School for stars
What do Taylor Hall, Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum, and Magnus Paajarvi have in common? They are all under 23 years old and playing their chosen sport professionally. That might not seam like a big deal, but they all skipped college to pursue their dream.
Natural athletes, we’ve all seen them and we can appreciate them. What I do not understand is what these kids are doing skipping college to play ball, or hockey. I am by no means underestimating their athletic ability or their intelligence but I believe that there is a certain intellectual level reached when one goes to college. I think the extra years of playing college will be beneficial for players and the quicker a player starts the earlier they will become burnt out.
It is important to know what your contract says or how to speak in an interview. Nothing that a quick learner wouldn’t be able to pick up but I think that at least two years of college is vital for most athletes. I would agree with the statement that most athletes are not exactly scholar students and I am by no means expecting straight A’s out of these players. I believe that it is important to go to upper division courses and learn a thing or two about education.
According to ESPN.com Trevor Cahill of the Oakland Athletics makes $410,000 a year. I think it is important to live on your own with nothing before a young adult can or should get a hold of that much money.
Some people would make the argument that players that are good enough to play pro should. This argument is made because it is thought they would completely change the game. What I do not understand is why that is considered a bad thing. I think that if other players are given the opportunity to play with prospective pros it will be a good thing for the league and players that are trying to get better.
It will help build other players up, make the college level more competitive and therefore prep overall for the professional league.