Big....that is true for the first rounders....or for the first 15 or so of the first rounders. I dont think that guys after that get the big signing bonus. Football contracts are generally not guaranteed, so no promise of making himself or family rich.
It’s a business decision by the player. The bottom line in College athletics is the bottom line. It’s not a something we fans want to believe but it is the reality. For most elite players college is somewhere you go until you’re draft eligible. Universities make boat loads of money on these “student/ athletes”. In 2017 our football revenue was $42 million. If the 85 scholarship athletes received $30,000 for the year (they all won’t because of student federal aide) that would cost $2.55 million. I’m sorry but if I’ve helped a business generate $39 million and I have the chance to reap the benefits of my labor I’m cashing in.
I'm wondering when bowl games became exhibitions. I must have missed that. It must be like the frog in a slowly heating pot. Back in the last century bowl games were a reward and a stage to showcase your abilities against opponents you wouldn't normally play.
Thanks a lot, Ricky. You just singlehandedly destroyed my love for college football. :angry: lol.
They are amateurs, not professionals. And I for one hope we never change that. It's the whole freaking point. Get a free education. Get free gear. Get free food. Get free lodging. And if you get hurt get free medical attention and then use your free education to live your life like a normal person. (I'd even be totally cool with some kind of power 5 or Div 1 slush fund for per diem during the season or something like that). But if you are a player on the team, play the season. I don't like it but I can understand an exception for a first round pick in the Jimmy's Used Cars Bowl on a 6-6 team, but a 10-2 team in the Sugar Bowl? Lame.
Agree, except every bowl counts and you team mates are counting on you to be there where ever it is.
Well said, Ricky. We can agree with that, but it's a perceived trend that bothers me. Not all these kids are hardship cases, and what I see is professional football creeping further down into the college level.
When they changed the format to a four team playoff and a bunch or bowls of much, much less importance.
I guess I don't buy the hardship argument. I mean what are the odds of someone sustaining a career ending injury in a bowl game these days? It's like getting hit by lightening. And they'll only drop a few rounds (pretty much worst case scenario, no?) but they will still be lifted way out of poverty (if that's where they were). And all the goodwill and support of their school and fan base will be worth a lot when they leave the game. Maybe significantly more. How long does the average career last anyway?
