Should Terrelle Pryor Go Pro?
“In an interesting article for CNN/Sports Illustrated, writer Andy Staples lays out some compelling arguments regarding why Ohio State University quarterback Terrelle Pryor should leave behind the chains of the NCAA and find his way to the NFL. He says the same for four other Ohio State players,Boom Herron, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams and Solomon Thomas, who are expected to serve a five game suspension next season for selling some of their gear in exchange for a little cash and free tattoos. Staples argues that the NCAA is exploiting these young men by punishing them for making money off their own names and likenesses, even though the NCAA earns money from the very same images.
“Go pro. Do it immediately after the Sugar Bowl. Play the game, take a shower, and sign with the agent of your choice. Then go drink a Hand Grenade at Tropical Isle to celebrate,” Staples said. “You can go to the NFL or the CFL or the UFL, where you’ll be paid when someone profits from your name or likeness. You’ll be fairly compensated for your contribution to your team’s gross revenue. Should you benefit from your notoriety, you won’t be punished.”
Staples also makes the argument that by staying in college for another year, the players are risking a downgrade in their draft status.
The bottom line is this: The NCAA is an organization that relies on historical racial disparities to earn a multi-billion dollar profit off the African American community (a form of legalized corruption). Not only are families left in poverty by this system, educational access is impeded by full-time practice schedules and travel to games. Adding insult to injury is the fact that many of the black athletes who give so much on the field are denied coaching opportunities upon graduation, further supporting this athletic caste system which rivals apartheid. While collegiate athletics is certainly interesting and entertaining to all of us, it’s time to re-evaluate whether we are getting our fair share of the economic pie. The black male has been long asked to serve as the athletic donkey for a multi-billion dollar professional sports league. Perhaps we deserve better than that. ” – Boyce Watkins
Visit:
http://www.bvonsports.com/2010/12/27/cnn-writer-says-osu-star-terrelle-pryor-should-leave-the-ncaa/ for the rest of the article
