RB Maurice Clarett (B1G Freshman of the Year, National Champion)

[FKAGobucks877]

Football players generate 10 times more revenue for their college than they did decades ago, yet the compensation is still exactly the same as it was decades ago. Like I said before, Clarett is a punk with a chip on his shoulder, but the system is not without its own black eye.

You didn't even address my question or response. Clarett is THE ONLY COLLEGE PLAYER to have such a problem with this issue, IF that is even his problem. You are making this argument FOR him. I've never heard him say word one about "being exploited". And there sure aren't any other college football players losing sleep over it.

 

[3yardsandacloud]

How is that any different than the NCAA and football players? Football players generate 10 times more revenue for their college than they did decades ago, yet the compensation is still exactly the same as it was decades ago. Like I said before, Clarett is a punk with a chip on his shoulder, but the system is not without its own black eye.

Actually the cost of a college education has gone up quite a bit as well. It is NOT exactly the same as decades ago. And who's to say what the VALUE of a college education is?

 

[BuckeyeTillIDie]

I think I've said all I care to on this issue. MoC abused the college game. He's a great player, I wish him luck in his future career, whatever that is. I cheered for him, I've had my anger for him, hell, I defended him up until the NFL lawsuit. I respect everyone's opinion, and we all have differing view. Good luck Mo.

 

[rhammersmith]

You didn't even address my question or response. Clarett is THE ONLY COLLEGE PLAYER to have such a problem with this issue, IF that is even his problem. You are making this argument FOR him. I've never heard him say word one about "being exploited". And there sure aren't any other college football players losing sleep over it.

14 years ago college football players couldn't leave college early to go to the NFL AT ALL! The system is slowly heading in the right direction, but it only moves when someone is willing to be the sacrificial lamb. Curt Flood paved the way in baseball for free agency, but he never made a dime off of his efforts because every major legaue team black balled him for it. To say that there is nothing wrong with the system based on the evidence that no one is standing up is ludicrous. History has proven there is a lot to lose by being the leader in fighting the system.

Actually the cost of a college education has gone up quite a bit as well. It is NOT exactly the same as decades ago. And who's to say what the VALUE of a college education is?

After adjusting the numbers to reflect inflation, the cost of a college education has not increased even remotely near the increase of revenue a college makes off of football.

 

[Sloopy45]

FKA: "I've never heard him say word one about "being exploited"."

How come, according to sportswriters & others, college is the worst thing that ever happened to these athletes? They make it seem like giving a kid a chance to go to college, then making him stay there for three (not even four) years is some sort of prison term. Like these kids would be better off being sent to Cambodia than Columbus.

Let me make the argument against that:

First off, college is the best time in a person's life. Nothing will ever top my experience at OSU. Nothing. And those years are priceless, in other words, worth more than millions in a pro contract. Think back: if someone offered you a million dollars, but you had to erase the experience of being 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, etc. and being in school would you do it?? There's no way I would. You only get one chance in life to be 21 years old. There's nothing that could compensate me monetarily to replace that.

Secondly, when you make these kids stay in school, isn't that for their own good? Are they Americans of adult age & should be allowed to earn a wage? Certainly. But, are they still only pups and don't really know better? Sure they are. I thought I knew everything at 19 years old. But did I? No way. Isn't it a good thing to force a kid to get an education? Looking back, wouldn't a little bit of a college experience be worth more to the Kobe Bryants and Kevin Garnetts than another million dollars or two more (among hundreds that they'll never spend) that they earned by skipping school? If I was in their shoes at 19, sure I'd skip school - but I'd regret it at age 40. And I bet they will too.

Thirdly, this "exploitation" spew is garbage. My father makes a lot of money, and it was a bit of a struggle for him to put me through college. An education at a place like Ohio State isn't free, and it sure as hell isn't cheap. Getting a free education of the highest quality, your mug on TV, thousands of kids all around you worshipping the ground you walk on, and enough gorgeous, young coeds in your bedroom to put Ron Jeremy, Peter North, & Tom Byron to shame isn't what I call being "exploited." In fact, I'd call it more like living like a king.

The worst thing that should happen to all of us is some big, bad, white supremacist school makes us wait four years to be millionaires. And oh yeah, in those four years, you can have any and every girl at OSU - if you've ever seen the chicks on campus, you know that it isn't a punishment. Not by a long shot.

 

[rhammersmith]

Think back: if someone offered you a million dollars, but you had to erase the experience of being 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, etc. and being in school would you do it??

IN A HEARTBEAT!!!!!

And how about making the hypothetical closer to reality: Society is paying millions of dollars to watch you play and you don't even have the option of obtaining it, all the while taking a risk that at any moment you could suffer an injury that ends all chances of ever making that money just so a college can collect the millions society is currently paying to watch you play.

 

[3yardsandacloud]

After adjusting the numbers to reflect inflation, the cost of a college education has not increased even remotely near the increase of revenue a college makes off of football

The revenue for what college? I believe that I read recently that only the top 30-40 (or so) schools actually turn a profit from football. And who is being taken advantage of? The VAST majority of these kids need and can use a college education in their life after football. Only 5.8% of High Schhol football players get to play in college. Only 2% of College football player will make it to the Pros. That's .09% of High School players that will be playing pro football. Hey, while we're at it why don't High School players deserve to be compensated? Many of their schools are making money off of them? What about college bands? I know TBDBITL sells all kinds of CDs and Tapes. Shouldn't the University be compensating these kids as well. When will schools stop taking advantage of our youth (sarcasm in case you didn't pick up on it)?

 

[buckiprof]

I've seen many people who do and their answer boils down to, because he's brought so much negative attention. Why has he brought so much negative attention? Because he's a great football player. Out of the 50000 students at OSU, there are tons who have done things far, far worse then Maurice Clarett, far more "embarassing" or whatever to the university then Clarett. You don't know about them, because they're not great football players.

When one starts for OSU, by definition, his life and actions are under a microscope. However, I do remember seeing in the news about 2 months ago where a student was charged with sexual assault and the female victim was suing the university over it. The male in question obviously did something far worse than MoC. He is not an athlete, just one of the 50,000 students.

My question about playing organized football pertained to the discussion revolving around Reynolds. At this time it is moot.

I do understand having pride, as I do. But not to the point where I let one person damage it. If you let one football player damage your pride, it seems to me as if your pride wasn't so secure to begin with.

I must not have made myself clear, so I'll try again. I have pride in OSU period. My pride is not based ONLY on the success of the athletic teams, as it may be for many people. When I read a scientific article on say, Antarctica, and several OSU researchers are used as sources, yes that makes me proud of my alma mater. When someone does something that casts the university in a bad light, it doesn't damage my pride. It may disappoint me that the university has been cast in a negative light, but that is much different than saying my pride has been damaged.

As for the preferential treatment on tests, I think we are both saying the same thing. It was a non-issue.

Yes, I am, although it's none of your damn buisness. I do not work for you, and neither does Maurice. When you donate to the university, you are DONATING. You are not making a contract with Maurice Clarett that he lives up to your standards. That's why its a donation, a gift.

A donation is a gift. Most people that I give gifts to are somewhat appreciative of the gift. I haven't given someone a gift and not received a thank you in return. I think that is called being appreciative.

The problem is with alumni who donate only to athletics (I guess they only have pride in OSU based upon the success of the athletic teams), never donate to the college they were in, and then think they have a say in the running of the athletic department. And the larger the gift to the athletic department, the more they feel they have a voice.

I suppose that since I said I am an alumnus, you think my comments about MoC are "bashing" him. I do not think I have bashed him. I listed facts and also said that I can understand why some bash him. Understanding a position does not mean I take that position as well.

 

[Nixon]

"He has PROVEN that he HATES the Ohio State University in general, has PROVEN that he couldn't care less about his coaches or teammates"

How has he proven this? By getting declared ineligible? Carter and Workman did that. By running off his mouth? Robert Smith did that. He has not said anything bad about OSU since he was made eligible for the NFL draft, although there was nothing stopping him from doing so. He even had a chat on ESPN where he "I have no bad feelings at all towards OSU.", and gave respect to Jack Tatum. Oh, but that's right. He's a liar, so you don't believe him when he says anything. He can't do ANYTHING right in your eyes. So forget it.

"and has VERBALLY STATED that the university's administration "are a bunch of liars". And I am supposed to like and support this kid?"

I don't know. I have no particular like for Karen Holbrook or Heather Lyke-Cantano(who I believe was the main party he was dealing with in the airplane thing). Earle Bruce sued the school and rips Ed Jennings into itty bitty little pieces in his book. He called Ed Jennings, the fricking President a liar and a scoundrel and just about every other name in the book. The difference is that you probably agree with Bruce, and disagree with Clarett. The simple act of calling somebody a liar is not what irks you. And if it is, then save some invective for Coach Bruce.

"When someone does something that casts the university in a bad light, it doesn't damage my pride. It may disappoint me that the university has been cast in a negative light, but that is much different than saying my pride has been damaged."

Then I can't for the life of me understand how Maurice Clarett has personally wronged you.

"The problem is with alumni who donate only to athletics (I guess they only have pride in OSU based upon the success of the athletic teams), never donate to the college they were in, and then think they have a say in the running of the athletic department."

Well, I would never give a dime to the university in general. This is political, and this is not the proper forum, but the only thing I'd ever give a dime to at OSU is the athletic department. And I suspect there are many people who think the same way.

 

[Sloopy45]

Hammertime: "IN A HEARTBEAT!!!!!"

Well, if you had such a bad childhood/early adulthood that it means that little to you, that's your problem. For a frame of reference, why don't you tell the class just how old you are.

"And how about making the hypothetical closer to reality: Society is paying millions of dollars to watch you play and you don't even have the option of obtaining it"

Since we are talking about reality here, lets not kid ourselves: Student Athletes are being paid. Maybe not directly from the ticket sales, concessions, TV ratings, etc. but they ARE earning thousands of dollars under the table from playing football/basketball. Is this the same reality you speak of? Dominique Wilkins once joked (during his rookie season with the Hawks in '82, I believe), "I had to take a pay cut to come into the League." And he wasn't kidding.

"all the while taking a risk that at any moment you could suffer an injury that ends all chances of ever making that money just so a college can collect the millions society is currently paying to watch you play"

Willis McGahee had a multi-million dollar insurance policy when his knee was injured. Most of the athletes have the same type of policy. None of these men are going to be paupers if they never played again. In fact, the reality that you're so intent on speaking of, is quite the opposite.

 

[rhammersmith]

The revenue for what college? I believe that I read recently that only the top 30-40 (or so) schools actually turn a profit from football.

Nearly 100% of the colleges make a profit off of football (heck even a lot of high schools make a profit off of football), and the ones that don't are more reflective of bad managment decisions than the potential to make money off college football. However, only 30-40 schools make a profit off the entire athletics program, because for most colleges there are only two profitable sports, football and basketball.

And who is being taken advantage of? The VAST majority of these kids need and can use a college education in their life after football.

Its the players that don't need a college education to earn millions of dollars that are being taken advantage of. The other college sports that aren't profictable are funded by football and basketball fans who pay to see stars that will one day make millions.

Only 5.8% of High Schhol football players get to play in college. Only 2% of College football player will make it to the Pros. That's .09% of High School players that will be playing pro football.

If you aren't worth more than you are being compensated I don't see how you are being exploited. If Lebron James chose to play college basketball, the fact that he chose to pass on millions of dollars negates exploiting him. Football players who are good enough to play in the NFL don't have that choice.

Hammertime: "IN A HEARTBEAT!!!!!"

Well, if you had such a bad childhood/early adulthood that it means that little to you, that's your problem. For a frame of reference, why don't you tell the class just how old you are.

I had a blast as a kid and in college. I was in the OSU Marching Band for five years and dotted the "i" three times (93 Penn State game, 93 @ Purdue, 94 Miami @ Bengals in Cincinnati with Archie Griffen). I had a college experience many could only dream about. But for a million dollars, you are damn right I would give it up. Why? Because I love my wife, I love my 1 year old son, and I love my unborn child. I love these people much more than I love those memories, and I work my ass off to provide a home for them, and if I could sell memories for a million dollars so they could have a better life, you are damn right I would.

"And how about making the hypothetical closer to reality: Society is paying millions of dollars to watch you play and you don't even have the option of obtaining it"

Since we are talking about reality here, lets not kid ourselves: Student Athletes are being paid. Maybe not directly from the ticket sales, concessions, TV ratings, etc. but they ARE earning thousands of dollars under the table from playing football/basketball. Is this the same reality you speak of? Dominique Wilkins once joked (during his rookie season with the Hawks in '82, I believe), "I had to take a pay cut to come into the League." And he wasn't kidding.

So basically you are saying the current rules are fine because everyone is going to break them anyway.

"all the while taking a risk that at any moment you could suffer an injury that ends all chances of ever making that money just so a college can collect the millions society is currently paying to watch you play"

Willis McGahee had a multi-million dollar insurance policy when his knee was injured. Most of the athletes have the same type of policy. None of these men are going to be paupers if they never played again. In fact, the reality that you're so intent on speaking of, is quite the opposite.

Oh there's the answer. Let's bring the insurance companies in to fix the system. Good lord!

 

[BuckeyeTrail]

"hates my school, my favorite team, and my favorite coaching staff. "

Good lord. Maurice hates the Buckeyes? what? if he hates the buckeyes so much, why did he even play for them? why was he always waving a towel on the sidelines excitedly? why was he celebrating with the defense after they forced navarre to fumble in the 4th quarter? why was he the first player to console nugent after he missed a FG against miami?

He hates the coaching staff? Because he got into ONE argument? Me and my brother have a great relationship. But there have been COUNTLESS times where we've gotten in heated arguments and I wanted to rip his head off. By your logic, I guess I "hate" my brother. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't he commit the moment he found out that Tressel would be the new coach? You're right though, he hates Tressel. Even though he was always right next to him on the sidelines constantly talking to him.

He hates the school. So what? When you were in school, weren't there teachers that you hated? maybe you hated the principal.

Maurice did more for "your favorite team" than you or I or anyone on here will EVER do. The irony of this is that anti-claretters hate him because they consider him to be ungrateful. Look in the mirror. You all are being UNGRATEFUL as well. The anti-claretters are a lot more similar to Clarett than they realize.

 

[Sloopy45]

Hammertime: "So basically you are saying the current rules are fine because everyone is going to break them anyway."

No, basically, I'm saying that the rules are what they are. Are they fair? Obviously not, because football and basketball players generate billions of dollars and don't see a dime of it directly. The point of the matter is, you're claiming that they're poor. They are not. They are all being paid handsomely. For you or anybody else to cry, "Whoa those poor players!" is a moron. They are recieving money, in the reality you speak of.

"Oh there's the answer. Let's bring the insurance companies in to fix the system. Good lord!"

Now this statement proves that you have no idea what you're talking about. Bring the insurance companies in??? The insurance companies have always been there, my friend. I stated reality, not a proposal .. and I don't see why the players owning insurance policies requires a, "Good lord, its armageddon!" response from you.

 

[BuckeyeTillIDie]

all the while taking a risk that at any moment you could suffer an injury that ends all chances of ever making that money just so a college can collect the millions society is currently paying to watch you play.

This just goes to show you why getting that FREE RIDE in COLLEGE pays off.

 

[buckiprof]

Well, I would never give a dime to the university in general. This is political, and this is not the proper forum, but the only thing I'd ever give a dime to at OSU is the athletic department. And I suspect there are many people who think the same way.

I hope that your degree and the ability to make a career with your degree do not depend upon the current rankings of your college/department. In some disciplines, the value of the degree is dependent upon the ranking (current not when you receive it) of the department.

"When someone does something that casts the university in a bad light, it doesn't damage my pride. It may disappoint me that the university has been cast in a negative light, but that is much different than saying my pride has been damaged."

Then I can't for the life of me understand how Maurice Clarett has personally wronged you.

Earlier in this thread I posted, "And when a high profile person associated with my alma mater does something that is wrong (see MoC's list) and it casts my alma mater in a bad light, then that person has on some level done "something" to me."

I think what you quoted me on indicates that the "something" I referred to earlier is disappointment that the university has been cast in a negative light. I didn't say that he wronged me.

First off, college is the best time in a person's life. Nothing will ever top my experience at OSU. Nothing. And those years are priceless, in other words, worth more than millions in a pro contract. Think back: if someone offered you a million dollars, but you had to erase the experience of being 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, etc. and being in school would you do it?? There's no way I would. You only get one chance in life to be 21 years old. There's nothing that could compensate me monetarily to replace that.

Sloopy - I'm with you on this one. My college years were awesome. No way I would trade my experiences at OSU for one million dollars either.