LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Stanford’s Christian McCaffery... 'Their decision'!

12/20/2016

LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Stanford’s Christian McCaffery has decided to forgo their perspective team bowl games to prepare for the NFL draft.

These 2 young men are making a decision that is in the best interest of their future. In other industries, this is called a 'Business' decision.

Others will say that these 2 young men are turning their backs on their teammates, coaches, school and fans by not playing in the bowl game. Others will also say that these 2 young men are extremely selfish in making such a decision.

In my personal opinion, I do not fault their actions at all; it's their choice,... no one but them knows their circumstances,... i.e, financial, health, personal goals,.. etc. From what I understand, these 2 young men are projected to go high in the 1st round.... in translation, they are projected to make millions!

And if for some reason (injury, bad showing..) they slip low in the 1st round, or even worse... if they drop below the 1st round, they will lose millions!

Again, no one but them knows their situation and circumstances that got them to make the decision they made.

I wish them all the best... and I hope & pray that they carry themselves with humility and class... most importantly, I pray that they 'Pay It Forward'.

What are your thoughts on this?

8 Comments

Richmond Bradshaw he link

12/20/2016 07:23:11 pm

I believe this is selfish, an injury wouldn't hurt thier draft stock!! they already solidified thier status as being two of the more recognizable college athletes , scouts have them ranked as high picks already it's only one more game too play (an extra week) what cab do any harm. They miss out possibly getting an Bowl Ring ! I don't recall other Top Prpjected players to do this in the past!

Ashleigh Pitt

12/20/2016 10:34:11 pm

I completely agree. When it comes to this, why risk your body when it is worth several million dollars in the NFL for a bowl game? In my opinion, bowl games have become meaningless, partially because there are so many of them now. At this point all it takes is 5 wins to make a bowl game - not competitive enough. As a fan, I'm sure it is a huge blow but people have to realize that now they need to think about the future Great read, thanks Vernon!

Don Fiechter

12/21/2016 05:45:25 am

It is the smartest thing these guys could do. Every time they step onto the field there is the risk that their future in the sport could be ended.
I'm sorry but their future prospects of ever earning this kind of money in any other area is very slim. Why would you ever risk taking care of your family's financial future.
It is a business no matter how you look at it. It is a business for the University and it is 100% a job for the athlete.

Roald Lindquist

12/21/2016 07:54:32 am

I think it is totally selfish on their part. They would play if it was a big bowl, but they are dont care about teammates and what they got for free for 4 years.
That is why they have insurance policy to protect them.

Howard Shatsky link

12/21/2016 12:40:51 pm

I have represented NFL players for almost 30 years now, including VT. To address some of the comments here, these players are not selfish, they have not had a free ride and the owe their teammates nothing.

That may sound harsh, but football is a business. It is a team game played by individuals. Playing a D-1 sport is the equivalent of having a full time job, not to mention the physical toll it takes on your body. Also, how much revenue did LSU and Stanford,get from selling McCaffrey and Fournette jerseys, for which the players received not one penny An injury can absolutely affect your draft status and if severe enough end your career.

College coaches often leave for higher paying jobs, leaving behind young men they made many promises to. And they should, if they have a good opportunity players may understand but most realize they have to do what is best for their careers.

Also in the NFL and college the vast majority of players within a few years will not even be on contact with each other, that is the nature of life. Before calling them selfish ask yourself, how much of your salary would you give up to help a work colleague. Most people look out for themselves and their families.

I speak with former clients all the time and most of them have some sort of daily pain. The human body was not made to play football. And,for,those,who say NFL playets are overpaid, what price would you put on your health? The fans expect loyalty from the players but most don't realize its a one way street. In the NFL as soon as they can replace you with someone younger or less expensive you are gone. When guys use the phrase next man up it makes me sick. Most people do not realize the lengths players go to compete with injuries. They are not superhuman, this take an enormous toll on them later in life. Players in the NFL used toline up for Toradol shots, which masks your injury and thins your blood. This increases the risk of further injury. In football its not a question if you will get hurt, its when! Bottom of the roster players, free agents, and young players know "you can't make the club in the tub" so even if hurt they feel tremndous pressure to play in order to make, or stay, on the team.

I have clients that have gone through depression, opiate addiction, and even considered suicide. Yet people say they are overpaid. If the NFL was so loyal why fight players filing for benefits and why did the players even have to file the concussion lawsuit. If not for that suit, there would be no concussion protocol. For years the director of the NFL's concussion program was a rheumatologist and they tried to deny what was obvious to everyone involved in the game.

Now playrrs know what they are signing up for, so they are not asking for your pity. But for fans football is a game they love watching on Saturdays and Sundays. For players and Coaches football is a business and how they support their families. Even in college, football is a business.

If a student on scholarship left early for a 6 figure job in Silicon Valley would you call them selfish? That scholarship could have gone to someone who would have stayed for 4 years, but most people would congratulate them and say they made a smart decision.

So, why is it different with football? The reason is for the majority of society it is entertainment and the like their teams to keep their favorite players. However, before you judge a player for sitting out a game, ask yourself, would you be at work the day after tearing your hamstring or breaking a rib? Would you take addictive drugs just to be able to,go to work? And finally, would you risk your future for the benefit of your boss or work colleagues. Maybe if you look at it this way you will understand why I feel these players have made a smart business decision and have not betrayed or let anyone down.

The one thing I hope is that if they do become NFL stars they are good role models and as VT always says, they pay it forward! You have to be Relentless to play in college or the NFL but you also have to be smart and as we all do, take care of yourself and your family.

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LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Stanford’s Christian McCaffery... 'Their decision'!

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