New trend of players sitting out bowl games to prepare for the NFL draft

[KingHigh]

The thing I love about this situation is for the first time in the kid's life, he's got all the power. No one can penalize him for this. Soon we may never again see blue chip NFL ready college players in bowl games. These assholes who run college football are hopefully in full blown panic mode. I love the chaos to be honest. College football is minor league football masquerading as amateur scholastic competition. Bust it up. There should be paid minor league football. Let them use college stadiums as their home fields ands pay to the universities a nice lease fee. Why should an outstanding athlete be left without the opportunity to play football professionally just because he can't do well enough on some pointless standardized test?

If a player wants to be a college student, great come to college and play real college football with all the academic rigors of any other student. There's no reason to continue to force non students into this charade of college football. Oh wait there is a reason: so that a small number of men can continue to be grossly overpaid to oversee an "amateur" athletic endeavor.

 

[RU4Real]

The thing I love about this situation is for the first time in the kid's life, he's got all the power. No one can penalize him for this. Soon we may never again see blue chip NFL ready college players in bowl games. These assholes who run college football are hopefully in full blown panic mode. I love the chaos to be honest. College football is minor league football masquerading as amateur scholastic competition. Bust it up. There should be paid minor league football. Let them use college stadiums as their home fields ands pay to the universities a nice lease fee. Why should an outstanding athlete be left without the opportunity to play football professionally just because he can't do well enough on some pointless standardized test?

If a player wants to be a college student, great come to college and play real college football with all the academic rigors of any other student. There's no reason to continue to force non students into this charade of college football. Oh wait there is a reason: so that a small number of men can continue to be grossly overpaid to oversee an "amateur" athletic endeavor.

This is the sort of post one might expect, early in the morning after crawling home from the strip clubs... llo

 

[zappaa]

Don't think that is true his father is a former NFL player.

So what, his dad is not his agent.
His dad condones quitting obviously.

 

[MozRU]

So what, his dad is not his agent.
His dad condones quitting obviously.

You're living in the past that never was.

 

[zappaa]

You're living in the past that never was.

I know I'll never ever support Rutgers again if it happens here with the coaches consent…can't get more present than that.
I have lived it, in real life.

 

[KingHigh]

I know I'll never ever support Rutgers again if it happens here with the coaches consent…can't get more present than that.
I have lived it, in real life.

I agree with you. I would be highly upset if it happened at Rutgers. Then again, I am part of the machine that explodes these kids free risky efforts for my own enjoyment. I'll be upset that I can't cheer hooray for my guy, he'll be upset with a mangled leg and the loss of millions of dollars.

 

[Knight Ed]

So if a kid is not participating in the bowl, why would he still be allowed to be in school at all? If you're done, then just leave.

 

[RUpop]

Let's think about it for a minute...what's the primary reason young adults go to college in the first place?

 

[zappaa]

I agree with you. I would be highly upset if it happened at Rutgers. Then again, I am part of the machine that explodes these kids free risky efforts for my own enjoyment. I'll be upset that I can't cheer hooray for my guy, he'll be upset with a mangled leg and the loss of millions of dollars.

You can play that out all day,i if you're scared don't play...quit

 

[KingHigh]

You can play that out all day,i if you're scared don't play...quit

By the way I meant "exploits" not explodes. Just because I'm middle eastern I didn't think autocorrect would be racist.

 

[Upstream]

If God told him the night before he is going to mess up his leg real bad and cost himself millions, he is not suiting up the next day for that bowl. No way, no how. We are not talking about the National Championship. We are talking about some exhibition game where the power brokers including the coaches and their bowl bonuses, are making boat loads of money.

All you guys are living in some "The good ole days," "You owe it to your team and school," message board fantasy land.

If you are stating here on this board, you would tell your son to play in some meaningless bowl 3 months before being handed a 1st round pick and a $20,000,000 check, you are lying to yourself and us here on this board.

I took Smith's comment to mean that he would still take the risk of playing in the game, since you never know in any game if you'll be injured or not. I guess if God told him he was going to be injured, he would skip the game to avoid the guaranteed injury (likewise if God told him that his injury would occur on a specific play, he might just skip that play).

But I really don't understand your comment "We are not talking about the National Championship". Are you saying if God told him he would be injured, he'd still play only if the game were the National Championship game. Why would he play in any game, even the National Championship game, if he was 100% certain that he was going to suffer a serious injury?

To use your analogy, if you were absolutely certain that your son would be injured in the National Championship game, putting his 1st round pick and $20MM payday at risk, would you tell him to skip the game. Or to put it a different way, if you were offered the choice right now of playing in the National Championship game in a few weeks, or being paid $20MM, would you play in the game or collect the money?

Injuries are part of the risk of every football game, National Championship or regular season. But God doesn't actually tell any of the players when they will be injured, the players don't know if they'll be injured or not.

 

[MozRU]

I took Smith's comment to mean that he would still take the risk of playing in the game, since you never know in any game if you'll be injured or not. I guess if God told him he was going to be injured, he would skip the game to avoid the guaranteed injury (likewise if God told him that his injury would occur on a specific play, he might just skip that play).

But I really don't understand your comment "We are not talking about the National Championship". Are you saying if God told him he would be injured, he'd still play only if the game were the National Championship game. Why would he play in any game, even the National Championship game, if he was 100% certain that he was going to suffer a serious injury?

To use your analogy, if you were absolutely certain that your son would be injured in the National Championship game, putting his 1st round pick and $20MM payday at risk, would you tell him to skip the game. Or to put it a different way, if you were offered the choice right now of playing in the National Championship game in a few weeks, or being paid $20MM, would you play in the game or collect the money?

Injuries are part of the risk of every football game, National Championship or regular season. But God doesn't actually tell any of the players when they will be injured, the players don't know if they'll be injured or not.

I would hope God was wrong and I am going after that ring.

 

[zappaa]

I would hope God was wrong and I am going after that ring.

Moz
What would be your personal motivation to play in a meaningful playoff game?
If you were going to be a top 5 pick, why would you risk that pay day?
Playing Alabama or another top 4 team whose defense was worthy of playoff status presents a risk of injury…you're willing to throw multi millions and life security away

 

[MozRU]

Moz
What would be your personal motivation to play in a meaningful playoff game?
If you were going to be a top 5 pick, why would you risk that pay day?
Playing Alabama or another top 4 team whose defense was worthy of playoff status presents a risk of injury…you're willing to throw multi millions and life security away

There are 300+ million people in this country with 300+mm different opinions. We all have different spots where our lines in the sand are drawn.

 

[WhiteBus]

AND in that game, a pro bound Ray Rice, who did not bail on his teammates, carried the ball plenty and had 99 yard run and 300 yds on the ground, one of the greatest performances in RU history that won't be forgotten

Actually Ray Rice did bail on his teamates and all of us Rutgers fans. He was a quitter as well. He had one more year left but quit to go to the NFL. He gave up on his "brothers" and deprived Rutgers fans of seeing him break the NCAA rushing record.

 

[zappaa]

Actually Ray Rice did bail on his teamates and all of us Rutgers fans. He was a quitter as well. He had one more year left but quit to go to the NFL. He gave up on his "brothers" and deprived Rutgers fans of seeing him break the NCAA rushing record.

Another dumb analogy

 

[WhiteBus]

Another dumb analogy

It's as dumb as calling these quys quitters.

 

[RUtrumpet92]

This was disussed on Atlanta sports radio this morning. The hosts said if it was a lineman or LB in question, they imagine he'd take a LOT more heat for sitting out. What if it was a cornerback? Can he sit? Kicker or punter (not that they make 20 million in the draft but stll).

I agree it would be better if there was a true minor league football system but I would not spend a second or a dollar on it, even if they played in college stadiums. How many basketball fans can name thtee D league teams?

Should a possible NBA lottery pick sit out the NIT this spring?

 

[zappaa]

It's as dumb as calling these quys quitters.

What is he doing?
Is he placing himself above the team for his own self interests and pay day.

 

[WhiteBus]

What is he doing?
Is he placing himself above the team for his own self interests and pay day.

So did Ray Rice. He left a year of eligibility by doing the exact same thing. Left a year early to avoid injury and finally cash in on a life a hard work to realize a dream. Bravo to them all.

 

[Phi_1055]

A hyptothical situation: A college football player, who has great grades and no dreams of playing in the NFL, graduates in December and plays for a school that has a mid-January bowl game. This guy gets his dream job offer but must start work on January 2nd. Is he a quitter if he leaves his team to take the job?

I'm guessing that some fans would answer yes to the question, and others no. But I imagine that most anyone who attended college with the idea of getting an education to pursue a career would understand why a player would do what he felt right is right for himself and his family in order to pursue a career of his choosing.

 

[IvyLeagueFootball]

Why, are you expecting our NFL prospects to quit on their teammates before we play in the Rose Bowl?
I don't support Stanford,

Yeah but you said you'd never watch another one of their games.

 

[FanuSanu52]

Actually most get paid above market value.

You'll recall ITT we're talking quite specifically about star athletes and former Heisman contenders. The discussion at large only applies to top athletes.

 

[zappaa]

So did Ray Rice. He left a year of eligibility by doing the exact same thing. Left a year early to avoid injury and finally cash in on a life a hard work to realize a dream. Bravo to them all.

Did Ray start the season and commit himself to the team? Declaring before the season starts and not sharing in the success of the season is completely different, sorry if you don't know the difference

 

[LC-88]

Let's think about it for a minute...what's the primary reason young adults go to college in the first place?

To make money. That's why I went.

I would never buddy phuk my team like this. Go take out an insurance policy if you are afraid of getting hurt. "Hey guys, thanks for blocking for me all year so I could rise up on the draft board. Now kiss my entitled a$$."


If I were an NFL GM, I wouldn't want either of these guys on my team. Maybe they'll sit out a game in Green Bay because it is too cold, and they might pull a muscle.

 

[RURM85]

I love college athletics for many reasons including the traditions and history of the schools and their sports. Also, I was once a part of the community as a student and have pride in the school that I attended that will last a lifetime.

I like to believe in the concept and ideals of the "student athlete" and for some it applies understanding that there are players that have NFL dreams and have the skills and abilities to play in the NFL where "student" may not be important. College players play with passion because of the professional dream for some and others simply because they love playing. I would not support a minor league football league because there's zero connection for me. I already can't stand the one-and-done of college basketball. Renting a uniform for 1 semester makes a mockery of the sport.

McCaffrey and to a lesser degree Fournette's decision not to play in their bowl games sets a bad precedent for the future of the sport. As pointed out above, at what point does a college player stop playing to protect his professional future? The other issue is the bowl system. I hate the idea that it's viewed by media and public alike of nothing more than exhibition games for many of these bowl games. It's supposed to be an achievement and a bowl like the Sun Bowl as an example is storied with history as opposed to some meaningless exhibition.

 

[zappaa]

By the way Bus, you're calling Ray a quitter not me, IMO he did not quit

 

[LC-88]

Did Ray start the season and commit himself to the team? Declaring before the season starts and not sharing in the success of the season is completely different, sorry if you don't know the difference

Exactly. Ray didn't bail on the team right before the bigest game of the season. Ray also gave the staff plenty of time to make adjustments in his absence. Can't compare the two.

As for a "meaningless" bowl game. Why not ask all the seniors who won't get drafted what they think about that.

 

[WhiteBus]

Yeah but you said you'd never watch another one of their games.

Did Ray start the season and commit himself to the team? Declaring before the season starts and not sharing in the success of the season is completely different, sorry if you don't know the difference

First off I would have supported Ray Rice if he did the same thing. You wouldn't and have said you would give up on Rutgers if he or any other player did the same thing. That makes you a quitter!
Do you call baseball players that sit out games at the end of the season once their teams playoff position is set or have been eliminated quitters?
How about baseball players leaving the stadium after a few innings during Spring Training? Aren't they abandoning their "brothers"

 

[redlinehw]

Melvin Bratton says hello to this thread

 

[zappaa]

First off I would have supported Ray Rice if he did the same thing. You wouldn't and have said you would give up on Rutgers if he or any other player did the same thing. That makes you a quitter!
Do you call baseball players that sit out games at the end of the season once their teams playoff position is set or have been eliminated quitters?
How about baseball players leaving the stadium after a few innings during Spring Training? Aren't they abandoning their "brothers"

I don't think a person could be more clueless, sorry Bus.
If Ray decided to bail on his teammates before the bowl game, I would have called him a quitter.
If he and the staff decided holding him out of a game for rest to help the team, Id have been all for it
I also said only if the coach condoned his quitting, if that happened I would quit rooting...yes

 

[zappaa]

Yeah but you said you'd never watch another one of their games.

Obviously I didn't make myself clear.
Supposedly the Stanford staff and players support the kids decision to bail.
If that same scenario took place at RU I would give up my seats after 40 years instantly.

I don't care about Stanford, I don't watch or root for them
If our best player decided on his own to quit and the staff did not give its blessing, I'd live with it

 

[yesrutgers01]

To me, it is a breach of contract. Player agreed to play football and College agreed to pay for that year in college. So, let's look at the other side. If a player can decide to break that agreement can a college then turn around and start canceling scholarships if a player gets hurt and can't play that year?
That is why it is not quitting if a player decides to forego his Senior year. He had already fulfilled his obligation for the previous year and is not asking for a school to continue paying for college if he is not going to play any games.
A player pulling this, should have to revoke his year of tuition.

 

[lilphilw]

If Carroo sat out of a bowl game I would've been disappointed but understanding. He already came back for a year when he didn't have too and in the end he may have lost some money with that fight he was involved in. Plus he had Laviano throwing to him..

If he tore his acl his senior year at a bowl game, what would've been the benefit in the end? He has the respect of the Rutgers faithful!! give me a break. So many players have played and sacrificed "for the love of the game" or love for the school. This is a one sided business for stars in my opinion. They need to do what's best for themselves in the end

 

[WhiteBus]

I don't think a person could be more clueless, sorry Bus.
If Ray decided to bail on his teammates before the bowl game, I would have called him a quitter.
If he and the staff decided holding him out of a game for rest to help the team, Id have been all for it
I also said only if the coach condoned his quitting, if that happened I would quit rooting...yes

So at least you believe for the right reason that quitting is ok. You would quit on supporting Rutgers because you have what you believe is a valid reason. But my Lord you condemn these two kids are who are doing what's best for their future. With full support of their "brothers".
What's clueless is your narrow definition of quitting. These two are no different than any healthy player in any sport sitting out a game to be better in the future. None zero. They are all making the smart move. But you single out these two.
And the only one who is putting himself above the team is you. You think your opinion and morals are above the players on LSU and Stanford who support these players. Your disrespect for these young men is over the top and completely unwarranted.

 

[zappaa]

So at least you believe for the right reason that quitting is ok. You would quit on supporting Rutgers because you have what you believe is a valid reason. But my Lord you condemn these two kids are who are doing what's best for their future. With full support of their "brothers".
What's clueless is your narrow definition of quitting. These two are no different than any healthy player in any sport sitting out a game to be better in the future. None zero. They are all making the smart move. But you single out these two.
And the only one who is putting himself above the team is you. You think your opinion and morals are above the players on LSU and Stanford who support these players. Your disrespect for these young men is over the top and completely unwarranted.

Stand on the sidelines and go thru prep with your teammates, don't quit…simple.
I 100% disagree with your other analogies concerning rest and being better for the team's future games.
Oh yea…Ray didn't quit, he decided to forego his senior year… that's not quitting in anyones book but yours.

 

[zappaa]

If Carroo sat out of a bowl game I would've been disappointed but understanding. He already came back for a year when he didn't have too and in the end he may have lost some money with that fight he was involved in. Plus he had Laviano throwing to him..

If he tore his acl his senior year at a bowl game, what would've been the benefit in the end? He has the respect of the Rutgers faithful!! give me a break. So many players have played and sacrificed "for the love of the game" or love for the school. This is a one sided business for stars in my opinion. They need to do what's best for themselves in the end

Do what's best for themselves, a great lesson to learn while playing a team game.
Exactly the opposite of every mentor and ex player who comes to our museum and talks to kids about commitment, respect and team play.

 

[WhiteBus]

Of course you disagree because it shows how dumb your argument is by ripping these two when it happens all the time.
Was Enmit Smith a quitter in 1993? He skipped the first two games until he got a better deal. How about your dad's teammate Joe DiMagio. He sat out games waiting for a better deal. He put himself above the team according to your logic!

 

[Caliknight]

The kid from Stanford could easily be receiving guidance from some slime ball agent.
If he's a competitor and a good teammate, even after putting millions in his bank account he may have a retrospect regret for abandoning his brothers.

His father is a long time NFL player and all around good guy. As is his kid. If he is getting advice, it is from source who has been there.

 

[zappaa]

Of course you disagree because it shows how dumb your argument is by ripping these two when it happens all the time.
Was Enmit Smith a quitter in 1993? He skipped the first two games until he got a better deal. How about your dad's teammate Joe DiMagio. He sat out games waiting for a better deal. He put himself above the team according to your logic!

LOL…[roll]