[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by biosurfer1

I'm not saying that athletes shouldn't be able to make money from a job, just that it is a clear rule that they cannot make money signing autographs, they cannot make more than $xxx in a side job. They knew this going into it. There is no one forcing them to play football. It's a CHOICE they made and I have a had time feeling sorry for someone who complains that they want to make money signing their name because otherwise they don't have money for anything when just about ALL of their "necessities" are already paid for.

You're right Moses, they are absolutely adults which means if they don't like the rules, they are free to go elsewhere and make more money. No one is forcing them to play football or any other sport. It's called sacrifices and if they are upset they cannot go on a date or fly home for a holiday, they have a choice. I know a lot of people who made it though college paying their whole way and didn't have the luxury of most of it paid for, and they certainly didn't have extra money to fly home for holidays after paying for the things the student athletes have paid for.

I'll start by saying that the rules are BS. I think players should receive more than they do, if nothing else to reduce the temptation to cheat. But I also don't feel sorry for them.

I paid my way through college with a wife and kid. I took between 16 and 21 hours of aerospace engineering courses per semester while working 20-40 hours per week. I normally got up at 5 and went to sleep about 12. We lived in poverty for four years. I graduated with $45k worth of student loan debt to pay off. So I don't feel real sorry for the players that dedicate 6 months to playing football in addition to their class work, in return to getting a free education.

The worst thing about the Manzell situation? He comes from a wealthy family that obviously provides him with financial support, such as a new Mercedes after he won the Heisman. The kid doesn't NEED the money. He's one hell of a football player, but strikes me as a very immature spoiled rich kid. It will be very interesting to see how well he deals with the pressure and expectations of this season.