If the NFL believed...

RAMdrvr1 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-20-2004, 12:48 AM

...so strongly that a young man is not developed physically or mentally enough before the age of 20-21 to handle the NFL, then why were they and others talking about where MoC might go in the draft?

Clarity · #2 (**permalink**) 04-20-2004, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAMdrvr1

...so strongly that a young man is not developed physically or mentally enough before the age of 20-21 to handle the NFL, then why were they and others talking about where MoC might go in the draft?

The issue is less about whether or not this particular young man is sufficiently developed, but rather whether or not it's safe to apply a blanket assumption that all young men his age are.

BuckeyeSoldier · #3 (**permalink**) 04-20-2004, 06:06 AM

if any said player isnt developed enough then they wont get drafted or theyll get pushed out very quickly afterwards, either way its their life so it should be their mistake to make... the nfl is just scared of losing its minor league system, this has nothing to do with the players safety..

buckeyebri · #4 (**permalink**) 04-20-2004, 07:45 AM

Life is fulll of choices.

This is why I have argued that there be a minor league football and basketball system similar to Hockey and Baseball. I think it would go a long way in eliminating issues about student-athletes vs sports factory schools. Maybe they are less exposed, but you just don't seem to hear about the recruiting and other issues with Hockey and Baseball players in college.

FCollinsBuckeye · #5 (**permalink**) 04-20-2004, 10:31 AM

Buckeyebri:

A good friend of mine and I have debated the issue of an NFL developmental league vs. NCAA football several times. Suffice to say, I think he's got a good point that a developmental league or NFL 'farm system' would be a great option for the Willie Williams' of the world or other players out there with little to no interest in an education.

I really can't help but get very rankled about the idea though. I know that college baseball and hockey have competed with developmental leagues for years in getting the quality players, and the level of competition in those NCAA sports has remained high. But if the NFL were to start a farm system, what would keep the top HS talent from going for that paycheck? Unless you've always dreamed of playing for the Buckeyes, or some other team, I can't imagine *that* many top-flight talent player who will risk injury for four+ years prior to making the jump to the NFL. I fear that an NFL farm system would be a huge detriment to the level of competition in NCAA football.

And the recruiting scandels continue. I have a hard time defending college football when the CU sex parties are on the news once a week or so. My friend says 'is that the way it should be?' Of course, I say 'no', but the fact remains that there is so much money in college football, and the players see none of it. Is it fair to say 'but they're getting a free education!'. Well, perhaps. At least, that's all I can really rely on...