeye fan I also think that Ted Ginn Jr. is the most overrated college football player ever. How could he be considered for the heisman because he can run a touchdown back once a year. He will be a top-15 pick, but will not live up to the hype. Thats my opinion.

Problem (#4)
by Garrett Rudolph on Thu Jan 18 2007 at 11:13 PM EST

I haven't read the article, yet, but I have a major problem with the title and the first line.

"Should I stay or should I go?" was not written by Joey Ramone or done by the Ramones. It was done by the Clash, and therefore written by either Joe Strummer or Mick Jones.

Okay (#5)
by JDWC on Fri Jan 19 2007 at 2:46 AM EST

Great article, good writing, good topic...BUT multiple spelling errors! Fix those up, but regardless it's a good article. I understand what you are saying, I think you make good points, and now I'd like to voice my opinion, opposing yours.

I think, DESPITE the big bucks, one needs to get their degree before going pro. Unless it's a player who has no future other than football, I think the player needs to stay loyal to their schools and get themselves a diploma. Most careers will be over by what, age 35? So what do they do after that? Sure, they'll be rich, but they'd want to be able to do what they were working towards their whole lives.
J.D.
[ Parent ]

: When their careers are over.... (#7)
by johnnyrico on Fri Jan 19 2007 at 10:56 AM EST

They will have so many options that a college degree won't matter. Broadcasting, coaching, and a number of other jobs within the game regularly fall to the retired player. The money that they made by leaving early accumulates and either allows them to retire comfortably or gives them the capital to become business owners, etc. If I made 600 thousand dollars for 10 yrs, I would be well enough off not to have to depend on my college education.

[ Parent ]
: I'm sorry.... (#8)
by johnnyrico on Fri Jan 19 2007 at 10:59 AM EST

but I don't see any spelling errors. If you could point them out, I would appreciate it.

[ Parent ]

I guess I'm an idiot. (#6)
by johnnyrico on Fri Jan 19 2007 at 10:52 AM EST

I thought it was the Ramones. Thanks for the help.

[ Parent ]

errors (#9)
by JDWC on Fri Jan 19 2007 at 6:00 PM EST

"20 yr. old" ?? come on...
"draft posistions" it's positions

Okay only 2 errors, sorry. Good article anyways though.
J.D.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? To Be a Junior in College Football | 9 comments (9 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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