Weekly Replay 05.11

Who’s Got It Better? –  

Jim Harbaugh wants better for college football players.  In an open letter, the University of Michigan head football coach advocated for college football players to have the flexibility to enter the NFL Draft and return to college to complete his degree without the penalty.  

As part of the plan, student-athletes could return to college after their pro career at the college’s expense. It also allows them to seek counsel from the lawyers and agents to be informed before they sign a professional contract.

Harbaugh writes, “The proposal described above would allow the individual to pursue his dream as a student and as a professional athlete in the time frame that best suits his best interests of his own free will and ability.”

NBA G League vs NCAA –

The NCAA’s position as the de facto minor league for the NBA has a big threat, the NBA G League.  The development league was successful in attracting three of this year’s top high school prospects to its pathway program.

The top high school player in the nation, Jalen Green, a shooting guard from Fresno, California decided to enter the program.  Power forward Isaiah Todd (No. 13) from Baltimore, Maryland and point guard Daishen Nix (No. 15) from Las Vegas, Nevada had planned to play in college, but are now going to play in the G League.  They decommitted from Michigan and UCLA respectively. 

In the year-long program, they will receive a six figure salary, coaching and training to become a NBA player as well as play in exhibition games. 

Not So Fast NFL – 

The NFL revealed its 2020 Schedule last Thursday.  As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the International Series will not take place and no teams will play abroad.

While the NFL is planning to have its regular season with restrictions this year, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warns that the virus will dictate if we should have professional football this fall.

In an interview with Peter King, Dr. Fauci explained that the virus will be present this fall.  Unlike other outbreaks, the coronavirus is an “efficient spreader.”  It’s a respiratory infection, as people cough and wipe their hands on their clothes, they expose others to virus.  With football there is so much physical contact, infected players can easily spread this virus.

The NFL has not consulted Dr. Fauci, but this is what he would tell Commissioner Goodell or any sports league and their return:

“It is uncertain. You’ll have to play it by ear according to the level of infection in the community.”

College Sports Returning – 

NCAA president Mark Emmert had this to say on Friday night about college sports happening this fall…

“College athletes are college students, and you can’t have college sports if you don’t have college (campuses) open and having students on them. You don’t want to ever put student-athletes at greater risk than the rest of the student body.”

Game On,
Shavannia