old_school posted:I don't like it but I can't blame them.
Yup - thats about how I feel.
I learned a long time ago that I might feel differently if I were in the situation myself, and so I'll just grind my teeth about it....and move on.
College football is a business. Tom Herman said the first thing he looks at when considering a job is what is best for my family. Now that some athletes are doing the same thing, suddenly they aren't team players. It seems that the athletes are finally starting to realize it is a business and make business decisions. Good for them. The NCAA as a system is broken. Everyone is getting rich except for the people that provide the product. The computer science major on a full ride can get a very good job while going to school, he can make money off his ideas and name, he doesn't have to put in an extra 20-40 hours of week for the school. The football player cannot do any of that, plus he also get restrictions placed on him as to which school he can transfer to if he becomes unhappy or the coach leaves. The coaches can teach loyalty and commitment, but then leave the next day for another job that pays more. Where is the commitment from them? How many coaches leave before bowl games every year? At some point the athletes are going to realize how much power they have and they will bring the whole system down or force massive change. The amount of athletic facilities debt across the country is absurd. If the players ever band together and threaten to sit out, they will get just about whatever they want. Between advertisers, ticket sales, donations, and the massive debt that most athletic departments are in plus the huge coaching salaries, the NCAA would cave to the players demands immediately.
Bowl games are mostly meaningless. They were created by warm weather cities to boost tourism in the Winter. It is yet another money grab where everyone gets paid and makes some money while the players get an iPod. For the kids that will never play another down of football, I am sure there is a lot of meaning. For the kid going pro, it is just a chance to injure himself and lose money.
Ditto D Mac, well said. As i read this i thought about possibly the most egregious and cowardly acts by a coach of the power 5 D1 football program. Urban Meyer. He didn't have the cojones to admit to his team he wanted to leave them......and for OSU so he conveniently created a physical or emotional malady to mask his desire to leave those kids and that program. Suddenly this guy pops up at OSU and is all better. He's a great coach but i think he is a fraud.
TPM posted:Golfman25 posted:This whole issue is just proof that the NFL (and NBA) need to stop leeching off college athletics and start their own development systems. Turn college sports back towards student athletes.
There are only really a few that make an NFL team, so taking kids ( yes they are at 17,18) away from an opportunity to get an education isnt going to work.
Problem is many are not getting their education. And when they do, frequently it is thru bogus "paper" classes. And education will always be around. If the kid wants to try his luck in the NFL development system and then go to school if he doesn't make it, he can.
d-mac posted:College football is a business. Tom Herman said the first thing he looks at when considering a job is what is best for my family. Now that some athletes are doing the same thing, suddenly they aren't team players. It seems that the athletes are finally starting to realize it is a business and make business decisions. Good for them. The NCAA as a system is broken. Everyone is getting rich except for the people that provide the product. The computer science major on a full ride can get a very good job while going to school, he can make money off his ideas and name, he doesn't have to put in an extra 20-40 hours of week for the school. The football player cannot do any of that, plus he also get restrictions placed on him as to which school he can transfer to if he becomes unhappy or the coach leaves. The coaches can teach loyalty and commitment, but then leave the next day for another job that pays more. Where is the commitment from them? How many coaches leave before bowl games every year? At some point the athletes are going to realize how much power they have and they will bring the whole system down or force massive change. The amount of athletic facilities debt across the country is absurd. If the players ever band together and threaten to sit out, they will get just about whatever they want. Between advertisers, ticket sales, donations, and the massive debt that most athletic departments are in plus the huge coaching salaries, the NCAA would cave to the players demands immediately.
Bowl games are mostly meaningless. They were created by warm weather cities to boost tourism in the Winter. It is yet another money grab where everyone gets paid and makes some money while the players get an iPod. For the kids that will never play another down of football, I am sure there is a lot of meaning. For the kid going pro, it is just a chance to injure himself and lose money.
There is a poster here who talked about how college football provides FREE education and some players just want to be a part of a team and really dont want to play. Now the NCAA sux.
These players on the brink of getting high draft picks have endorsements ready to go.
It makes sense in one way that a player who is already hurt doesnt want to play. I get that. That is what its about isnt it?
Golfman25 posted:TPM posted:Golfman25 posted:This whole issue is just proof that the NFL (and NBA) need to stop leeching off college athletics and start their own development systems. Turn college sports back towards student athletes.
There are only really a few that make an NFL team, so taking kids ( yes they are at 17,18) away from an opportunity to get an education isnt going to work.
Problem is many are not getting their education. And when they do, frequently it is thru bogus "paper" classes. And education will always be around. If the kid wants to try his luck in the NFL development system and then go to school if he doesn't make it, he can.
Can you prove that?
Shoveit4Ks posted:Ditto D Mac, well said. As i read this i thought about possibly the most egregious and cowardly acts by a coach of the power 5 D1 football program. Urban Meyer. He didn't have the cojones to admit to his team he wanted to leave them......and for OSU so he conveniently created a physical or emotional malady to mask his desire to leave those kids and that program. Suddenly this guy pops up at OSU and is all better. He's a great coach but i think he is a fraud.
GO TIGERS!!!!
2020dad posted:TPM posted:2020dad posted:hshuler posted:I just don't see how anyone who's actually seen these guys play could call them selfish.
McCaffrey led the NCAA in total yards last year and Fournette runs like a battering ram.
Jaylon Smith lost approximately $19 million in guaranteed money last year. I think we'd all agree that's life changing money. I know, I know - it's not all about the money. If not, then why so many bowl games? You would at least have to win six games to qualify but now five will do. It's funny how one-sided this thing has gotten. Everyone (NCAA, universities, coaches) can cash in except the player. New tv deals are generating a lot of revenue but baseball can't get more scholarships?
Amen Shu. As you know I grew up poor but better off than my dad who got our family out of the ghetto. Really no kidding my dad grew up in a nasty environment all the way around. Parents who were 16 when they had him, no supervision and living in a real bad part of town. Had to fight to survive, like actually fight. He did the best he could and got us into a poor working class neighborhood - a real step up. Had a murderer living accross the street one house over next door to a kid who was busted for auto theft - he lived directly accross the street from us. Had another murderer behind us and two houses down. These are people we knew well and sometimes hung out with. Three houses down was a kid who was stabbed in a knife fight which was gang related. I hung out with his brothers all the time. One of my two best friends from grade school was still in stateville penn last i knew. We all carried switchblades. Witnessed heroin for the first time when i was in 7th grade, and 8th grade girl on a field trip was shooting up in the woods. i could go on. I won't. I am the first ever in my family to get a college degree. I have done my best to take our family name to the next level. I will be able to die happy if my kids are the first generation to actually achieve wealth. And as much as I love sports AND respect the game and coaches and teammates, NOTHING is more important than the goal of future generations achieving happiness and financial security. Some of these kids its their only chance out. Can change their family forever. NO bowl game is worth jeopordizing that.
I am sorry but you are talking about two players who have decided to not play in their bowl games and more than likely didn't come from backgrounds you may have witnessed growing up.
Despite what you think, money isn't the answer to happiness, and as we have all witnessed, many football players have been in plenty of trouble AFTER they got rich.
Too many folks out there want their sons to become big stars so they can live life easy. Teach your sons to be good people, do well in school, possibly get a scholarship to help defray college costs and don't rely on sports to make you rich.
I see a lot of entitlement going on these days. A coach makes a player an incedible offer, the program pays for his education, feeds and clothes them for 3,4 years, teaches them life skills, a chance to earn a degree and then teach them to BECOME MEN and still that's not good enough for many. Yup, the school did make lots of money from some of them, but you dont realize how much the player takes away from being a part of a team and entire community and their success helped out the next guy. You also don't know the all of the rewards they will earn from the experience.
The whole point of it all is that these things tend to set a precedent and for some feel it just isn't right (read Kirk Herbstreet). Some think it's all good, but let's not go on a tangent about growing up poor, because it has no place in the discussion.
JMO
Leave it to you to get personal and pull me back in... don't even try to tell me what belongs or doesn't belong on here. I have never taken away one single positive from any of your tangents. And stop selling that crap about money isn't the answer. That's what people say when they don't want you to fight for a piece of what they consider 'their' pie. And growing up poor has everything to do with an issue like this. I can not figure out how to block people on my phone. If you could help with that it would be the one good take away from you over these last few years. I will try to remember the next time I am on a computer to block you. I have had enough of your venom for a lifetime.
I've butted heads with TPM a few times over the years, but this is over the line, and totally uncalled for.
Why form a developmental league and spend the money to fund it when you have a free system already in place? The NFL knows this. They need to develop Qbs from the college game of spread offenses to the more sophisticated NFL defenses and offenses. They have seen the problem get worse over time. Yet they still draft these guys and throw them to the wolves and occasionally they are rewarded with Rookies who can play and contribnute right away. Most need a few years to develop into the top talents they need to be in order to run a sophisticated systems like they have in the NFL.
College coaches abandon their teams before Bowl games and no one bats an eye. Players do it and the nation is in an uproar over it. Why cant the player do what is best for the player at the end of their college careers? No other sport has games AFTER the season that dont decide the championship. Imagine basketball or baseball games being played during or after the Final Four or CWS.
Golfman25 posted:TPM posted:Golfman25 posted:This whole issue is just proof that the NFL (and NBA) need to stop leeching off college athletics and start their own development systems. Turn college sports back towards student athletes.
There are only really a few that make an NFL team, so taking kids ( yes they are at 17,18) away from an opportunity to get an education isnt going to work.
Problem is many are not getting their education. And when they do, frequently it is thru bogus "paper" classes. And education will always be around. If the kid wants to try his luck in the NFL development system and then go to school if he doesn't make it, he can.
Life can get in the way in a hurry between 18-24. I don't think the numbers are very good for those that venture away from school with the thought that "if this doesn't work out, I can always go back to school". Odds are so much better for finishing school if you don't leave it in the first place.
cabbagedad posted:Life can get in the way in a hurry between 18-24. I don't think the numbers are very good for those that venture away from school with the thought that "if this doesn't work out, I can always go back to school". Odds are so much better for finishing school if you don't leave it in the first place.
I agree, but in McCaffrey's case I do believe he will finish whether he ultimately needs too or not.
justbaseball posted:cabbagedad posted:Life can get in the way in a hurry between 18-24. I don't think the numbers are very good for those that venture away from school with the thought that "if this doesn't work out, I can always go back to school". Odds are so much better for finishing school if you don't leave it in the first place.
I agree, but in McCaffrey's case I do believe he will finish whether he ultimately needs too or not.
Schools help the athlete to graduate. Mine just went through that after being away almost a decade. Tuition paid and a very nice stipend. You have to finish what you set put to accomplish.
justbaseball posted:cabbagedad posted:Life can get in the way in a hurry between 18-24. I don't think the numbers are very good for those that venture away from school with the thought that "if this doesn't work out, I can always go back to school". Odds are so much better for finishing school if you don't leave it in the first place.
I agree, but in McCaffrey's case I do believe he will finish whether he ultimately needs too or not.
yeah, for sure. My comment was just a general response to Golf's, not with McCaffrey's situation in mind. Sorry, was going off topic again.
This appears in our local Santa Rosa Press Democratic. Lowell Cohn is a SF Bay area sports writer.
There no easy answers. We can walk in the players shoes, his family, his agent and the family lawyer are all advising the young man.
Bob
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cabbagedad posted:Golfman25 posted:TPM posted:Golfman25 posted:This whole issue is just proof that the NFL (and NBA) need to stop leeching off college athletics and start their own development systems. Turn college sports back towards student athletes.
There are only really a few that make an NFL team, so taking kids ( yes they are at 17,18) away from an opportunity to get an education isnt going to work.
Problem is many are not getting their education. And when they do, frequently it is thru bogus "paper" classes. And education will always be around. If the kid wants to try his luck in the NFL development system and then go to school if he doesn't make it, he can.
Life can get in the way in a hurry between 18-24. I don't think the numbers are very good for those that venture away from school with the thought that "if this doesn't work out, I can always go back to school". Odds are so much better for finishing school if you don't leave it in the first place.
True, but I went to school with many who took some time off and started college in their 20's. Heck, I even went to law school with a guy in his 50s. When there is a will, there is a way.
MTH posted:2020dad posted:TPM posted:2020dad posted:hshuler posted:I just don't see how anyone who's actually seen these guys play could call them selfish.
McCaffrey led the NCAA in total yards last year and Fournette runs like a battering ram.
Jaylon Smith lost approximately $19 million in guaranteed money last year. I think we'd all agree that's life changing money. I know, I know - it's not all about the money. If not, then why so many bowl games? You would at least have to win six games to qualify but now five will do. It's funny how one-sided this thing has gotten. Everyone (NCAA, universities, coaches) can cash in except the player. New tv deals are generating a lot of revenue but baseball can't get more scholarships?
Amen Shu. As you know I grew up poor but better off than my dad who got our family out of the ghetto. Really no kidding my dad grew up in a nasty environment all the way around. Parents who were 16 when they had him, no supervision and living in a real bad part of town. Had to fight to survive, like actually fight. He did the best he could and got us into a poor working class neighborhood - a real step up. Had a murderer living accross the street one house over next door to a kid who was busted for auto theft - he lived directly accross the street from us. Had another murderer behind us and two houses down. These are people we knew well and sometimes hung out with. Three houses down was a kid who was stabbed in a knife fight which was gang related. I hung out with his brothers all the time. One of my two best friends from grade school was still in stateville penn last i knew. We all carried switchblades. Witnessed heroin for the first time when i was in 7th grade, and 8th grade girl on a field trip was shooting up in the woods. i could go on. I won't. I am the first ever in my family to get a college degree. I have done my best to take our family name to the next level. I will be able to die happy if my kids are the first generation to actually achieve wealth. And as much as I love sports AND respect the game and coaches and teammates, NOTHING is more important than the goal of future generations achieving happiness and financial security. Some of these kids its their only chance out. Can change their family forever. NO bowl game is worth jeopordizing that.
I am sorry but you are talking about two players who have decided to not play in their bowl games and more than likely didn't come from backgrounds you may have witnessed growing up.
Despite what you think, money isn't the answer to happiness, and as we have all witnessed, many football players have been in plenty of trouble AFTER they got rich.
Too many folks out there want their sons to become big stars so they can live life easy. Teach your sons to be good people, do well in school, possibly get a scholarship to help defray college costs and don't rely on sports to make you rich.
I see a lot of entitlement going on these days. A coach makes a player an incedible offer, the program pays for his education, feeds and clothes them for 3,4 years, teaches them life skills, a chance to earn a degree and then teach them to BECOME MEN and still that's not good enough for many. Yup, the school did make lots of money from some of them, but you dont realize how much the player takes away from being a part of a team and entire community and their success helped out the next guy. You also don't know the all of the rewards they will earn from the experience.
The whole point of it all is that these things tend to set a precedent and for some feel it just isn't right (read Kirk Herbstreet). Some think it's all good, but let's not go on a tangent about growing up poor, because it has no place in the discussion.
JMO
Leave it to you to get personal and pull me back in... don't even try to tell me what belongs or doesn't belong on here. I have never taken away one single positive from any of your tangents. And stop selling that crap about money isn't the answer. That's what people say when they don't want you to fight for a piece of what they consider 'their' pie. And growing up poor has everything to do with an issue like this. I can not figure out how to block people on my phone. If you could help with that it would be the one good take away from you over these last few years. I will try to remember the next time I am on a computer to block you. I have had enough of your venom for a lifetime.
I've butted heads with TPM a few times over the years, but this is over the line, and totally uncalled for.
MTH,
I did apologize for going off topic. But I never used bad language toward anyone. I was just giving my opinion towards someone getting way off topic.
Time Magazine has an online article entitled, College Football Top 25, Ranked by Academics.
I can't copy link and post, if someone could I would appreciate it.
Seems to be a strong correlation between success in the classroom and on the field.
I thought it interesting because someone mentioned that football players are not getting their education, but why are they graduating at higher rates than the overall male student population?
FWIW, Stanford comes in at #1 in Academic.
TPM posted:Time Magazine has an online article entitled, College Football Top 25, Ranked by Academics.
I can't copy link and post, if someone could I would appreciate it.
Seems to be a strong correlation between success in the classroom and on the field.
I thought it interesting because someone mentioned that football players are not getting their education, but why are they graduating at higher rates than the overall male student population?
FWIW, Stanford comes in at #1 in Academic.
You need to go deeper than a Time magazine article. The Fed. Graduation Rate for the SEC football teams: Vandy is 83%. The other 12 teams range between 71%-53%. Stanford's competitors in the PAC 12 range from 71-56%.
CNN has a good summary of the issues. http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/07/...ng-scores/index.html
Maybe you missed my point.
The article was regarding the top 25 football programs with best academic grades, taking into consideration graduation rates, as well as their playoff rank naming a Washington think tank, New America that did the ranking and an explanation as to the rankings, separate from federal graduation rates. It just shows the correlation between academic ranking and playoff ranking, Vandy was not included.
For example, Alabama ranked 1 in top 25, was ranked 7 in Academic. Clemson ranked 2 in top 25, was ranked 2 in academic. Ohio State ranked 3 in top 25, 21 in academics. Stanford was ranked 1 in academic and 18 in playoff.
Point being, you can run a very successful program and have players that are successful in the classroom.
TPM posted:Maybe you missed my point.
The article was regarding the top 25 football programs with best academic grades, taking into consideration graduation rates, as well as their playoff rank naming a Washington think tank, New America that did the ranking and an explanation as to the rankings, separate from federal graduation rates. It just shows the correlation between academic ranking and playoff ranking, Vandy was not included.
For example, Alabama ranked 1 in top 25, was ranked 7 in Academic. Clemson ranked 2 in top 25, was ranked 2 in academic. Ohio State ranked 3 in top 25, 21 in academics. Stanford was ranked 1 in academic and 18 in playoff.
Point being, you can run a very successful program and have players that are successful in the classroom.
But you posted it in response to my claim about their education. Alabama's graduation rate is 62%. Clemson is 79. OSU is 57%. Stanford is 92%.
Here's another article with a good summary. http://www.athleticbusiness.co...the-whole-story.html
The article was about the top 25 rankings and academics.
New America based their rankings without penalty.
I never stated that grad rate was 100%.
Here's the article...
TPM posted:The article was about the top 25 rankings and academics.
New America based their rankings without penalty.
I never stated that grad rate was 100%.
No. But the implication is that these players are getting an education. Some are. Some are not, even thought they may have the "grades." My take was the NFL/NBA should have their own developmental leagues rather than leaching off the Universities (many of which are public/taxpayer funded). Let those kids who seek a professional career go for it with out the fiction of the "student-athlete."
Golfman25 posted:TPM posted:The article was about the top 25 rankings and academics.
New America based their rankings without penalty.
I never stated that grad rate was 100%.
No. But the implication is that these players are getting an education. Some are. Some are not, even thought they may have the "grades." My take was the NFL/NBA should have their own developmental leagues rather than leaching off the Universities (many of which are public/taxpayer funded). Let those kids who seek a professional career go for it with out the fiction of the "student-athlete."
A couple of things: 1) The NBA already has a D-league. 2) The discussion over the years regarding the NFL, its draft requirements, etc. have all centered around the idea that 17 and 18 year olds are not physically mature and ready to play professional football. My personal opinion is that given a choice, the majority of the top-rated football players in the country would still go to college. With the NFL salary cap, etc., it would be next to impossible to imagine an NFL franchise giving top 10-pick money to a 17 year old QB, who just got done whooping up on a bunch of undersized teenagers, only to stash him away in the D-league for three or four years, and have a ZERO return on their investment.
Regarding the subject matter at hand, (kids not playing in bowl games), I have truly mixed feelings, as I see both sides, and there are very valid and agreeable points all the way around.
Really there are way too many bowl games. Even saw one that was played with a foot of snow on the field. Reminded me of playing football outside when I was a kid. That was a lot of fun.
Losing records can get a team in a bowl game these days. So these potential high NFL draft picks really do have a tough decision. They can't just ignore their situation and what it can mean to them and their families. I'm sure they would play if their school was playing for the National Championship.
Being a fan, I want to see them play, I just wish the one guy would have taken off the Rose Bowl last year, too. He was amazing! These are young guys that have done a lot for their college. I'm sure they have received a lot of advice. Hard to figure out why one game is more important than their future. I mean they're not playing badminton. Can't remember the name, but there was a unbelievable running back that was never the same after an injury in a bowl game. Kind of remember him playing at one of the Florida schools.
So I'm with those that have mixed feelings. Until you are in those players shoes, how would you know what to do?
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
GoHeels posted:Golfman25 posted:TPM posted:The article was about the top 25 rankings and academics.
New America based their rankings without penalty.
I never stated that grad rate was 100%.
No. But the implication is that these players are getting an education. Some are. Some are not, even thought they may have the "grades." My take was the NFL/NBA should have their own developmental leagues rather than leaching off the Universities (many of which are public/taxpayer funded). Let those kids who seek a professional career go for it with out the fiction of the "student-athlete."
A couple of things: 1) The NBA already has a D-league. 2) The discussion over the years regarding the NFL, its draft requirements, etc. have all centered around the idea that 17 and 18 year olds are not physically mature and ready to play professional football. My personal opinion is that given a choice, the majority of the top-rated football players in the country would still go to college. With the NFL salary cap, etc., it would be next to impossible to imagine an NFL franchise giving top 10-pick money to a 17 year old QB, who just got done whooping up on a bunch of undersized teenagers, only to stash him away in the D-league for three or four years, and have a ZERO return on their investment.
Regarding the subject matter at hand, (kids not playing in bowl games), I have truly mixed feelings, as I see both sides, and there are very valid and agreeable points all the way around.
Good post.
GoHeels posted:Golfman25 posted:TPM posted:The article was about the top 25 rankings and academics.
New America based their rankings without penalty.
I never stated that grad rate was 100%.
No. But the implication is that these players are getting an education. Some are. Some are not, even thought they may have the "grades." My take was the NFL/NBA should have their own developmental leagues rather than leaching off the Universities (many of which are public/taxpayer funded). Let those kids who seek a professional career go for it with out the fiction of the "student-athlete."
A couple of things: 1) The NBA already has a D-league. 2) The discussion over the years regarding the NFL, its draft requirements, etc. have all centered around the idea that 17 and 18 year olds are not physically mature and ready to play professional football. My personal opinion is that given a choice, the majority of the top-rated football players in the country would still go to college. With the NFL salary cap, etc., it would be next to impossible to imagine an NFL franchise giving top 10-pick money to a 17 year old QB, who just got done whooping up on a bunch of undersized teenagers, only to stash him away in the D-league for three or four years, and have a ZERO return on their investment.
Regarding the subject matter at hand, (kids not playing in bowl games), I have truly mixed feelings, as I see both sides, and there are very valid and agreeable points all the way around.
Nice post.
So the University of Miami won their first bowl game in 10 years. Fans are ecstatic, especially since it is Mark Richter first season. Brad Kaaya, MVP, had an opportunity to go pro before the game. He has not decided yet, but he made a decision not to let down his team mates, the program and the fans. He completed 19 of his 21 passes, they would have probably lost without him. Good for him.
On another note, Arkansas Razorback Jeremy Sprinkle who was to play in this evenings Belk Bowl was caught stealing from...Belk. The players received $450 dollars to spend at Belk, he lifted much more than allowed. Coach goes on to say, it wasn't drugs, alcohol or violence. HE STOLE. IMO, not even the suspension he received was enough. Coach says he missed his last game...awww too bad.
So I guess there are some players who do really put the team before themselves, and others who just don't care about anyone but themselves and just plain stupid!
Talent trumps character, blame the recruitment process...maybe it is another thread topic.
2022NYC posted:Talent trumps character, blame the recruitment process...maybe it is another thread topic.
Part of a coaches job is to build character or cut them loose, this guy missed.
Congratulations to the Hokies!
And the headline:
Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey's decision to sit out his team's bowl game looks even smarter.
So does this mean that every player headed to the combine for the draft wont play. Hell no!
joemktg posted:And the headline:
Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey's decision to sit out his team's bowl game looks even smarter.
Well, there are definitely still two sides to the argument ... yes, as in every week of football, there were injuries. As stated before, this comes with the territory - something one must accept when deciding to play football.
I also saw an interview with a distraught Michigan star who had to sit his final game, a big bowl game which his team lost by one point. Peppers is heavily involved with almost every phase of the Michigan game. Then, there was the Nebraska / Tennessee game, with Nebraska's offensive and team leadership in Armstrong and Westerkamp sidelined due to previous injury. Think that didn't factor into the outcome? I saw guys like Dalvin Cook have fantastic games that clearly meant a lot to them, to their team and to their draft stock. He certainly gained a bit in the comparison of the two best backs (vs a hurt Fournette, who will be sitting today but I'm guessing really wishes he was healthy enough to play).
Lastly, I watched game after game, interview after interview, celebration after celebration, all seemingly much bigger than any regular season game. I certainly did not get the impression from any of the players, coaches or fans that these were "meaningless bowl games". Can't wait for more today! I'll bet 99% of the players can't either. Yes, even the ones from LSU, Louisville, GT and Kentucky, where there will not be a national championship on the line.
I saw the interview he was more distraught he was unable to help his team win than missing a combine.
In all the games we have watched, I dont get the feeling these are meaningless bowl games.
Go Tigers!!!
Bowl games are not meaningless, but some are more important than others. When teams with a losing record are playing it sure seems somewhat meaningless to most people. However I'm sure it still means a lot to those teams.
Just a guess, but can we assume that highly regarded players, especially running backs, are getting a lot of advice. Maybe they have been told they will be first round picks if they're healthy. I read somewhere that the average NFL career is less than 4 years for running backs. It's hard to stay healthy, every game has a chance to suffer a career ending injury. So if a running back has done enough to be a first round pick, I can see why injury prevention could be important to him.
I also believe if Stanford, and other schools were in the final four those players would play no matter what their draft status was. So while it might not be a meaningless bowl game, all games are not equally meaningful. Bottom line, without knowing why someone liKe McCaffrey has decided not to play, without knowing the advice he is getting or how banged up he got this year, it's easy for fans to want him to play. I know I wish he played because he is fun to watch... Except I didn't have much fun watching him in the Rose Bowl last year. He put on a performance for the ages in that game. He comes from a football family, his dad played in the NFL, his dad would be more informed than most when it comes to the risk and/or reward involved in playing. Personally I don't think that kid owes Stanford anymore than what he has already done for their football program. But I can see the other side too. I think it's great when the high profile guys decide to play their last bowl game. Just find it hard to complain if they decide not to and their coaches go along with that decision. I especially respect the coaches that understand and are concerned with their players future after college.
I hope that Jake Butt (Mackey Award winner) is okay. They are saying ACL or MCL but not sure of the severity.
Also, I expect to see more guys who are expected to play tweak hamstring before or early in some of these games. I am not saying that's what Peppers did but a coworker and I had a conversation about exactly what happened last night. Guys don't want the media scrutiny of not playing and fake injury.
hshuler posted:I hope that Jake Butt (Mackey Award winner) is okay. They are saying ACL or MCL but not sure of the severity.
Also, I expect to see more guys who are expected to play tweak hamstring before or early in some of these games. I am not saying that's what Peppers did but a coworker and I had a conversation about exactly what happened last night. Guys don't want the media scrutiny of not playing and fake injury.