quote:
I understand the risk/reward, my point is that the risk is so very low that it is almost incalculable.

I remember Lael Collins going from 1st rounder to undrafted over a rumor about an ex girl friend. In other words, anything can happen and quitting on your teammates that have helped you get where you are seems to be a high price to pay for avoiding something that is such a statistical improbability.

The players are just as likely to get hurt in the weight room, driving to work out (Chad Jones). The quitting has risen beyond sensical and has become somewhat of a norm based on zero data.

Yeah but ... it's easy for you and I to sit here and have this debate given that we have zero stake in any of the outcomes. Try to put yourself in the shoes of a 20 year old who has come from a poor neighborhood and has lived his life with very little. Kid works his arse off all of his life to pursue a dream. He's one step away from potentially realizing his dream and leaving behind a very difficult life while potentially taking his family with him. It's not just millions of dollars at stake but a path out for the player and his family.

Is that one, meaningless bowl worth the risk? I get the commitment angle and the perspective of staying true to your team. But at the end of the day, we are all pursuing our dreams and we have to weigh the risks. If everything you ever dreamed of was one step away, is it worth it to play the game when it means so very little in your ability to reach your goal?

I wish they would all stay, but really, it's a January 4th, something to tie you over till the National Championship game bowl. I'm not putting my dream at risk, and if I make it to the NFL I think I'll get over the fans reactions to my decision for my life and my family.