Does the NFL care if Ed Oliver quit on his team
I understand if you are hurt and can't play, but Ed Oliver obviously isn't hurt, and he looked like an idiot last night.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:50 AM ^
Right. You'd sacrifice your happiness to have lots of money. I get it. It's just not me.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:00 AM ^
This is America, 2018. Money is all that matters. Haven't you been paying attention?
November 16th, 2018 at 11:12 AM ^
You are always my favorite.
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
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.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:52 AM ^
It's a fucking football game. He wants to be a PROFESSIONAL football player. FIFY
That means getting paid for it. Thus the desire of not getting injured playing for free.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:24 AM ^
"I play hockey. Look at me. I am a hockey player."
November 16th, 2018 at 11:25 AM ^
Why did you use quotes? I never wrote that. Do you know how quotes work?
November 16th, 2018 at 11:28 AM ^
"Hockey!"
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.
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.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:46 AM ^
Done yet? I'll bet you go for the last word.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:52 AM ^
Last word.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:24 AM ^
you've made your point. It just sucks.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:26 AM ^
I think it's good. I think your reply sucks.
This was a worthwhile exchange. Thanks for stopping by.
November 16th, 2018 at 12:12 PM ^
You said you were moving on. I didn't expect it to be an exchange.
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
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.
November 16th, 2018 at 4:11 PM ^
He was jumping around making ridiculous one-hand catches which undermined his apparent “injury” as well as his decision not to play due to said injury. That’s the problem.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:59 AM ^
Did you even watch the video? Applewhite took umbrage with Oliver for wearing a coat that is reserved for guys playing.
Per Rutledge Applewhite understood Oliver’s decision not to play. Yet he still was out jumping to catch balls pregame thereby risking a knee injury. Bizarre behavior by Oliver.
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".
November 16th, 2018 at 10:22 AM ^
The NFL clearly DGAF about behaviour
November 16th, 2018 at 11:22 AM ^
Indeed, just ask Johnny Manziel.
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.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:39 AM ^
He committed to Tom Herman when Houston was actually in discussion for a playoff spot. I believe he also had a daily connection to Houston.
If you're going to criticize that decision you need to criticize Karlaftis for committing to purdue as well.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:26 AM ^
I would prefer to draft Laura Rutledge.
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.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:37 AM ^
ha awesome...that's my cuz!
November 16th, 2018 at 11:46 AM ^
Nice. Last time I saw AJ was a buddy's wedding probably 15 years ago. Gameday did a feature on Oliver early in the year, and AJ was interviewed for that piece. I know he loves Houston, and I hope he can stay there a long time.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:31 AM ^
I think teams will use this as a tiebreaker. Also why I believe Gary will go before Bosa and Oliver.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:40 AM ^
Not sure if I agree with that. Bosa actually was injured too and projected the #1 pick - no reason to risk all of that. By all accounts the guy loved OSU and the team.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:41 AM ^
I would bet a fair amount of money both Bosa (assuming his medicals check out) and Oliver go above Gary
November 16th, 2018 at 10:51 AM ^
You never want a bust in the 1st rd. If I'm a Gm I'm not drafting a guy that I have no game tape on after he had core muscle surgery. Gary will destroy DL combine numbers and the buzz he would already have wrecking havoc thru Bamas Oline in the Natty.
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.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:51 AM ^
I am not mad that he isn’t playing to protect himself. Just amazed at how brazen Oliver was in showing that he really isn’t hurt that bad.
Applewhite should tell him to leave as he clearly isn’t all-in.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:53 AM ^
I know. I can't wait until High School players figure it out, too. They should all quit because these high schools are using their unpaid labor to promote the institution.
Ban high school football.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:26 AM ^
Shut up. You are just full of false equivalencies.
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."
November 16th, 2018 at 10:41 AM ^
They didn't care about it with Fournette or Christian McCaffrey.
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
November 16th, 2018 at 11:28 AM ^
Grow up. It's their livelihood and they are allowed to do what is in the best interest of themselves.
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.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:45 AM ^
Just make sure he is not Albert Haysworth crazy and yeah he will be fine.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:15 AM ^
NFL teams have lots of jackets.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:18 AM ^
Just up the jacket budget and problem solved.