An eighteen year old is considered to be mature enough to go serve their country in the armed serves, attend college, or get a job in a factory. However there is a double standard for athletes who skip college and go straight to the pros. Pros sports whether football, baseball, or tennis, at this level is a job.

In recent years, basketball players at the high school ranks have made the leap straight to the NBA, including this year's number #1 draft pick, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. Some individual analysts who work college games or report on them, see this as problematic, and believe these athletes should attend college. It makes absolutely no logical sense in turning down millions of dollars to go to college. First of all everyone is not ready for college at 18 years old. Also, some people decide to get work experience instead of a formal college education. Some people do not consider pro sports a job.

The NCAA feeds you this student athlete tag, because otherwise they would be seen as greedy vultures making billions off these young adults. People often refer to college sports as being as great honor to able to play the game. I also was an athlete in college, however school is supposed to prepare you for a job ands a means to make money. If you already have the job capabilities; whether a tennis star, baseball top prospect, or basketball standout, then go for it as long as the experts can guarantee a certain income.

People should be able to figure out their own prejudice against athletes who forgo college for a career in pro sports. Most individuals do not believe athletes at 18 or 19 deserve it, because there is not a reminder of the good ole days when people passed out on the job to make a good living or built a homegrown business from the scratch. You have to be a genius at understanding your sport, otherwise you will be looking for a new job. College was a great experience, however if I had pro talent, the waters would have definitely been tested.

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