Ever wanted to sue the National Football League? Maurice
Clarett, the former running back for Ohio State, did just that. In
a landmark case, Clarett challenged a 13-year policy limiting NFL
eligibility to players merely three seasons removed from their
high school graduation date. On Feb. 11, a district judge granted
the opportunity to enter the NFL to Clarett and other teenage
football stars.. Now, as a fledgling college sophomore, he can
register for the April draft.
Is the court’s decision sound? Student athletes should
have the right to enter the draft. But football players also should
consider the benefits of completing four years of college.
Universities across the country fear the decision will convince
players to abandon school for the lure of the NFL. Meanwhile,
the schools claim the decision undermines the significance of
college academics by allowing student athletes to drop out at
any time for professional athletics. But, the court’s
decision is fair, and it should be supported by the NFL.
Although dropping out of school isn’t always the wisest
choice, and although athletic programs must continue to encourage
getting a degree as a primary goal for all athletes, there is no
legal ground for restricting college athletes from playing in the
NFL.
Football players should be provided the option to enter the
draft, even if completing four years of college may be in their
best interests.
NFL Draft restrictions violate antitrust laws originally
designed to preserve economic liberty and prevent restraints on
competition within a corporate/labor environment. Draft
restrictions, on the other hand, hinder competition between
athletes. As Judge Shira A. Sheindlin stated in her decision,
“(Underclassmen) are not losers in a competitive marketplace;
they are not even allowed in the game.” Inclusion of all
college athletes in the draft corrects this legal blunder.
With competition comes additional opportunities for college
athletes, as well. In the National Basketball Association and
National Hockey League, for example, players are permitted to enter
their respective leagues directly after high school, which, in some
instances, produces enormous successes. LeBron James launched
his NBA career directly after graduating from high school. At 18,
James snagged his position for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and ““
despite his youth ““ proved himself, beyond doubt, as a savvy
pro. He says, “If you are not pushing yourself or no one is
pushing you, you will not get better.” Similarly, qualified
football players also can push themselves to strengthen their
careers. If they are provided the opportunity to take that leap,
the leap will be taken.
But should they be given that chance in the first place?
Some opponents believe college athletes must grow physically
stronger before jumping into the NFL. Professional football, they
claim, is too aggressive and physically demanding for teenagers.
For this reason, football must not be compared to basketball.
Retired football players commonly invest their money in repairing
their damaged bodies. The abuse of pain-killers to play through the
pain is all too common in the NFL.
But another aspect of the court’s decision should be
considered: the loss of the college experience. Though early
recruitment is now legal, will students lose out by entering the
NFL before finishing school? Will something be left behind?
According to Marcedes Lewis, a UCLA sophomore tight end, an early
draft would take away from the college experience.
One of the most significant potential losses is a diploma. In
the NFL, 880 players have college degrees. The teams with the most
college graduates ““ Carolina (42), Indianapolis (37) and New
England (35) have some of the best teams in the league. This proves
that smart players are often good players ““ and a college
degree does not necessarily hold players back in their football
careers.
Furthermore, UCLA’s academically and socially diverse
climate provides a wealth of opportunities for the undergraduate.
Meanwhile, the sports programs and facilities offer tremendous
resources.
College players, if prepared, should be eligible for the draft.
But students must remain wary of the irreplaceable losses
resulting from a departure from college life. It is this choice
that some athletes will need to confront and that the university
will be forced to accept. Kevin Brown, a true freshman defensive
lineman, told me if the draft really becomes available to younger
players, more people will take a shot at it. And things are going
to change for UCLA.
Fried is a first-year history student. E-mail her at
ifried@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to
viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.