Moor vs Moor: Should College Athletes Be Allowed To leave Early For The Pros?
Yes
ALEXANDER LIN
Staff Writer
If you were a college athlete, would you leave college early to join the pros? Many athletes such as Ray Lewis and Aaron Rodgers have done exactly that. According to the NFL, for athletes to qualify for the draft, athletes must have been out of highschool for 3 years and have fufilled their college eligibilty before the start of the next season to request to enter the draft.
Allowing athletes to join the pros early lets them earn more money, which in turn help them earn a living. The money they earn will help them support themselves and their families. According to The Huffington Post, professional athletes get paid millions of dollars with NFL players paid two to four million dollars annually. With this money, many professional athletes help their communities or donate to charity. Eli Manning, an NFL player, has donated to organizations like March of Dimes and many other shelters. In addition, these large sums of money may also help support athletes well into their retirement.
Many people think that athletes should attain a college degree so they can continue working after their professional career is over. This is true, but athletes don’t necessarily need an education to continue to work. Many athletes can pursue a passion or create their own brand. Michael Jordan has his own line of shoes, clothes and accessories that his brand produces and sell.
The current system in which athletes are able to leave college early to join the pros is perfect. With this privilege athletes will be able to make their dreams come true, and maybe even help others along the way.
No
MARK LORENZO
Staff Writer
Should college athletes go professional when they choose or should they stay in school to earn a degree first? Many athletes think about just going professional; they do not think about what they will do after they become professional. Do they want a long lasting career or be out of the league within a couple of seasons? By earning a college degree, an athlete has a better chance of succeeding in the professional leagues.
Professional leagues like the NFL will require that athletes wait three years after their high school graduation before they are eligible for the draft. Basketball players have to wait one year after high school before they can be drafted. This means that it is not really an option to become a professional football or basketball player straight out of high school. Since athletes such as football and basketball players have to wait, they might as well stay in college to hone their skills in their sport. College will also teach athletes maturity and being a young professional athlete, one can make big bucks and not know what to spend it on. Buying a mansion and a luxury car is probably not the best way for young adults to spend their money. Also, who is to say that one is able to make the professional leagues; then the athlete with a college degree has something to fall back on so he or she still can succeed.
Most people go to college to obtain the experience to keep a position in today’s workforce and it is no different for athletes. Staying in college before going professional will provide the education and experience needed to succeed in the real world.