dave_ross's Blog

Remember when college kids were described in this manner? Going hardship? I'm not sure the term really applies anymore for kids leaving the college ranks early for the big bucks of the NBA. And who can blame them?

Look, I'd be the first one standing in line to take those millions that the pro ranks were throwing in my direction. Which leads me to this year's crop of kids potentially going "hardship". Derrick Rose, Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley.. the list goes on and on...

Are these kids really "student-athletes"? Or just athletes? If these freshman all declare for the draft, they'll likely all be lottery picks. And millionaires instantly. How CAN they stay in school?

My question is this; is the "1-year rule" that mandates kids MUST go to school for at least one year really in the best interest of the kids? Or just the NBA and  the college universities?

I get it; after the Kwame Brown disasters. and Eddy Curry's of the world, the NBA wanted to hold off plucking down their hard-earned cash on kids who haven't displayed their talents on bigger stages. So college has become, for some "student-athletes", basically a showcase for young studs for big bucks . I just wish we'd call it what it is, instead of hiding behind this "student-athlete" label.

Like I said, I don't begrudge any of these kids for the decisions they make or are about to make. I'd make it too. But I just don't know if this "1-year rule" is good for the klds, or the game itself.     

My alternative would be to *gulp* PAY the "student-athletes" to avoid potential real-life "hardship" problems. Give them a stipend. It's not too much to do when the alternative is shady off campus deals (ie: Reggie Bush) and God only knows how many other athletes have felt the need to take some cash under the desk to hang around their college campuses just a little bit longer. 

Heck, the schools are making millions on all of those Derrick Rose #23 jerseys, and your Kevin Love ones out west, why not kick back some of that cash to the kids themselves? That way, the kid may actually WANT to stay in school for another year or two, and actually learn something in the process without having to take some shady side deal, but do it the right way. And lo-and-behold, maybe these kids willl get that real-life maturity that NBA execs glamour about in board rooms when assessing their draft selections.

It really could be a win/win for all parties involved. It's time the NCAA took their collective heads out of that buried sand, and give the kids a little, and in return, the game and the fans will get back a whole lot more.