Alabama ZERO OPT OUTS for meaningless Non-Playoff, Bowl Game

[The Ole Six-Fiver]

I gotta laugh at these idiots saying that they need another 2 weeks to prep for the combine. I'm picturing Rocky Balboa traveling to the frozen hinterlands of the old Soviet Union ala Ricky IV to work himself half to death to prepare for a 40-yard sprint that every American child grows up doing from kindergarten, then the even more challenging "jump up in the air" test (that my 2-year-old niece seems to really enjoy) and of course last but not least, the mental gymnastics of the Wunderlich.

I'm sure these morons are paying tens of thousands of dollars for this "training" that I'm sure isn't being kicked back to the NFL in any way because we all know that its what these fools do in their underwear over a couple days that helps their stock not what they've done between the whistles for years.

Yeah. I respect their newfound “freedom” to “get theirs”. I do. They should get a bigger share of the pot. The overhaul has made the bowls, and heck, mostly the entire sport a joke and farce, but yeah, they are finally getting theirs.

But everyone knows the “prepping for the combine” line is BS. Especially for guys like the linemen. For most, the “Prep” has likely been shoving chicken wings and IPAs down their gullets since the regular season ended. Yeah a few elite skill guys are probably embedded at some high profile sports camp in Disney World doing mundane drills with ridiculous dudes like that TECHNIQUE!!! guy. But for most, come on. About ten days prior to the combine is when most will start actually “working out.” Otherwise absolutely everyone at the thing would be in freakish, incredible shape, setting new worlds records, yet we see every year in clips that most are just regular gibrones, good athletes for sure compared to slobs on message boards, but many still going viral for collapsing in their sprints. Stop with the charade that insults everyone.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Yeah. I respect their newfound “freedom” to “get theirs”. I do. They should get a bigger share of the pot. The overhaul has made the bowls, and heck, mostly the entire sport a joke and farce, but yeah, they are finally getting theirs.

But everyone knows the “prepping for the combine” line is BS. Especially for guys like the linemen. For most, the “Prep” has likely been shoving chicken wings and IPAs down their gullets since the regular season ended. Yeah a few elite skill guys are probably embedded at some high profile sports camp in Disney World doing mundane drills with ridiculous dudes like that TECHNIQUE!!! guy. But for most, come on. About ten days prior to the combine is when most will start actually “working out.” Otherwise absolutely everyone at the thing would be in freakish, incredible shape, setting new worlds records, yet we see every year in clips that most are just regular gibrones, good athletes for sure compared to slobs on message boards, but many still going viral for collapsing in their sprints. Stop with the charade that insults everyone.

Wait a second. It's almost as if you guys are saying that the public statements that these guys make aren't the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Don't let NC see you say that or he'll get pissed off at you.

 

[NCPitt]

I gotta laugh at these idiots saying that they need another 2 weeks to prep for the combine. I'm picturing Rocky Balboa traveling to the frozen hinterlands of the old Soviet Union ala Ricky IV to work himself half to death to prepare for a 40-yard sprint that every American child grows up doing from kindergarten, then the even more challenging "jump up in the air" test (that my 2-year-old niece seems to really enjoy) and of course last but not least, the mental gymnastics of the Wunderlich.

I'm sure these morons are paying tens of thousands of dollars for this "training" that I'm sure isn't being kicked back to the NFL in any way because we all know that its what these fools do in their underwear over a couple days that helps their stock not what they've done between the whistles for years.

LOL. Someone doesn't understand the value of a good combine performance.

 

[NCPitt]

Wait a second. It's almost as if you guys are saying that the public statements that these guys make aren't the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Don't let NC see you say that or he'll get pissed off at you.

When people make stuff up, I don't get pissed. I just call them out.

 

[NCPitt]

Yeah. I respect their newfound “freedom” to “get theirs”. I do. They should get a bigger share of the pot. The overhaul has made the bowls, and heck, mostly the entire sport a joke and farce, but yeah, they are finally getting theirs.

But everyone knows the “prepping for the combine” line is BS. Especially for guys like the linemen. For most, the “Prep” has likely been shoving chicken wings and IPAs down their gullets since the regular season ended. Yeah a few elite skill guys are probably embedded at some high profile sports camp in Disney World doing mundane drills with ridiculous dudes like that TECHNIQUE!!! guy. But for most, come on. About ten days prior to the combine is when most will start actually “working out.” Otherwise absolutely everyone at the thing would be in freakish, incredible shape, setting new worlds records, yet we see every year in clips that most are just regular gibrones, good athletes for sure compared to slobs on message boards, but many still going viral for collapsing in their sprints. Stop with the charade that insults everyone.

LOL. Yet another who LOL doesn't understand the value of a good combine performance ... and makes stuff up.

 

[The Ole Six-Fiver]

LOL. Yet another who LOL doesn't understand the value of a good combine performance ... and makes stuff up.

Anyone who purports to be a college football fan and wants players to opt out of bowls is seriously mentally challenged.

 

[NCPitt]

Anyone who purports to be a college football fan and wants players to opt out of bowls is seriously mentally challenged.

LOL.

As I already said, college is preparation for one's life work. If college fb has placed them in a position to move to the NFL, then they should make the best decision for them. Anyone who disagrees with a person making the best decision for themself is completely stupid. They don't owe you your entertainment.

 

[The Ole Six-Fiver]

LOL.

As I already said, college is preparation for one's life work. If college fb has placed them in a position to move to the NFL, then they should make the best decision for them. Anyone who disagrees with a person making the best decision for themself is completely stupid. They don't owe you your entertainment.

No offense but you guys thrilled that these guys quit on their team are beyond moronic

 

[NCPitt]

No offense but you guys thrilled that these guys quit on their team are beyond moronic

Who said I was "thrilled"? I accept life choices as a personal decision.

Your selfishness at demanding someone play for your entertainment just might exceed your stupidity.

 

[The Ole Six-Fiver]

Who said I was "thrilled"? I accept life choices as a personal decision.

Your selfishness at demanding someone play for your entertainment just might exceed your stupidity.

Yay, the sport is basically ruined, but yay, guys who are already living 1% charmed lives can get more, yay, yay yay

 

[thom67]

Who said I was "thrilled"? I accept life choices as a personal decision.

Your selfishness at demanding someone play for your entertainment just might exceed your stupidity.

The only people being selfish are the players who quit on their teammates, their coaches, and their fans. They have the right to do that. I have a question for you. Have you ever played a team sport? If so, how many times did you quit on your team because you found something better for you to do?

 

[The Ole Six-Fiver]

The only people being selfish are the players who quit on their teammates, their coaches, and their fans. They have the right to do that. I have a question for you. Have you ever played a team sport? If so, how many times did you quit on your team because you found something better for you to do?

He’s just one of the posters here who like to be social warriors, stick it to the man, Sandinista, etc etc.

I happen to be fine with the decision of the players who quit, it’s their life, everyone has to look at themselves in their own mirror … but the laughable claim that sitting out the games is allowing for valuable “prep” for the combine is preposterous. If anything, practicing and playing the game would be doing valuable physical work that actually would help. Whereas the majority of guys who quit are drinking and partying through December on the Paris Ford Regimen. They should just admit that they just don’t give a squat, it shows honesty at least.

 

[NCPitt]

Yay, the sport is basically ruined, but yay, guys who are already living 1% charmed lives can get more, yay, yay yay

WTH are you talking about now? Stay on topic, stupid.

 

[NCPitt]

The only people being selfish are the players who quit on their teammates, their coaches, and their fans. They have the right to do that. I have a question for you. Have you ever played a team sport? If so, how many times did you quit on your team because you found something better for you to do?

I have and I didn't play when life required me to be somewhere else.

Simple question for you. Have you always been in the same job? Do you plan to be in the same job your whole career?

 

[NCPitt]

He’s just one of the posters here who like to be social warriors, stick it to the man, Sandinista, etc etc.

I happen to be fine with the decision of the players who quit, it’s their life, everyone has to look at themselves in their own mirror … but the laughable claim that sitting out the games is allowing for valuable “prep” for the combine is preposterous. If anything, practicing and playing the game would be doing valuable physical work that actually would help. Whereas the majority of guys who quit are drinking and partying through December on the Paris Ford Regimen. They should just admit that they just don’t give a squat, it shows honesty at least.

Yep. Tell that to people like Brian O'Neill.

"Despite having a poor Senior Bowl, O’Neill’s outstanding combine performance could persuade a team to draft him in the second round. The former Pitt tackle ran 40-yard dash time of 4.82, which was a faster 40-time than some wide receivers. His 7.14 three cone drill, his 8’11” broad jump and his 29.5-inch vertical leap were all elite results as well."

https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...-jackson-equanimeous-st-brown-shaquem-griffin

LOL at your social warrior comment. Just like you made up the reasons for player sitting out, you completely made that comment up. It is so far off it isn't funny.

 

[The Ole Six-Fiver]

Yep. Tell that to people like Brian O'Neill.

"Despite having a poor Senior Bowl, O’Neill’s outstanding combine performance could persuade a team to draft him in the second round. The former Pitt tackle ran 40-yard dash time of 4.82, which was a faster 40-time than some wide receivers. His 7.14 three cone drill, his 8’11” broad jump and his 29.5-inch vertical leap were all elite results as well."

https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...-jackson-equanimeous-st-brown-shaquem-griffin

LOL at your social warrior comment. Just like you made up the reasons for player sitting out, you completely made that comment up. It is so far off it isn't funny.

You think it is great that players quit, and that’s your prerogative. I suppose if Wayne or others happen to enter the portal going forward, you’ll have to change your underwear. Whoo hoo! Let’s use walk ons!

Whereas I think it is understandable in the current culture/damaged state of game that they are doing it, but that it is terribly unfortunate and is contributing to the disintegration of the sport. Bowl games like the Sun was an absolute joke, regardless of the outcome. One team where more than half the players quit? The other where they all played because boosters bribed them to? How can anyone think this is great? It’s preposterous. It’s not sustainable.

We’ll never agree on this so best to move on

 

[Pitt79]

Have all the preferences you want. Just don't cast disparaging remarks at players without basis.

Is it disparaging to say you prefer the guy who plays over the guy who doesn't? If so, then I'll disparage.

 

[Pitt79]

WTH are you talking about now? Stay on topic, stupid.

What he said is spot on, 1% charmed lives, they get free college tuition, free room and board and then demand that fans donate money out of pocket to pay them more, then opt out of games after getting all that, you want to get paid, be a pro, they should be obligated to play every game. Anyone who donates to NIL out of their own pocket is a schmuck.

 

[BTisinDC]

What he said is spot on, 1% charmed lives, they get free college tuition, free room and board and then demand that fans donate money out of pocket to pay them more, then opt out of games after getting all that, you want to get paid, be a pro, they should be obligated to play every game. Anyone who donates to NIL out of their own pocket is a schmuck.

Please provide provide the link?

 

[thom67]

I have and I didn't play when life required me to be somewhere else.

Simple question for you. Have you always been in the same job? Do you plan to be in the same job your whole career?

Actually I stayed at the same job for 40 years.

 

[NCPitt]

You think it is great that players quit, and that’s your prerogative. I suppose if Wayne or others happen to enter the portal going forward, you’ll have to change your underwear. Whoo hoo! Let’s use walk ons!

Whereas I think it is understandable in the current culture/damaged state of game that they are doing it, but that it is terribly unfortunate and is contributing to the disintegration of the sport. Bowl games like the Sun was an absolute joke, regardless of the outcome. One team where more than half the players quit? The other where they all played because boosters bribed them to? How can anyone think this is great? It’s preposterous. It’s not sustainable.

We’ll never agree on this so best to move on

Why do you lie?

 

[NCPitt]

Is it disparaging to say you prefer the guy who plays over the guy who doesn't? If so, then I'll disparage.

Did you not say they opted out due to fear of injury? Is that not a disparaging comment?

 

[NCPitt]

What he said is spot on, 1% charmed lives, they get free college tuition, free room and board and then demand that fans donate money out of pocket to pay them more, then opt out of games after getting all that, you want to get paid, be a pro, they should be obligated to play every game. Anyone who donates to NIL out of their own pocket is a schmuck.

OK, slaveowner.

 

[NCPitt]

Actually I stayed at the same job for 40 years.

Must have been a bad employee or one without ambition.

 

[BTisinDC]

Actually I stayed at the same job for 40 years.

You had only one job your entire adult life?

 

[thom67]

LOL. Yet another who LOL doesn't understand the value of a good combine performance ... and makes stuff up.

Not many are downplaying the value of a good combine. Only that missing one game is not going to change your combine scores Significantly.

 

[thom67]

You had only one job your entire adult life?

Yes. It was a good job! Retired at 66 1/2.

 

[thom67]

Must have been a bad employee or one without ambition.

Actually not true. One of the best at what I Did. Graduated 6th in my class at Pitt. By the way, I did it as a D1 athlete. I did not opt out to prepare for my life’s work.

 

[NCPitt]

Actually not true. One of the best at what I Did. Graduated 6th in my class at Pitt. By the way, I did it as a D1 athlete. I did not opt out to prepare for my life’s work.

Good for you.

Things are different than 50 years ago.

 

[thom67]

Good for you.

Things are different than 50 years ago.

If I graduated last year I would have done the same thing. Why would there be a difference.

 

[BTisinDC]

Yes. It was a good job! Retired at 66 1/2.

Self employed?

 

[NCPitt]

If I graduated last year I would have done the same thing. Why would there be a difference.

LOL. You must have had a family or job or owned your business. Corps don't work that way now. Its very rare for anyone to stay with the same company let alone the same job.

What was your job for 40 years?

 

[Pitt79]

Did you not say they opted out due to fear of injury? Is that not a disparaging comment?

No, that is just a fact. For you to say it's disparaging, must mean that there's something wrong with doing that. Everyone says that "opting out to avoid injury is the smart thing to do" so how is saying that disparaging?

LOL. You must have had a family or job or owned your business. Corps don't work that way now. Its very rare for anyone to stay with the same company let alone the same job.

What was your job for 40 years?

I'm still working at the same organization/job that I started in 1986, different areas, got promoted about 5 times, in my 37th year now, about to retire, thank God I lived in those times, I would have hated having to change jobs every few years,

 

[NCPitt]

No, that is just a fact. For you to say it's disparaging, must mean that there's something wrong with doing that. Everyone says that "opting out to avoid injury is the smart thing to do" so how is saying that disparaging?

It is not a fact. The stated reasons did not include fear of injury.

 

[Pitt79]

It is not a fact. The stated reasons did not include fear of injury.

 

[The Ole Six-Fiver]

It’s a big chasm in opinion I’m not sure can be breached. Those thinking it is fine, even great, for players to opt out of bowls and even regular seasons (as Pitt saw with Paris Ford), I’m simply never going to see a good thing. They obviously disagree and for now the profession certainly isn’t doing anything to curtail it … To its detriment, IMO.

A certain contingent of fan is going to see the scholarship as a contract, maybe even more like a pact, between players and schools, with the schools paying for everything for the student, and in exchange receive the student’s willingness to participate in all games of the sport, unless unhealthy.

I guess daring to consider a scholarship something akin to a “contract” between school and player (and thus requiring the player to play, if healthy) is too dangerously close to an “employer-employee” situation? And the schools (aka the NCAA), so desperate not to lose “players must be employees” lawsuits, aren’t making ANY enforcements about ANYTHING any longer, so I suppose this opt-out farce is just part of the new par for the course. Grin and bear it, right?

Others are obviously not bothered by it, in fact they have said here they’re happy that players doing this. Everyone can think how they choose. I’ll say that no single bowl or individual opt-out particularly bothers me (though the severe Pitt and UCLA contrast did obviously gall me a bit … 11 opt outs to 0 thanks to UCLA NIL is the poster boy for this argument). However, “Pitt won the game”. True enough, and that was cool, satisfying even. But I simply don’t see the situation as tenable, and it’s one of the reasons I don’t see Pitt playing major college football by the next decade. And that is sad to me.

 

[NCPitt]

It’s a big chasm in opinion I’m not sure can be breached. Those thinking it is fine, even great, for players to opt out of bowls and even regular seasons (as Pitt saw with Paris Ford), I’m simply never going to see a good thing. They obviously disagree and for now the profession certainly isn’t doing anything to curtail it … To its detriment, IMO.

A certain contingent of fan is going to see the scholarship as a contract, maybe even more like a pact, between players and schools, with the schools paying for everything for the student, and in exchange receive the student’s willingness to participate in all games of the sport, unless unhealthy.

I guess daring to consider a scholarship something akin to a “contract” between school and player (and thus requiring the player to play, if healthy) is too dangerously close to an “employer-employee” situation? And the schools (aka the NCAA), so desperate not to lose “players must be employees” lawsuits, aren’t making ANY enforcements about ANYTHING any longer, so I suppose this opt-out farce is just part of the new par for the course. Grin and bear it, right?

Others are obviously not bothered by it, in fact they have said here they’re happy that players doing this. Everyone can think how they choose. I’ll say that no single bowl or individual opt-out particularly bothers me (though the severe Pitt and UCLA contrast did obviously gall me a bit … 11 opt outs to 0 thanks to UCLA NIL is the poster boy for this argument). However, “Pitt won the game”. True enough, and that was cool, satisfying even. But I simply don’t see the situation as tenable, and it’s one of the reasons I don’t see Pitt playing major college football by the next decade. And that is sad to me.

Show me one post where anyone said opt-outs were "great" or that they were "happy" about it.

For the record, I am not happy about it and I think it is detrimental. But ... I respect individual's having the right to make the best decision for their futures, especially since that is the role of colleges. Therefore, I accept it as a current reality that I can do nothing about. So, yeah, grin and bear it. Fans whining about it on social media don't change a thing.

In your "contract" analogy, did you consider that the games generally occur between semesters when no scholarship is required? It would be easy for schools to cancel the other benefits, e.g., food and housing, when players opt out. Maybe they do that and maybe there are good reasons for keeping them in place if they don't.

Have no fear, opt-outs won't be a factor if Pitt FB were to downgrade.