Kids that opt out of bowl games good/bad/neither?

[Jmonty71]

I notice that more and more kids opt out of bowl games. While I get the gist of it, I think it hurts their draft stock. What does that say about you and your commitment to teamwork? I have a friend that is a talent scout for the Cardinals. He said this is one thing that they look at, as an organization. While this doesn't effect extremely high picks, it does effect those middle and late draft picks. Just curious what everyone's thoughts were on this. Is opting out a good thing or a bad thing?

 

[DawgAlum2054]

I would say something to consider would be how much of an insurance policy does the university have in place for that player if they were to get injured and it results in a loss of draft stock

I know that UGA has 10 million dollar policies on some of their players for that scenario

 

[colbysullivan]

How are “indifferent” and “don’t care” different?

 

[spidermayin]

I would say it depends on the game. If the player is a top 10 projected draft pick and the bowl games were not playoff games, then opting out is a smart decision. The performance in a meaningless bowl game will not impact your draft status, but getting a season ending injury will.

 

[AlistarWills]

How are “indifferent” and “don’t care” different?

Indifferent = could be good could be bad
Don’t care = exactly what it says

 

[Con]

How are “indifferent” and “don’t care” different?

There is one vote for each right now. So there doesn't seem to be a difference.

 

[crimsonaudio]

You spelled "quitting" wrong in your poll.

 

[mrusso]

My opinion will probably be unpopular but here goes...

What's the difference in sitting out a "meaningless" bowl game and Austin Peay? It was pretty much meaningless. Or for that matter, any game once it's determined you won't be in the playoff could be deemed meaningless. I think you owe it to your teammates to finish out the season, bowl game and all. Yeh, Anderson and Young are definitely generational type players and without them we probably have more than two losses. But without their teammates, they don't have the accolades they do.

But we know players are going to sit out. In my opinion, once you "quit" you should lose all the benefits from being on the team. That includes workout facilities, pro-day, etc. Again, just my opinion.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

I think for the program, they do not want someone there who really doesn't want to be there. Look at Billingsley, honestly, he did more harm to the program by playing in games and not wanting to be there rather than just sitting out and not wanting to be there. His effort and attitude were apparent through the tv screen.

 

[Con]

My opinion will probably be unpopular but here goes...

What's the difference in sitting out a "meaningless" bowl game and Austin Peay? It was pretty much meaningless. Or for that matter, any game once it's determined you won't be in the playoff could be deemed meaningless. I think you owe it to your teammates to finish out the season, bowl game and all. Yeh, Anderson and Young are definitely generational type players and without them we probably have more than two losses. But without their teammates, they don't have the accolades they do.

But we know players are going to sit out. In my opinion, once you "quit" you should lose all the benefits from being on the team. That includes workout facilities, pro-day, etc. Again, just my opinion.

I would get upset if the players who "opted out" were standing on the sidelines acting like a coach or something during the game. If you cared so much about the game or the players in the game, you should be out there helping them win the game.

 

[uafan4life]

Where's the option for "It isn't that simple."???

 

[Con]

Where's the option for "It isn't that simple."???

You're right. Every player has to make the best decision for them. Some decisions just don't jive with what we feel.

 

[bamacon]

Where's the option for "It isn't that simple."???

I can absolutely see not wanting to jeopardize generational wealth for some players who have never had anything but adversity in life over a meaningless game. I understand the whole it could have happen on any play up until that point but these used to be exhibition games. I understand them not wanting to risk the injury now that they cleared all the other hurdles. It’s not like we get mad for coaches not risking their star players in games when they are already decided. Ask Prothro what can happen.

 

[Windsortide]

It has evolved into a business decision. There is no more loyalty to the team or commitment to the university that provides the scholarship and playing opportunities.

 

[Cruloc]

If a kid is an absolute 1st round draft pick...I can't fault him for opting out of a meaningless bowl game. Its playoffs or bust now. Plus, 1st round money is life changing.

 

[mdb-tpet]

Well, I care, but the issue here of a player not playing in the bowl game is really a fan's issue, not a player's primary concern.

Players, as said above, have to make their own decision. Since there are a bazillion bowl games, I get that they have very reduced importance now. So, does a player:

1. Play for better life time stats?
2. Play to show an agent/NFL team better tape?
3. Play for glory?
4. Play because they love the game?
5. Play for their teammates?
6. Play to whip the other team?
7. Play for the fans?

Not play because:
1. They have a serious/nagging injury that needs to heal?
2. Not want to keep practicing and wants to focus on the combine/draft?
3. Need some kind of medical procedure that they need more healing time?
4. Want to let the teammate behind them in the depth chart get a chance to shine/practice since they are not going to the NFL or are a first round lock?
5. Take some time off because of the ever increasing number of football games and the personal time commitment it requires?
6. Other random personal reason?

As a fan, we all want the players to put in 100% every game and play, but it's just not that simple.

So, I vote for "it's complicated/I won't burn a player that opts out save for the true quitter.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Just make participation mandatory as part of their scholarship. If they quit the team looking out for their self interests, fine. Take some of that draft money and repay the school for the scholarship, training, etc they invested in you.

 

[B1GTide]

Not every player who chooses not to play is a quitter, but most are. The injury risk is mitigated through insurance, so I don't give it any credence. But for guys already injured, I can see the need to take more time to heal properly and prepare for the draft/combine.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Not every player who chooses not to play is a quitter, but most are. The injury risk is mitigated through insurance, so I don't give it any credence. But for guys already injured, I can see the need to take more time to heal properly and prepare for the draft/combine.

FTR, I'd never categorize injured players as quitters.

 

[RollTide_HTTR]

I don't care too much. The reality of the world we live in is that the bowl games don't really matter especially for teams like Bama where the playoffs is the expectations.

IMO bowl games are more about next year than this.

Also, I have no problem with someone who thinks they should be protecting themselves. Bryce in particular I think SHOULD opt out.