Both Stanford and LSU won so it didn’t influence the outcome of the games.
Football is a business, even (especially!) college football, and they made smart business decisions IMO.
These kids get tossed out the door the minute they are injured or otherwise are deemed expendable. The NCAA makes billions on the backs of these kids. Why should they be loyal? Why should they risk anything?
Jaylan Smith lost probably $20 million last year playing in a meaningless bowl game. Jake Butts appeared to suffer a significant knee injury that will likely affect his pro career. And for what - a $500 goody bag?
Many coaches use these games as early spring practice, and limit the playing time or even bench the seniors because they won’t be on the team next year. How crappy is that?
The whole bowl system is corrupt even by NCAA standards, and the door is now open. I expect to see a bunch of the top players opt out every year going forward. There’s just too much money at stake. If you are not playing for the national championship why would you risk it? And even then maybe not.
I’m guessing the schools adjust/retaliate by trying to put language in the scholarship offers requiring them to play in the bowl game or they have to repay the scholarship.
@greatkid:
I know some have their nose bent out of joint about it, but I can understand it, especially when you are talking about bowls not involved in the national championship. I have heard all the stuff, about letting down teammates, about their ‘duty’ to the school, but given that college football on that scale is a big business and that same school that talks about ‘duty and responsibility’ to the team is the same school that if that kid got hurt and couldn’t play football any more, would in a NY minute revoke his scholarship and often leave him with a ton of medical bills. I am tired of hearing about ‘sacred’ college football, how it is all about school spirit, yada yada, the kids playing football at Army and Navy, or walk ons at other schools, are playing that kind of football, the top players at the FBS schools are a commodity product to feed a big business, pure and simple, so if they are being mercenary, so what, so is the school.
Yes, and pretty much all players, former players, coaches and everyone but fans have supported the players who opted out of meaningless bowl games.
Let’s ask Jake Butt about that - the Michigan TE who tore his ACL during the Orange Bowl on Friday. His team lost (in one of those ‘meaningless bowls’) and his NFL prospects are plummeting.
Fournette was already injured–he missed multiple games during the season with an ankle sprain. And in a couple of the ones he played in, he seemed not 100%. I’m pretty sure he’s already made his ankle worse by playing on it this season.
LSU didn’t need him as it turns out Guice might be better than Fournette anyway :). He ended up with the game MVP, as well he should have.
I definitely understand the financial/business considerations and it makes complete sense to sit out. Christian MaCaffrey likely knows better than anyone what the financial implications are given his Fathers professional career.
I totally get it, but as a fan I am disappointed. I don’t have much of an interest in watching if the players that got them there are not playing.
I will solely watch professional football and college football where the athletes are non scholarship athletes.
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I’m guessing the schools adjust/retaliate by trying to put language in the scholarship offers requiring them to play in the bowl game or they have to repay the scholarship.
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The NCAA NLI/Grant in Aid contracts do not contain such language and never could. College players are not fined for misconduct because they CAN’T pay the fines. There is never repayment to a university (Reggie Bush didn’t repay USC after all his awards were retracted). If a player quits in the middle of the semester, he still keeps the scholarship for that semester. My daughter’s coach lets kids keep the scholarship for the year even if they quit.
Gee, the coaches who are moving on don’t usually stay for the bowl games, why should the players who are moving on?
Six head coaches down, and it’s not even Black Monday yet.
Jacksonville
Buffalo
Los Angeles
San Diego
Denver
San Francisco
I’ve seen rumors about Houston, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, and Detroit.
Tomorrow will be interesting.
I feel like there are rumors about Detroit every year.
Not undeserved, mind you.
Well clearly nothing will happen with Detroit tomorrow since they backed into the playoffs. And if the Lions manage to win a playoff game or two, it will be hard to make a change.
hold that thought…
=))
Ah thanks for that- I needed a good laugh.
(I am a Lions fan but… I am a Lions fan. I have dirt low expectations and am occasionally pleasantly surprised.)
Ok, I got nervous for a second and had to retract my post #4491…NOW I can say:
Who would have thought a few games ago that the Packers would win the division?! Another happy dance for Rodgers and team!!
I know it’s rough losing but the Lions fans (including most of my Michigan family) have to stop feeling sad and look ahead to next week - a playoff game is a playoff game!
My daughter is a Packer fan, her boyfriend a Giants fan. Should be interesting.
DW’s family is all in Michigan, and the Lions are her second team after the Patriots.
So I get to experience the torture (and dish some out myself) of being a Lions fan. >:)
It will be tough on the road in Seattle next week, on the other hand Seattle barely beat the pitiful 2-14 49ers today, so they are vulnerable.
Did not watch the game today, but geez. Looked at the score… sheesh. 25-23? Hawks, party much last night?!
The good news for Seattle is that they are 7-1 at home, so you have to figure they are the heavy favorite for the wildcard round. On the road against the Falcons in the divisional round will be much tougher as the Seahawks are only 3-4-1 on the road, which included some brutal losses.
Can’t live without the darn rain…
PACK. I’m glad they don’t have to go to Seattle. I still have rage about the Fail Mary game. Seriously. Someone needs to let. it. go. That would be me!