BamaMike Loc: Alabama

I am old school. I am against players opting out. I was raised that if you start something then you finish it. Also to quote Vince zlombardi, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” What say you sages?

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

I haven't been paying attention I guess. What is "opting out"? Why would anyone do that?

BamaMike Loc: Alabama

Opting out is when a football player chooses not to play any longer. They are doing it to protect their health for the NFL. Still looks like quitting on your team mates to me. How can you trust someone that would do that? There is no I in team. What if a soldier tried to opt out or a policeman or fireman or medical professional? Are we raising a generation of quitters?

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I believe Bamamike is referring to the option given to NCAA players to "opt out" of this season, regardless of sport, to both avoid the chance of getting Covid and yet maintain eligibility for another year.
Bama...I guess I reserve my chagrin for the "one and done" guys much more. This year is unique, but the number of not-ready-for-adult-life millionaires produced each year is staggering. I am a big college basketball fan (specifically the Jayhawks of Kansas) and am almost always disappointed to see a team acquire a great group and then the next year, it's four new starters, maybe five (standard practice @ Kentucky, and others). IMO those that sign huge NBA contracts should have to pay the university back all the funds, that gave them both the scholarship and national exposure that made them become these instant millionaires. I read somewhere that the Division 1 teams spend upwards of $250k on each scholarship player/season, & some elite schools, much more.
I'm not sure that this year's special circumstances will see a repeat, ever and I can easily see how the uncertainty of even getting through the season and when/how it happens, might be sketchy. That a complete and full season be accomplished is critical to both parties, come draft time.
I guess you can equate the "opt out" year with the same regard as a year spent in rehab, had the player been injured.... that happens regularly, the ubiquitous "fifth-year senior".
So, in a word....no, no prob with the opt out.
Now then, next can of worms..... should college players be monetarily compensated for the notice they bring the university and thus the subsequent revenue-sharing from league TV deals, Bowl games, etc.
That's a big can............ for later.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Well Bama as Gibbs would say Family first. They got the money, not collecting on the system and thinking of their health with the families. Then opt out is just my opinion.

Relating a game to a working profession is not a fair comparison. Wouldn't think twice if it meant putting food on the table i am sure. Doing ones work profession when healthy is a must.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Doesn't the NCAA almost force the "one and out"? I'm not that sure, but I believe they've altered the rules so that a player has to play for a college - they can't go straight from high school to a job. I think that's a bunch of bs - if you're good enough to make a living in the NBA you should be allowed to, regardless of your age. LeBron didn't spend a minute on a college court. And there are others.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

And after re-reading the initial post, I may have misconstrued it to the college level, while BamaMike may have been talking NFL..... different "opt out", altogether.... the NFL is a job you promised to show up to do and are being paid handsomely for, so yeah.... that ain't right, you ain't Ferris Bueller playin' hooky... you have a CONTRACT.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Well BamaMike needs to sound off and splain hisself.

BamaMike Loc: Alabama

I was referring to college players opting out of playing in a bowl game because their team didn’t make the playoffs. It seems like quitting to me. You can opt out and go to NFL and get hurt in practice before you ever play a game. That is the chance you take when you elect to participate. I think we make it too easy to quit, in sports, in careers, in marriage , in child rearing, in many areas. How is that suppose to make society better?

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

I also remember a saying by a man who was National shooting Champion, World and Olympic Champion, Col. Lones Wigger who said, "GOOD LOSERS GENERALLY DO".

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

I agree with you mike, but how would we stop it? Can't make someone play if they don't want to. And I'm sure those nfl franchises are relieved that those college careers are over - so they're not gonna say anything. I don't know.

BamaMike Loc: Alabama

Yes Spirit you hit the nail on the head. Just seems like the world is upside down.