Sorry Charlie, I couldnt resist.
I would say anybody that is 21 years old or older should be afforded the oppurtunity to play in the NFL.
I think that is fair for both sides.
Tough issue for sure......selfish in my thinking because I would hate to see college football become like college baskets is today.......no SUPREME SUPREME talent throughout the nation.
I would say anybody that is 21 years old or older should be afforded the oppurtunity to play in the NFL.
I think that is fair for both sides.
Tough issue for sure......selfish in my thinking because I would hate to see college football become like college baskets is today.......no SUPREME SUPREME talent throughout the nation.
It is to the benefit of the majority of players to not be tempted by 1 year of easy cash, before they are physically mature. Not to mention more mentally mature.
Of course, the folks who want to play at age 19 are going to vociferously disagree, they want their payday, and they want it now, even if its bad for them and everyone else in the long run.
Of course, the folks who want to play at age 19 are going to vociferously disagree, they want their payday, and they want it now, even if its bad for them and everyone else in the long run.
Fishhead...great line on the age limit on the high end!!!
I also agree with the comment about how basketball players leaving college early (or going straight from high school) has really hurt the college game. It's hard to watch a college game and know that even the best teams aren't as good as they once were (see other thread on best college teams of all-time). It's just impossible to get four or five players (or even two or three) on the same team anymore because if they're that good they're already in the pros.
But that being said, I think it's unfair to deny an individual the right to make a living at what they're good at. Musicians can earn big bucks in their teenage years, Olympic athletes can do their thing at any age with minimal restrictions (except Jeremy Bloom).
The courts will likely continue to rule in favor of the athletes' rights...I don't think we'll be going backward on this.
I also agree with the comment about how basketball players leaving college early (or going straight from high school) has really hurt the college game. It's hard to watch a college game and know that even the best teams aren't as good as they once were (see other thread on best college teams of all-time). It's just impossible to get four or five players (or even two or three) on the same team anymore because if they're that good they're already in the pros.
But that being said, I think it's unfair to deny an individual the right to make a living at what they're good at. Musicians can earn big bucks in their teenage years, Olympic athletes can do their thing at any age with minimal restrictions (except Jeremy Bloom).
The courts will likely continue to rule in favor of the athletes' rights...I don't think we'll be going backward on this.
I am sure it is fine with the NFL because without even a year of at least NCAA competition few teams would take a chance unless the kid is an incredible specimen. The difference between hoops and football is night and day. You can tell just from size and intangibles at any level a basketball player is good, but you can't tell if a kid in high school is good because he doesn't get hit as hard, his line isn't the same, his QB and coaching staff isn't the same...in short without proof of ability at the NCAA game few scouts would ever take a chance on a high school kid to the degree where they would be encouraged to come out early. Maybe some mammoth lineman say 6'5 and 320 running a fast 40 without the Nebraska weight room might get some teams interested, but come on no one will take a skill position player until they prove themselves at a higher level so this court ruling really only applies to the very few who can have a huge freshman season.
Charlie- The NFL can't have an age restriction and that was pretty much decided by a federal judge today. This is really a very easy case to rule on and the NFL has absolutely no chance to win in court.
Whether a player is ready for the NFL or not should be determined by the scouting and coaching staff of each NFL team. If they feel a player is ready physically and/or mentally, then they may want to use a draft pick on him. If not, they can choose not to draft him. This should apply whether the player is 18 or 22.
I don't feel Maurice Clarett is ready for the NFL. He's already shown he's not mature enough and I don't feel he's durable enough but I am glad he'll get a chance to be eligible for the draft just to aggrevate Paul Tagliaidonthaveaclue.
Whether a player is ready for the NFL or not should be determined by the scouting and coaching staff of each NFL team. If they feel a player is ready physically and/or mentally, then they may want to use a draft pick on him. If not, they can choose not to draft him. This should apply whether the player is 18 or 22.
I don't feel Maurice Clarett is ready for the NFL. He's already shown he's not mature enough and I don't feel he's durable enough but I am glad he'll get a chance to be eligible for the draft just to aggrevate Paul Tagliaidonthaveaclue.
