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Billy2131
✭✭✭ Junior
Minus an injury every player that is on a team and has eligibility left should play the games left on the teams schedule...period. Otherwise, you are a quitter!
There is a reason UGA has not played in the playoff's since 2017... 5 or 6 seniors that were draft eligible came back and played their senior years and UGA came one play short of winning the national title...since then how many of our juniors leave earlier? Plenty that were not even 1st, 2nd 3rd round guys (see Jake Fromm, Nauta, Ridley etc...) Until Kirby Smart can convince these 3-5th rounders to stay and improve their draft status....well, UGA will be hard pressed to win the SEC, make the playoff's and another 40 years will go bye bye without a National Title...just the facts!
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Iowadawgfan
✭✭ Sophomore
Times have sure changed , I tried not to judge athletes when it comes to this because let’s face it most of us will never see millions of dollars .. but at the same time and I get there’s the risk , if your not a first or 2nd rounder you can only help yourself by balling out in your last game .. I’m not sure how the nfl looks at it but to me looks like ur quitting on your brothers who helped you get there and not only are u doin yourself a great disservice but your team as well for future recruits since your goin so low and prolly not even gonna make a team accept for practice squad
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GardenDawg
✭✭✭ Junior
Tonight Trevor Lawrence said "I tell the guys I do not worry about injury, I play to win!" Wish we had more of these players!
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GardenDawg
✭✭✭ Junior
I wish everyone the best, but lets be real. Do these guys think they are first rounders? News flash.......they are not! This is the difference between us and the likes of other elite programs. The others have guys that are leaders and stay and IMPROVE their draft stock.
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KBP
✭✭✭✭ Senior
@DJG76 ,
Under your scenario, the schools should offer employment contracts if they want that much control. Is it hard to accept that most elite high school football and basketball players do not go to college primarily to get a degree? If it were so, they all would stay until they graduate.
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reddawg1
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
Most of these kids know that even if they get drafted in the low rounds there is still a decent signing bonus and more likely than not will be the most money they will make in several years of life after ball combined. A fifth round pick will see a 300,000 dollar signing bonus and a 6th rounder at least 161,000 signing bonus. Many of these kids won't graduate and get their degree and after ball will do good to get a coaching job at a HS if they can go back and finish their degree. This is it, right now, for the vast majority of those good enough to make the League. Most of those who are drafted won't last 3 years in the League. The NFL is cruel in many ways with players getting injured and being cut regularly.
It's easy for us to sit here and judge these kids, most of us do alright or have done alright with earning a paycheck. Ball is all they know. If someone tells them they are about to get paid, don't risk it, what are they supposed to do? How many coaches have left their teams for other schools during the bowl season? Several. Money is money. Unfortunately coaches don't always lead by example.
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budknox310
✭✭✭✭ Senior
I'm sorry, but if UGA does play Cincinnati, it might do Campbell and Stokes good to sit out. Considering how poor they played against passing teams, due to overrated pass defense, watching them get smoked by the Bearcats will do nothing but hurt their draft stock. I know people are going to lose their minds over this, but it is what it is. Let THEM prove me wrong.
I do agree with CKS, opting out, stay home. If they decide not to play AFTER getting there, should have to reimburse the university for travel expenses.
GO DAWGS!!!!! (at least the ones that are left to play)
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DJG76
✭✭✭ Junior
So, what if the school comes to a scholarship player, who for whatever reason is not playing up to potential and says we are "opting out" of our obligation to pay for your education, health care, room and board and you are dismissed from the team plus you owe us the money we have invested...this is ethically bankrupt and not the way a reputable organization works... it would be the end of collegiate sports....young men who selfishly refuse to keep their commitments to their teammates, and school are acting in an ethically bankrupt manner as well. Sooner or later the lack of ethical backbone will come back a exact payment....is this not taught to these young men??
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SWDawg68
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
Just read this and thought it related to the "Opt Out" issue. Consider the number of players who were drafted by NFL teams in 2019: 254. In other words, only approximately 7% of eligible players get drafted and don't forget the free agents that are trying to make the 53 man roster. Also look at the difference between 1st round and 4th round money, to make that easier to understand, it is many millions of dollars.
So unless you are an Elite college player and actually can crack the top 32 picks, why would you "burn a bridge" and quit before the season is over? Because it doesn't matter if you play in a bowl game(more now than previously) that isn't part of the CFP.
I have read all of these comments and so many points are directed to those who chose to quit before the season is over and after finding out how many kids believe they will get drafted, it is nothing but "Hope and a Prayer" for 1/2 of the 7% who actually make a roaster for longer than 3 years.
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Bigjohnson92
✭✭✭✭ Senior
This season was a bust and a huge disapppointment for dawg nation. And that includes the players big time. We had playoff hopes that were attainable and right in front of us. Then our qb situation went south. Coaching took a step back. Game plans were crap. In game adjustments were putrid. Injuries piled up. And now we want these kids to be super amped up for a bowl game against Cincinnati? And we say they are being selfish. Just so you can see them play in the crappy peach bowl? Get real people. It ain’t about you.
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VenomGA
✭✭✭✭ Senior
I don't like this trend of opting out of bowl games. I think LeCounte will play because he needs to redeem himself for being a Dumb@$$ after the game when he got hurt.
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Tripp
✭✭✭✭ Senior
I hate to see it but understand why high draft prospects would opt out. After all, these elite athletes for the most part went to school to play ball so they could get in to the league. It's tough on the fans spirit but it is what it is. If I were one of those with a lower draft rating, I would probably want to showcase my talents on a national stage but who knows how much that game will help.
The NCAA needs to revamp the playoff system. They are the ones that caused this mass opt out bowl thing because the importance of all games outside of the playoffs just don't carry the much weight anymore. Expand the playoffs to 16 teams and do away with all other bowl games. a 6 or 7 win team is probably not worthy of a bowl anyway.
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DeppDogg
✭✭✭✭ Senior
Monty Rice has played in 47 games for UGA. What would have happened had he said, after Game #44, that he'd decided to "opt out" of playing any more because he might have been hurt, or had an injury exacerbated? Would we be saying the same things?
It's totally about not giving a flying squirrel (used an alternative term to avoid being banned) about your team, only about yourself. What? You couldn't get hurt in Game #42? Why did you play?
The nomenclature is even wrong. Who invented "opt out" as a thing? Sounds so simple and innocuous.
It's QUITTING on your team - and your friends. Period.
Reminds me of the guy my friends knew who allowed his wife to work to put him through medical school and then, on Christmas Eve, while she was in the hospital giving birth to their child, cleaned out the bank accounts and bolted, even taking the Christmas presents from under the tree. Here's a rule I believe to be true:
"Your character is not defined by what you say; it is defined by what you do."
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navydawg
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
Well all I can say is I hope the Dawgs can pull off a W with whoever shows up. A win is a nice way to launch the 2021 campaign. And hey losing just don’t feel to good. All in all with this pandemic thing I’m just glad we even had college football to watch this year. So in the end I hope we win the bowl game, if we lose the sting won’t last long, I’m already gearing my mind up for next year. What’s far more interesting to me is who stays for next year vs who goes.
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DallasDawg
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
I wish it wasn't so, but it is. There is no loyalty to team and school anymore and those of us reacting with shock and awe over this news (and probably more to follow), just need to get over it. These kids come in as bright-eyed, eager freshman just happy to have a Power 5 scholarship, and leave 3-4 years later as entitled young men, eager to "make that paper." For the players it's all about the money. For the coaches, it's all about the money. For the schools, it's all about the money. For the conferences, it's all about the money. And for the TV networks, it's all about the money. Only us fans (silly us) truly care about the games themselves. The sooner we all get over that, the better we'll feel. I believe that expanding the playoff would provide some relief here, but only for those teams that make it. I knew where this train was headed when Leonard Fournette got it started a few years ago at LSU. And now it's running full steam. Good luck stopping it.
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KBP
✭✭✭✭ Senior
I agree your post is a stretch in response to mine. I never hinted they should avoid all potential risk of daily living in fear of dropping in the draft, which is what you're speaking of. They chose to risk injury as freshmen, sophomores, and juniors because they can't go pro out of high school. Now, as draft eligible upperclassmen, they're making a different decision. Let's see if a draft eligible prospect who's in the playoff opts-out one day.
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EricDawgs1
✭✭✭✭ Senior
If the team is not in the playoffs these bowl games mean nothing and the players who feel they will get to the next level shouldn't play in That bowl. This is a business. They don't the school or fans nothing. It's just not smart to play and take that chance. Some people hate change and they hate that these players are doing more for their own self-interest
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jaxDawg2
✭ Freshman
As much as I hate it, I can't blame these young men for protecting their own interests. It's a "million dollar decision", or more, and I just won't criticize them.
That said, the combination of the 4-team playoff and the opting out of prime players has made bowl games (even more) irrelevant. It especially hits better teams, who are likely to have more NFL-ready players.
My two-cents worth is this: (a) go to an 8 team playoff - 5 major conference champs and 3 wild cards; and (b) don't count the bowl games (except playoffs) toward final season rankings. Acknowledge them for what they are: exhibitions that prove nothing about who's the best team.
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SWDawg68
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
I really don't understand the outrage from some of you. Let's be clear, a majority of the kids feel they should be paid to play the college game. 24/7 sports did an anymomus poll 2 years ago when the lawsuit was in full swing and they poised the questions for the athlete to receive financial payment they would have to forego almost all of the entitlements they receive today. 86% said yes and switch them having to pay for school, books and food.
So, if that is true and I tend to believe it, a majority of the players are not "all in" on the "Ole College Spirit" that we assume drives them to be great! We Love the DAWGS and they want to get paid now or for a very few lucky ones, in the NFL. I would love for there not to be an "Opt Out" of anything, but until there are consequences for their actions, it is not worth the risk of one more game!
They do keep the scholarship and all that comes with it if they opt out and I don't feel too strongly about that one way or the other. What I do feel strongly about, don't let them go to the game.....seeing Baker and all the others on the sidelines was too much for me, let them stay at home and get ready for the NFL, obviously that is more important than a silly bowl game. Even if they get a boat load of free stuff, that is the only reason they are there in the first place. How does the adage go "BIG ME, little team", kids these days with their rock and roll music SMH.
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1SICemDAWGS1
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
Was taught that if you don't have anything nice to say.. Don't say anything........ Silence
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Vetdawg
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
Y’all wanna know what fixes the opt out bug?
32 team playoff brought up by Mark Richt.
kids opt out when nothings on the line. One thing that’s driven this is the ease of getting in a bowl. When everyone is eligible, no one noncfp bowl is more special than the next.
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DeppDogg
✭✭✭✭ Senior
And, to continue: You're on the team but you decide to quit? Fine. Kirby isn't going to take you to the bowl game? Gee, are you kidding me? Duh. You quit on the team, you're NOT ON the team. Move out of the dorm (if you live there), stop eating free food, stop using the facilities, hand in your key card, and your DAWG card, and GO.
Any SEALs, Rangers, SOFs out there? Do you bail on your team on the last mission because you've got a promotion coming up and you might stub your toe?
And again, only one opinion. Understanding there are others just as strongly-held on the other side.
But this, "All about ME" mentality is corrosive, in my opinion.
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DeppDogg
✭✭✭✭ Senior
Many will hate this, and I understand, and respect your right to disagree. But here is my message to Monty (and, by extension, the rest of them), which I delivered personally:
"Character is a tricky thing; either you have it or you don't. And we only find out at mileposts in life. We (UGA) now have the answer. You're welcome, for all UGA has done for you. Giving back? Yah, you probably figure you'll send them a check and all will be 100%. Wrong."
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87dawg
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
I don't like the opt-out because it makes it out that the player feels another game isn't worth his time. The fact is, football is a team sport and without that team, he wouldn't be the star he is, hoping for a higher draft slot.
You are afraid of getting hurt in a game? Tell that to Richard "Evel Knievel" LeCounte. The fact is, there are very few career ending injuries in football. Heck, statistically, there are very few season ending injuries. Tua Tagovailoa is starting in the NFL, was taken fifth overall and I would have sworn he would never play again.
You owe your team that game. It is important to these guys and no way I think any one of those returning next year feel that an extra game is a waste of their time and a "practice game". It is a game and an opportunity to play one more down in a sad year.
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reddawg1
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
I believe they are getting counseled by mom and dad, whomever, "you don't wont to risk getting an injury and losing hundreds of thousands of dollars do you? What are they going to say? Sc#w it? I'm playing, in a game no one will remember much 10 years from now. Then if you do play you're tippy toeing around, and tha'ts when you do get hurt.
I know, I hate it, I remember when winning your bowl game was a huge deal, the passion involved was palpable. . Like everything else though things change, and not necessarily for the better. Get ready for even more junk made in China.
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E_Roc
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
That's an interesting idea but as you sort of point out in the end, it would be specific to guys who end up getting drafted lower than they thought they would. Might benefit a handful of players each year, but I'm not sure it would be the catalyst for any sweeping modernization. I do like it though.
Back to the original topic, I'm about 80/20 opposed. I get the whole injury avoidance aspect, but how often do career-ending injuries actually occur? More to the point, how many times has a would-be pro career been erased by an injury in the player's final game? They've made it 3,4,5 years, but they can't go one more game?
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reddawg1
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
Good points David. You have to go and sit in a room by yourself, til game time I guess. LOL! Although I do hear that Florida is open for business. Hello Orange Bowl. I hope Clemson loses to Notre Dame(as much as I can't stand the Irish) so we would play Clemson in the Orange Bowl it is being bantered about. That would be a game to watch.
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WCH
✭✭✭✭ Senior
I hope that CKM learned from the debacle he caused at the Sugar Bowl 2 years ago that you don't let these ex-bulldogs anywhere near the team members between now and the bowl game, because they are poison.
I don't know what the rolls are now, but if you quit the team are you off scholarship? You sure should be. I'm disappointed in Monty Rice, I thought he had more character than this.
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MontanaDawg
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
I'm kinda 50-50 on this trend. Personally, I don't think it has much to do with character. It's just the way the game has evolved. You can't blame the players for looking out for #1. And I certainly understand guys opting out that have been dealing with nagging injuries and such. Obviously, if you're in the playoffs then guys aren't opting out. This is a wierd year where many players who experienced disappointing seasons (the Dawgs being one team) would rather just end it now. Some bowls won't even be allowed to have any fans unlike the SEC regular season. And if your team isn't in the playoffs and you are a higher draft pick then maybe it makes more sense to just pack your bags instead of risking injury. It's also kinda like the transfer portal or coming back to play as a senior where the coach and team bond can make the difference.
If Clemson loses then expect guys to opt out for Clemson too. I hope Clemson wins, because we already play them in early September. No sense in possibly losing twice to the same team in back-to-back games! HA!
GO DAWGS!
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Popeyethesailor
✭✭✭✭ Senior
I was thinking same. The problem is, with the current NCAA rules regarding professional athletes, you cannot project what the market will bear for a particular athlete's salary. For example, Fromm was a good qb, but was drafted much lower than projected. If an insurance policy for, say, ten million dollars had been bound, and he was injured in the bowl game, the insurance company would have lost a fortune. There is no good way for the company to determine their exposure, given we have no idea what the player will earn until AFTER they have played all the games. I think it should be legal for college players to sign NFL contracts while in school, for future play. If college players could sign an NFL contract while still in school, then an insurance policy would be doable and paid for by the NFL team with whom the player has signed. But the NCAA says once you hire an agent, that's it. It is time for NCAA to catch up with the times. Signing a contract for the following year no more makes someone a professional player than signing a letter of intent makes a high school kid an NCAA player.
That idea would also help kids make the decision to stay or go to the draft. If they are drafted and offered a crappy contract, then they might say "no way" and stay in school a year longer to improve their stock.
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David1
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
Does anyone think Herschel, David Greene, David Pollack, Champ Bailey and many of the other former Georgia greats would have “quit” on their teammates and not play in a bowl game?
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ShoottheHooch
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
Something we need to remember. This is not a typical bowl season. No fans in the stands, limited time for teams in host city, and virtually no team festivities. Players have been opting out of games and the entire season this year. Why be surprised that a few Dawgs chose to opt out of the bowl? Dawg Nation is blessed that the team held together as brothers even after the loss to UF.
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jrmdvm1
✭✭✭ Junior
In today's world, "high character" does not mean what it did when I was younger. There is way too much money involved in so many areas. I truly feel that nearly all of the young men who are part of UGA sports have a high level of character compared to the average found in today's world. In the end, each young athlete has to decide what is best for him and his family. I wish there could be a way to provide insurance for these athletes so that they would be protected in case of severe injury, especially for those who have risked that injury time and again in games to develop their skills to the point that it could result in their success at the next level. Of course, even if they make it there, they could be injured in attempting to "make the team" in professional sports. Injury is always a risk in their chosen career path. I am not happy about "opting out", but I will ( perhaps wrongly ) believe that their ties to their teammates is something that makes it hard for them to take that course of action, thus, I wish they could have insurance that would realistically cover their true losses from an injury late in their college careers.
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robinsdawg
✭✭✭ Junior
new guy posting on DN here. i'm a little surprised with DJ opting out. Thought he might be one to use that free year to see about improving draft stock. All in favor of Rice; he needs to get healthy. I'm not of a strong opinion about the opt out thing either way; pros and cons with a big plus having these practices and game situations for younger players with big expectations next year. To me, the more important ones to watch will be Davis, Stokes, and Campbell; probably going, but sure would be nice to stay.
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Popeyethesailor
✭✭✭✭ Senior
Good point. What if UGA told Stetson, "Hey, we have so much talent at qb. We can't afford to have you on the team, any more. Too much risk that the younger guys won't get playing time. Therefore, we are opting out of your scholarship. Best of luck to you."
To those who are of the mindset "they are doing what is right, for THEM.", why can't the University do the same? Both have committed resources into the other. Imagine the outcry if a University "opted out" of a scholarship, for a player.
This opting out crap has to stop.
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SCDawgFan
✭✭✭ Junior
I will still enjoy watching them play in a New Year's Day bowl and will also enjoy watching some of those long time loyal Dawgs like Nate McBride see more field time. Would also like another chance to see Milton carry the ball some more!!
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Popeyethesailor
✭✭✭✭ Senior
So, I know this is a stretch, but with your logic, the opting out players should also not ride in a car, ride a motorcycle, cross a street, etc, as those might result in injury and affect their draft stock. I call BS. They are FOOTBALL players. The risk to a career-ending injury is similar for the bowl game as it is when they are a freshman. If they are so worried about it, they should just sit for 3 years and go pro without taking a college snap.
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CTD
✭✭✭ Junior
yeah...they don't get free apparel, shoes, room and board, meals, class materials, a $30,000 set of practice and game gear, preparing them for NFL by showcasing talent, education (degree), etc.
If the shoe were on the other foot, we'd be screaming that the players were let down. Whatever happen to finishing what you started and honoring commitments. When these guys leaving like this....the are letting down their teammates, the university and shows a quitters mentality. Who wants a quitter who opts out in the NFL when the going gets rough? Tired of this...
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CTD
✭✭✭ Junior
"Among Bulldog(s) opting out"?
There are two so far....so why speculate.
Typical MG....wanting to make a grand/exaggerated
column. Everything else is "might", "maybe" or "possibly".
Can we stick to facts for once....geez I'm tired of MG's lousy reporting
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David1
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
This has got to stop. Universities pour a lot of time and effort into these players, expecting them to fulfill their obligations. If this was reversed and Georgia said you couldn’t play, players would have a fit. Opt out = quit. It’s a shame that these players quit on their teammates. I understand trying to protect their future, but they play all year until their isn’t anything to play for other than pride. If they have to start paying players, then they should be made to play in every game. No quitting, I mean opting out.
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KBP
✭✭✭✭ Senior
I will miss seeing them play but look, these kids pursuit of economic empowerment is directly tied to having healthy bodies and not bachelor degrees and while it is important to be educated, degrees are not a prerequisite to potentially make millions in the NFL. It is too much to risk for some of them to play in a non-playoff bowl game because if a career ending injury occurs, would a non-playoff bowl game have been worth it? Yes, they could just as easily suffer the same fate in a playoff game but for every kid faced with that decision, they all have played. I have not heard of one kid from any team opting out of a playoff game. If a kid is drafted in the 1st or 2nd round, his contract will be more worth than 99% of what educated Americans will earn in their lifetimes. Why should they risk that for a New Year's Six Bowl?
Please let's stop with this noise of how much these schools invest in the kids as if there's no trade off, albeit an unequitable monetary trade off. The schools gets millions of dollars because of the entertainment revenue the kids bring in (ticket sales, etc. and television) and the kids get the opportunity to go to classes without having to pay cash for them among other things. The athletes enable the schools to pay head coaches multi millions per year and most on the staff 6 or 7 figures per year and that allows them to support their families with primary residences and vacation homes and private schools but somehow a kid is disloyal to the school if he wants to pursue the opportunity to do the same thing for his own family while he still has collegiate eligibility. I'm not opposed to what coaches and staff earn but I am opposed to the noise that somehow these kids should be humbly grateful for their scholarships as if their talents didn't earn the scholarships. My talent was no where near good enough for an athletic scholarship and if someone had offered me one, I would have been humbly grateful.
Dr. Fauci secured his bag through education and decades of experience, Trevor Lawrence is going to secure his bag through three years of college football and God bless them both because formal education is not the only way in America to secure your bag.
To all of the underclassmen who leave early, thank you for making Georgia Saturdays the special day it has been for decades. Now, go get your money!
Go Dawgs!
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JimWallace
✭✭✭✭✭ Graduate
Agree.
I very much dislike this opting out stuff.
All players should feel obligated and be obligated to the university and feel duty bound to their brothers on the team. Playing in the bowls should be part of their contract. Opting out of the bowl should mean putting a lien on their NFL bonus to pay the university back for their athletic scholarship.
Just my 2 cents. I'll run it by Kirby Saturday night when we're playing poker and watching the Alabama beatdown of the University of West Gainesville.
Go, Dawgs!
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Dawg365
✭✭✭✭ Senior
Our bowl game is going to be a good match-up against the undefeated bearcats. Zero chance, I say ZERO chance Clemson loses to Notre Dame twice with Lawrence under center.
All due respect to what the opting-out players have accomplished and done for UGA (you are DGDs!), but if you aren't playing in the bowl game, I hope you do not get enjoy the "festivities" and travel with the team. Save those spots for the folks that are still ON THE DA RN TEAM!
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Popeyethesailor
✭✭✭✭ Senior
Non-playoff bowl games are, indeed, glorified scrimmages. Should be 8 team playoff- power 5 conference champs and 3 at-large bids. After this year, I think any player who opts out of even ONE game including a bowl "scrimmage" becomes immediately ineligible for ANY individual postseason awards - Butkus, Heisman, Doak Walker, Ray Guy, etc. Then people can talk all they want about what WOULD have been. "He should have won the Heisman, but he opted out of the last three games of the year, therefore, he wasn't eligible."
College football becoming NFL light. Players who are, essentially, free agents, can and do leave for better opportunities, whether it be through transfer portal (= free agent market), or to the NFL. How about a school scholarship is a "contract" to which a player is bound.
I stopped watching the spoiled children of the NFL a couple years ago. I am guessing I have about 5 more years of NCAA football before I turn that off, too. Hope NCAA gets a handle on this.
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vann
✭✭✭ Junior
I guess these players that are opting out feel they have given enough and it's time to start looking towards the future. I don't like it, but I understand it. Hopefully most of these guys will see the value in playing for UGA one more time and makes us proud at whatever bowl game we end up playing in. No mater who shows up, I'm going to be rooting for them and expect Kirby will have the team ready. Go Dawgs!
