re: Get used to players leaving!

My only gripe is that the scholarship is contract to the university. Before you say that's stupid, I kind of agree because the school can process a player right off the team. I understand the school makes so much money off the player that it isn't fair but oh well it is an amateur sport. The issue really is where the school is left after grooming a young man to develop skills to win a championship but he leaves early usually waiting until the very last minute to let the school know thus putting the school at a disadvantage of a talent gap. My suggestion would be for the player to have to pay back his year of eligibility if he signed a contract by opening day. If he indeed makes the 400K a year then he can afford to repay the school for the loss of commitment. This would only be required if the player didn't notify the team by the start of the season. If he committed to leaving (barring injury) early enough for the coaches to recruit a replacement and give needed playing time where required to groom the next man up. This would alleviate any guessing. Biggest complaint by the player making the early decision would be that he might lose playing time because the coaches are pissed he is leaving and want to let a younger player play.