footballguy

November 16th, 2018 at 11:23 AM ^

Maybe being a top 10 draft pick and a professional athlete is what will make him happy, not being a collegiate athlete...? 

Look at Jake Butt. I applaud him for playing in the Orange Bowl, but it cost him a good amount of money. Some people just approach these situations differently and there should be no issue with how any of them approach it.

Look at L Bell and Earl Thomas. 

There's a difference between being selfish and looking out for yourself

Joined: 10/04/2018

MGoPoints: 2146

Reggie Dunlop

November 16th, 2018 at 11:33 AM ^

I know they're looking out for themselves, and we're ALL selfish to a degree. 

Just making my viewpoint known because really, that's what we're all doing here. You're right, Oliver is more interested in the paycheck than playing the game, and I'd have to assume that makes him happy. I can't tell him it's wrong. If I said that elsewhere, I will admit that's a bad take. I can't tell him what his priorities are or should be. I can only say that I would do the opposite.

Regardless, thanks for the civil reply. Lots of people are getting really angry about this for no reason.

Joined: 10/24/2018

MGoPoints: 4389

Reggie Dunlop

November 16th, 2018 at 11:17 AM ^

He's going to get paid whether he's injured next weekend or not. 

The same people that argue that he's ensured his draft position fail to realize that, yes, he's already ensured his draft position!

If he sees the same fate as Jake Butt, he's still going to get drafted and make more money than you can comprehend. 

Joined: 10/24/2018

MGoPoints: 4389

ijohnb

November 16th, 2018 at 10:53 AM ^

I am a veteran of many sore backs after weekend golf rounds.  Does that count?

In all honesty though, I have to disagree with your take here.  A Top 10 NFL pick who plays well and gets to that second contract makes multi-generational money.  30-40 million dollars.  They are not "kids" anymore or even merely football players.  They are corporations.  Their entire family tree is set for literally 100 years if they handle it correctly.  We are talking their kids, grandchildren, great grandchildren.  And a lot of times were are talking about people who came from very difficult situations and have a winning lottery ticket that could change their family's existence forever in ways never dreamed possible.

I don't think these players are sitting out because they don't "love football," I think the are doing it because that money is no longer abstract and is literally within an arms reach.  At that point, the risk-reward analysis becomes far too lopsided.

I don't think the kids who do continue to play are "fools" like some people say.  Kyler Murray is risking a hell of a lot for the love of football right now and that is pretty awesome.  At the same time, I cannot criticize a Top 10 pick for shutting it down in the least.

Joined: 09/21/2009

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Reggie Dunlop

November 16th, 2018 at 11:06 AM ^

Everybody acts like Jaylon Smith and Jake Butt are panhandling under a bridge somewhere. 

You can get injured on any play in any game at any level at any age. Quitting is quitting. I just don't understand it. You do. You're okay with a player quitting on his team. You would do that. And that's okay. I've played for shit teams and shit coaches that I couldn't wait for the clock to reach zeroes in the last game to get the hell out of there. Walking away was never an option, and I just don't get how it is for somebody else. 

I have no fear of this becoming an epidemic. There are what? 30 walk-ons playing football for Michigan? Guys that are playing because they love it. No scholarship. No stipend. Voluntarily taking an FBS scout-team beating everyday because sports are fucking great. Voluntarily spending every non-academic moment of their day being a glorified tackling dummy for Devin Bush and friends. Those are guys that haven't yet lost perspective. Guys who just want to play football. And they'll always be there, even if a handful get mesmerized by a dollar sign.

 

I think I've made my point. Moving on. 

 

Joined: 10/24/2018

MGoPoints: 4389

ijohnb

November 16th, 2018 at 11:13 AM ^

After trying, and failing, to engage you as a reasonable poster a couple of times and seeing you turn troll for literally no reason, it has occurred to me.

You are just a dick with really bad ideas.  You think you have any idea what this decision entails because you "play hockey."  That is both kind of funny and kind of sad.

I think you should just move on, like entirely.  The blog was a better place before you got here.

 

Joined: 09/21/2009

MGoPoints: 69986

Reggie Dunlop

November 16th, 2018 at 11:21 AM ^

Thanks for the advice. I've engaged you plenty, long before the 'joined' date you're looking at. It's when you disagree with somebody that you pull out your "I'm better than you" card and start insulting people. We have differing opinions. Stop replying to me if I'm such a bad person. Problem solved.

**Edit: Just re-read my post above. How was I a dick to you? I said you're okay with it and that's fine. I'm not and this is why? How does that make me a dick? Man, you're fragile.

Joined: 10/24/2018

MGoPoints: 4389

Reggie Dunlop

November 16th, 2018 at 11:36 AM ^

This is the exact same route you took on the rankings debate a week ago. I asked you to give me a team with a better resume than LSU and you lost your mind. Started replying to everything with "SEC! SEC!"

You're interesting.

Joined: 10/24/2018

MGoPoints: 4389

ijohnb

November 16th, 2018 at 11:40 AM ^

Are you lacing them up right now? 

Seriously though, you and Ed Oliver are kind of the same.  You suck at hockey, and he is likely going to be the number 1 pick in the NFL draft.  I can certainly see how you would have some unique insight into the decision he is facing.

Joined: 09/21/2009

MGoPoints: 69986

ska4punkkid

November 16th, 2018 at 10:55 AM ^

Ok dude but out jobs don't REQUIRE healthy knees and bodies to work like theirs do/will. Our jobs don't pay us MILLIONS to be in top physical condition and play a sport.

 

You're waaaaay off comparing our jobs to the future pro sports jobs of these student-athletes

Joined: 07/09/2015

MGoPoints: 11928

Reggie Dunlop

November 16th, 2018 at 11:10 AM ^

They certainly do. There are physical labor jobs. I don't have one, but I play with guys in the auto industry, construction workers, etc. Guys who wouldn't be able to work if they weren't healthy and mobile. 

Personally, I interact with lots of people, customers and prospects and what-have-you. If I get my face rearranged, that will have a negative impact on my job. It matters. 

I love that you capitalized MILLIONS. That means something to you. That changes the dynamic for you. That's precisely where we differ. 

Joined: 10/24/2018

MGoPoints: 4389

GoBlueNorth

November 16th, 2018 at 10:19 AM ^

Kid embarrassed himself in the end but NFL teams don't give a damn.  Some of these prima donnas have no respect for authority and feel entitled.  Whether you like rules or not you don't disrespect any coaches let alone your head coach.  If one of my kids ever pulled that attitude with any adult I'd rip them a new one.  That was one of the differences between the pros and college kids.  At the college level it used to just be "yes coach" and "no coach".  

Joined: 06/03/2011

MGoPoints: 2314

1997 National …

November 16th, 2018 at 10:25 AM ^

Unfortunately, NFL teams probably won't care as much as they should. When he was a top 10 recruit and chose Houston, I thought they should have been a red flag as well. Why didn't he go to a P5 school? The answer likely is that he did not want to wait his turn for playing time. 

Joined: 12/20/2017

MGoPoints: 827

yourpaltal

November 16th, 2018 at 10:31 AM ^

My high school buddy is the D-Line coach and was Oliver's coach in high school (CSB.)  I imagine this put him in a pretty awkward position.  Interestingly, my friend is nowhere near the scene in any of the video I saw.  He probably saw it coming and wanted to stay well clear.   

 

Joined: 01/08/2009

MGoPoints: 527

ThWard

November 16th, 2018 at 10:38 AM ^

It's weird how mad people get that college football players finally realized the ridiculousness of this system.

No, no NFL team is going to ding him. If Applewhite doesn't want the distraction, don't let him on the field. But to draw the line at telling him to take a jacket off is peak fake toughness.

Joined: 07/10/2008

MGoPoints: 5169

Reggie Dunlop

November 16th, 2018 at 11:42 AM ^

And I just paid you a compliment for a civil exchange. You proved me wrong on that much, at least.

If you think High School and college football are so different, why don't you explain how? And if you don't want to, why not just move on? Why "Shut up"? I'm not going to. I'm not even talking. 

They're not equal, but nor are they opposite. Happy to discuss with you, but you're going to have to start with a better opener than "Shut up."

 

Joined: 10/24/2018

MGoPoints: 4389

trueblue262

November 16th, 2018 at 10:42 AM ^

No. They reward their players for quitting...... 

Watch Leveon Bell get paid with hi next contract. It's a joke. Bo had it right with his "The Team" speech, Your college team will be the last "team" you play for. I hate the NFL

Joined: 07/01/2008

MGoPoints: 10357

bacon1431

November 16th, 2018 at 12:02 PM ^

Bell will get paid and rightfully so. He's also not going to get as big of a contract as he would have gotten had he played through the entire year healthy and been as productive as he's been in the past. But he's going to get more than he would have had he blown out his knee. He is holding out because he wants a long term contract. It's probably his last chance at a long term contract. May not have agreed with the decision, but there's really nothing wrong with what he did IMO. I think his teammates would have liked some clarity early on whether he would actually come back or not, but he's looking out for him and his family. If he gets that next big contract, they might not have to worry about anything the rest of their life. I think alot of people would make the same decision. 

Joined: 07/26/2008

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