Making smart business decisions is one of the main factors in determining someone’s success. We applaud people in the business world for consistently making risk averse decisions to achieve their lofty goals.
The same can be said for the big business of football. Notice I didn’t say ‘college’ or ‘NFL’ football because sometimes the two co-mingle.
In the specific case of players who have legitimate NFL draft hopes — statistics say only 1.6% of college players make it to the NFL — opting out is the smart business move.
Make no mistake, I am not including opting out of the college football playoff — that is a different scenario. But in the end, outside of those playoff games, most bowl games are somewhat meaningless for the individual in these situations.
Imagine if you came from a bad socioeconomic background and you worked your way up to this point to have a chance to make money that will not only transform you, but your whole family for generations to come. Is that worth a bowl game outside of the CFP?
If, for your whole life, everyone around you was counting on you and this moment to be the chance to elevate everyone you care about the most, would you turn that down for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl?
The gut reaction is to say, ‘That’s being a bad teammate.’ Is it?
Or could it mean being a great family member? Or a smart business person?
Some guys who come from middle class or even well-off backgrounds don’t want to risk their chance to live out their childhood dream.
This isn’t like leaving after three games or halfway through the year. Nobody quit on their team during the regular season, it’s just a smart business move.
So before you go straight to the standard knee-jerk reaction and get on your moral high horse, consider the circumstance, because that may lead you to a different outcome.
Jake Crain is co-host of “Crain & Company.” the Daily Wire’s sports show hosted by former athletes and coaches Jake Crain, Blain Crain, and David Cone. Follow him at: @JakeCrain_
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.