Split Thread: Thoughts on AA Game College Decision Announcements

[HINYG8]

I don't want to read too much into what Gwaltney has been saying but I can't help but wonder something...if he's committed to West Virginia still, like he's been saying, would he really need to announce that he's sticking with the Mountaineers at the AA game?

Stupid AA game. I am growing very tired of watching kids play games with schools that are offering them HUGE opportunities. Sure, the kid has to pick the school he thinks is the best fit, but that hardly means he should jerk around the other schools that were prepared to help make his dreams come true. Then to make it a circus event by toying with the universities not selected...it is classless, demeans the whole process, and belies the real significance of the event. All the schools involved deserve better IMO. Offers should be resepcted even if they are not accepted.

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The game itself is a great idea, I wish they would take a stand and not allow the kids to bring a bag full of hats and get in front of the camera during the game. Put all that BS in the post game after the network coverage is over, or simply prepare an on screen graphic that shows where the kid will go without interrupting the game to cater to the foolishness. If the kid makes a play…put the camera on him as he returns to the huddle and flash his decision. No showboating, just buisiness.

 

[bucknut11]

One word: ratings.

They know people like us will tune in not only for the game, but also to see where the biggest names are deciding to go. Right now we're in on at least 3 guys who are going to announce at the AA game, so lots of OSU fans will be watching just to see if we get them.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

Stupid AA game. I am growing very tired of watching kids play games with schools that are offering them HUGE opportunities. Sure, the kid has to pick the school he thinks is the best fit, but that hardly means he should jerk around the other schools that were prepared to help make his dreams come true. Then to make it a circus event by toying with the universities not selected...it is classless, demeans the whole process, and belies the real significance of the event. All the schools involved deserve better IMO. Offers should be resepcted even if they are not accepted

Uh, isn't the AA game a full three weeks before NLOID? What's the difference if a player decides at the AA game and gets a little national face time, or simply tells the school he chooses the day before or after the game? The schools involved still get notified of the kid's intentions three weeks before NLOID. Or do you prefer kids who purposely wait until NLOID to pull carpet out from underneath everyone?

 

[HINYG8]

Uh, isn't the AA game a full three weeks before NLOID? What's the difference if a player decides at the AA game and gets a little national face time, or simply tells the school he chooses the day before or after the game? The schools involved still get notified of the kid's intentions three weeks before NLOID. Or do you prefer kids who purposely wait until NLOID to pull carpet out from underneath everyone?

The difference, IMO, is that when some of these kids do it while on camera they actually mock the schools they did not select. IMO there is a HUGE difference between a kid showing up with his parents and coaches on NLOID and signing an offer from a school and sending it in along with a few words about why Ohio State was the clear choice for the player.

That is nothing like pulling off a series of jerseys or playing hat games.
Perhaps my post doesn't apply to all the kids who announce at AA. I realize some of them walk up to the mic, make a choice and smile into the camera. However, certainly at least a couple play silly games which seem to me to be disrespectful and foolish. Perhaps I am just old fashioned.

It isn't the message I disagree with, it is the way it is delivered. IMO this is too big of a decision to be anything but respectful.

Sorry to hijack the thread...perhaps the last few posts should be split out to a new thread.

Peace.