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

[RBS05]

So you're thinking the pursuit of a championship outweighs lifetime security for a player and his family?
Also, my hypothetical was Lamar and Lousville losing some early games next year eliminating them from playoff contention, assuming your correct and lesser bowls are not worth it, why would he play the remaining regular season games and take the chance of hurting himself?
Declaring yourself out before the season starts is a different debate

You're the one who keeps pushing the slippery slope argument. I have defended McCaffrey in the exact situation he has put himself in and I'm not creating other scenarios. Broadly speaking, I don't think they should stop playing in the middle of the season either. Their teammates want to try and win as many games as possible, there are a lot of coaches who don't make big money who may need to win to keep their jobs, and fans have paid good money for tickets.

I can't help it if you don't see a difference between playing games week to week, practicing virtually every day in between, and finishing your regular season and basically taking a month off for one of nearly 40 games that serve as background entertainment around the holidays.

Why do you think McCaffrey stopped playing when he did and not earlier in the season when they were eliminated from playoff contention?

 

[RBS05]

Abro…you can still blow your knee out and cost your self gazillions playing in a playoff game.

Would you mom living in poverty and your expectant girlfriend you're about to marry go for that?

Yikes.

 

[zappaa]

You're the one who keeps pushing the slippery slope argument. I have defended McCaffrey in the exact situation he has put himself in and I'm not creating other scenarios. Broadly speaking, I don't think they should stop playing in the middle of the season either. Their teammates want to try and win as many games as possible, there are a lot of coaches who don't make big money who may need to win to keep their jobs, and fans have paid good money for tickets.

I can't help it if you don't see a difference between playing games week to week, practicing virtually every day in between, and finishing your regular season and basically taking a month off for one of nearly 40 games that serve as background entertainment around the holidays.

Why do you think McCaffrey stopped playing when he did and not earlier in the season when they were eliminated from playoff contention?

All I'm doing is trying to find the distinction between costing yourself millions and lifetime family security over playing in games.

 

[zappaa]

Yikes.

Yikes?…we have people saying a players financial situation at home should weigh heavily in their decision.
Before you go all identity on me, white people have pregnant girlfriends and poor parents also.

 

[c_husk]

24 or 32 team playoff just like FCS. Players would never skip a playoff game. Or would they ?

DE John Abraham of Jets sat out a playoff game against the Steelers , at the end of the year he was heading into free agency. Didn't sit well with many folks.

 

[zappaa]

DE John Abraham of Jets sat out a playoff game against the Steelers , at the end of the year he was heading into free agency. Didn't sit well with many folks.

He had to be hurt…no?

 

[LC-88]

Minny players should not have boycotted their bowl game, for solidarity reasons, because of their suspended team mates. They all should have said "we don't want to hurt our future draft status", and walked away until next year.

These sit outs can get an insurance policy if they are really that good. Has been done before.

Also, did any of these sit out players tell their coaches of their intentions, before the season started?

 

[WhiteBus]

Minny players should not have boycotted their bowl game, for solidarity reasons, because of their suspended team mates. They all should have said "we don't want to hurt our future draft status", and walked away until next year.

These sit outs can get an insurance policy if they are really that good. Has been done before.

Also, did any of these sit out players tell their coaches of their intentions, before the season started?

Do you understand the insurance isn't free?? And incredibly expensive. Doesn't cover potential income. And in the end if you recover you have the choice of trying to play and giving up the insurance payout. Or taking the payout and not allowed to play at all?

 

[LotusAggressor]

"Every time I call it a business, you call it a game. Every time I call it a game, you call it a business."

Peter Gent - North Dallas Forty

 

[jsol_05]

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

No but I am sure his Dad had input and it not the agent fault his job is to protect his investment. It the player decision no need to criticize the agent.

 

[jsol_05]

Short term move. That kid will be in the NFL and can provide untold amounts of free PR for the school (though Stanford doesn't really need it).

That what these kids do after the season anyway, they leave schook to get ready for the draft.

 

[jsol_05]

It is not exploitation.

If you have any integrity you do not quit on your TEAMMATES.
Unless already injured you play the game. Period.

This is what I don't understand, we don't criticize these kids when they leave their hometown schools to play for these powerhouse high school team. Didn't they just quit on the players from the local high school team to go to SPP, BC IMG or PC. no that is OK because they are trying to improve their situation. However, we what to criticize them when they are potentially protecting millions, asked Willis McGahee how much money he lost by getting injured in a Bowl game. We are in the me generation, this is only the tip of the iceberg. More and more players will start shutting it down.

 

[RU-05]

This is what I don't understand, we don't criticize these kids when they leave their hometown schools to play for these powerhouse high school team. Didn't they just quit on the players from the local high school team to go to SPP, BC IMG or PC. no that is OK because they are trying to improve their situation. However, we what to criticize them when they are potentially protecting millions, asked Willis McGahee how much money he lost by getting injured in a Bowl game. We are in the me generation, this is only the tip of the iceberg. More and more players will start shutting it down.

In season as opposed to off season.

 

[zappaa]

This is what I don't understand, we don't criticize these kids when they leave their hometown schools to play for these powerhouse high school team. Didn't they just quit on the players from the local high school team to go to SPP, BC IMG or PC. no that is OK because they are trying to improve their situation. However, we what to criticize them when they are potentially protecting millions, asked Willis McGahee how much money he lost by getting injured in a Bowl game. We are in the me generation, this is only the tip of the iceberg. More and more players will start shutting it down.

So hypothetically speaking let's pretend Ash got us some game changing talent on both sides of the ball and our success was obviously directly related to their junior year contributions.
We go 9 and 3, miss out on the B1G Ten championship game and the playoffs, but are in line for a very good bowl.
The players Ash recruited are highly regarded by NFL scouts...as a donating, season ticket holder, you would have zero problem with it if they decided to not risk injury in an "exhibition game" that's of high quality?
I'm not asking you if you'd understand, I'm asking you if as a fan would it possibly compromise your level of commitment in supporting the program?

 

[zappaa]

This is what I don't understand, we don't criticize these kids when they leave their hometown schools to play for these powerhouse high school team. Didn't they just quit on the players from the local high school team to go to SPP, BC IMG or PC. no that is OK because they are trying to improve their situation. However, we what to criticize them when they are potentially protecting millions, asked Willis McGahee how much money he lost by getting injured in a Bowl game. We are in the me generation, this is only the tip of the iceberg. More and more players will start shutting it down.

These kids leave their schools during the season?

 

[ScarletNYC]

Abro…you can still blow your knee out and cost your self gazillions playing in a playoff game.

Would you mom living in poverty and your expectant girlfriend you're about to marry go for that?

Yes, but those playoff games mean something. Surely you understand that. Playing for a championship vs. a game in ****ing El Paso, designed to line the pockets of the suits, are very different things.

 

[IvyLeagueFootball]

So hypothetically speaking let's pretend Ash got us some game changing talent on both sides of the ball and our success was obviously directly related to their junior year contributions.
We go 9 and 3, miss out on the B1G Ten championship game and the playoffs, but are in line for a very good bowl.
The players Ash recruited are highly regarded by NFL scouts...as a donating, season ticket holder, you would have zero problem with it if they decided to not risk injury in an "exhibition game" that's of high quality?
I'm not asking you if you'd understand, I'm asking you if as a fan would it possibly compromise your level of commitment in supporting the program?

Nebraska went 9-3 this year and are headed to the Music City Bowl. I'd have no problem if Robert Martin or Josh Hicks decided not to play in 2nd teir bowl like that if it meant they went on to have a great NFL career and it put them in a position to endow a football scholarship or donate money back to the program. Now if they chose to skip the Rose Bowl I'd be disappointed.

 

[zappaa]

Yes, but those playoff games mean something. Surely you understand that. Playing for a championship vs. a game in ****ing El Paso, designed to line the pockets of the suits, are very different things.

I'd argue a 7- 5 team lead by a sure fire NFL star playing to its full potential and wining 7 games might be a hell of an accomplishment.
The game in El Paso is a reward for a team playing its ass off all year.
And your still saying that championship game outweighs family security for the rest of your life...are you sure about that?

 

[zappaa]

Nebraska went 9-3 this year and are headed to the Music City Bowl. I'd have no problem if Robert Martin or Josh Hicks decided not to play in 2nd teir bowl like that if it meant they went on to have a great NFL career and it put them in a position to endow a football scholarship or donate money back to the program. Now if they chose to skip the Rose Bowl I'd be disappointed.

As a donor and season ticket holder you'd be just preachy keen about your best players not playing in a bowl game after the other 100 guys on the team busted their ass all year.

 

[ScarletNYC]

I'd argue a 7- 5 team lead by a sure fire NFL star playing to its full potential and wining 7 games might be a hell of an accomplishment.
The game in El Paso is a reward for a team playing its ass off all year.
And your still saying that championship game outweighs family security for the rest of your life...are you sure about that?

That's up to the player to decide.

However, sitting out a title game WOULD affect his draft status, because unlike yourself even scouts recognize the difference in the magnitude of those two games.

 

[zappaa]

That's up to the player to decide.

However, sitting out a title game WOULD affect his draft status, because unlike yourself even scouts recognize the difference in the magnitude of those two games.

I doubt it...just my opinion.

 

[IvyLeagueFootball]

As a donor and season ticket holder you'd be just preachy keen about your best players not playing in a bowl game after the other 100 guys on the team busted their ass all year.

Wisconsin went 9-3 in 2005 and played Auburn in the Capital One Bowl. Bryan Savage was a redshirt freshman on the team so while I wasn't a booster I followed the team closely and went to the see them play on the Outback Bowl the year before.

The team was short handed so All American LT Joe Thomas played both ways. Thomas tore his ACL in the game while playing D-End. Thankfully he made a full recovery but what if the injury had been more severe? Would it really have been worth him losing $100m and a hall of fame career for the Capital One Bowl? Does anyone even remember the score of that game?

I once had a conversation with former Wisconsin OC Brian White who told me how tough it was to prepare for the lower teir bowl games because a lot of times the top players are more worried about the draft and are just going through the motions. If a guy's playing not to get hurt and not giving 100% I'd much rather him sit out the game and let his backup play.

 

[zappaa]

Wisconsin went 9-3 in 2005 and played Auburn in the Capital One Bowl. Bryan Savage was a redshirt freshman on the team so while I wasn't a booster I followed the team closely and went to the see them play on the Outback Bowl the year before.

The team was short handed so All American LT Joe Thomas played both ways. Thomas tore his ACL in the game while playing D-End. Thankfully he made a full recovery but what if the injury had been more severe? Would it really have been worth him losing $100m and a hall of fame career for the Capital One Bowl? Does anyone even remember the score of that game?

I once had a conversation with former Wisconsin OC Brian White who told me how tough it was to prepare for the lower teir bowl games because a lot of times the top players are more worried about the draft and are just going through the motions. If a guy's playing not to get hurt and not giving 100% I'd much rather him sit out the game and let his backup play.

Good for you!

 

[RBS05]

The team was short handed so All American LT Joe Thomas played both ways. Thomas tore his ACL in the game while playing D-End. Thankfully he made a full recovery but what if the injury had been more severe? Would it really have been worth him losing $100m and a hall of fame career for the Capital One Bowl? Does anyone even remember the score of that game?

This is the exact reason why Dabo Swinney and Nick Saban have argued for pushing back the time for when the NFL notifies these guys about their likely draft position until after the CFP ends. They don't want their players knowing that they are likely 1st round picks. Wonder why.

 

[madchuck]

This isn't a trend. Only 32 players get drafted in the first round. There are probably only 20 players who are guaranteed to get drafted in the first round. If any of those players decided to sit out, I understand. If you're Shock Linwood from Baylor, you're an idiot.

 

[G- RUnit]

Great Tweet from Brent Yarina of the BTN Network: "Funniest/sadest part of bowl skipping situation: We have millionaires and billionaires telling young adults not to worry about money."

Hard to argue against that thought.

 

[zappaa]

This isn't a trend. Only 32 players get drafted in the first round. There are probably only 20 players who are guaranteed to get drafted in the first round. If any of those players decided to sit out, I understand. If you're Shock Linwood from Baylor, you're an idiot.

Why only the top 20?
Why should a 3rd round draft pick like Leonte Carroo play, why should his risk of injury be less significant to him personally?
His NFL future and earnings for his family is dependent upon his heath isn't it.

 

[ScarletNYC]

Why only the top 20?
Why should a 3rd round draft pick like Leonte Carroo play, why is his risk risk of injury less significant to him personally?
His NFL future was dependent upon his heath

Because he felt that it was worth a risk in order to improve his draft stock. It's a chance he took.

That's where you slippery slope trope fails. As you're graded lower and lower the risk outweighs the potential benefits. Period. Should I make a graph for you?

 

[zappaa]

Because he felt that it was worth a risk in order to improve his draft stock. It's a chance he took.

That's where you slippery slope trope fails. As you're graded lower and lower the risk outweighs the potential benefits. Period. It's pretty linear. Should I make a graph for you?

I completely disagree, Carroo's health and performance at the combine would far outweigh his performance in a meaningless bowl game.
A kid like Carroo will play in that bowl game to help his team and be there for his teammates...

 

[ScarletNYC]

I completely disagree, Carroo's health and performance at the combine would far outweigh his performance in a meaningless bowl game.
A kid like Carroo will play in that bowl game to help his team and be there for his teammates...

I, I, I. You're not an NFL scout, so your subjectivity about his prospects are meaningless.

 

[madchuck]

I completely disagree, Carroo's health and performance at the combine would far outweigh his performance in a meaningless bowl game.
A kid like Carroo will play in that bowl game to help his team and be there for his teammates...

That's not exactly true. Alex Smith vaulted to the #1 pick overall after the ass kicking have gave the University of Pittsburgh during their bowl game. For a third round pick, I think they shouldn't sit out. It's not a trend. Fournette is banged up. McCaffrey is sitting out. Shock Linwood is an idiot and probably won't be drafted.

 

[madchuck]

Also, is there a reason they can't do a full playoff like they do in FCS?

 

[RUsojo]

You guys are arguing over a question that has no right or wrong answer

 

[zappaa]

I, I, I. You're not an NFL scout, so your subjectivity about his prospects are meaningless.

I talk with several NFL scouts on a regular basis. My brother also played in the NFL.

 

[RBS05]

Why only the top 20?
Why should a 3rd round draft pick like Leonte Carroo play, why should his risk of injury be less significant to him personally?
His NFL future and earnings for his family is dependent upon his heath isn't it.

Look at the average contract of a top 20 pick. Compare against a 3rd round pick. Calculate what he is potentially tossing away.

Now take the 3rd round contract and compare to a 6th round contract. Calculate the difference and compare against your first number.

 

[RBS05]

You know what, you don't even need to break out the calculator.

 

[ScarletNYC]

You know what, you don't even need to break out the calculator.

End thread

 

[jsol_05]

In season as opposed to off season.

They played all of the scheduled games.

 

[zappaa]

That graph doesn't measure health.

 

[Harambe_be_my_qb]

The bowl game isn't part of the commitment the player makes. It isn't on the schedule. The conference championship and the playoff have strict conditions that are applicable but the lesser bowl games are outside of that. Bowl sponsors send invitations that the athletic department can accept or reject to play in an exhibition. It is a new agreement and the player can choose to reject it as well. It is outside of the commitment they made. Good on the players for realizing their right to say no.