Self-interest

Three star college running backs—Christian McCaffrey of Stanford, Leonard Fournette of LSU and Shock Linwood of Baylor—have all opted out of upcoming bowl games so they can enter the NFL draft being of sound body.  Opinions on their decision vary.

A columnist for the Tribune calls it a “Smart Move. Educated Move.”  He says the players are being no more motivated by money than the universities and coaches they play for.  In addition, the columnist hopes the move leads to something more “because I love players trying to gain control of their bodies and rights.”

His reasoning makes sense, to a point; nobody wants to get injured before the big payoff.  But you could also argue that a super performance in said bowl games would only enhance a player’s status in the April draft.  Another possibility is that this notion of self-interest will work itself backward.

Why, if you’re a high school senior, should you play in your school’s postseason if you already have a scholarship to a major school?  Why keep playing Pop Warner once you know you’re going to a high school with a topnotch football program?  Why bother to throw a ball around with friends if you’re already on a good Pop Warner team?

I also wonder how exactly money would be divided up between suddenly empowered players and schools.  Are we talking 19-year old starters suddenly making six-figure “stipends” because they play for Notre Dame or Alabama?  And that would be less outrageous than Jim Harbauugh’s salary at Michigan?  How?  My opening offer would be a modest, five-figure stipend; free graduate-school tuition; and free lifetime medical care for problems related to playing.

I wonder what Mr. Columnist would say to that?