Opting Out For The Draft

Opting out for the pros seems to be something college athletes are doing more and more. One of the newest to join the club is University of Duke freshman Jalen Johnson. After dealing with a lingering foot injury, it was decided that he will stay out the rest of the season to rehab and prepare for the NBA Draft. But, this is not the first time that things like this have happened. Is it ruining college sports?

Well, if college sports are not a moneymaking business and for the good of the game, then you should let players go. But, this is not the case. We all know this. The NCAA is a multi-billion dollar industry. And if they keep it that way, without paying players, they should not have much say if players like Jalen Johnson opt out sooner than expected.

This is going on in college football as well. In 2020, there were many players that opted out because of COVID-19, too. From Northwestern to Ohio State to Miami (FL), some sat out for the next season, while others opted to get ready for the draft. So much talent did not even see the gridiron. Because of that, the season was watered-down, and many teams did not play more than 5 games.

Sure, the problem was exacerbated by COVID-19, but it is worth noting that players felt more and more comfortable doing this because it has happened before. If the NCAA cannot figure this out, they may not have college sports anymore.