Student athletes are leaving school for the pros before they get their college degrees. In recent years, star players in basketball have skipped college and landed NBA contracts. Are these athletes being misled by fame and riches?

Athletes leaving the pros early is nothing new. Baseball , tennis, and hockey players have done it for years. Many of the top prospects for major league baseball and hockey are straight out of high school. Tennis stars do not always accept college scholarship offers before turning pro.

When athletes decide to leave early for the NBA or NFL there seems to be more press about these players. It could be because of some of the bad press concerning some athletes of these sports with less than stellar academic accreditations. This is unfortunate that many of these athletes have been labeled as such, instead of standing on their own merit. Some people in our society did it is foolish for athletes to leave school early!

It must be a tough decision to leave school early for the pros. Yet I can see why an individual would do so, and make that leap of faith. A few years back a star running back, highly ranked by Mel Kipper decided to return for his senior year. Needless to say he never saw a down in the NFL, he tore his knee up in a game and he was never the same again. Those critics who are for athletes staying in school, would argue this young man made the right decision. He was a definite first round draft pick and probably had a 3 year, 3.85 million dollar contract in his lap. Even if he lasted one year in the pros, he can possibly gone back and finished his college education with a nice start on a retirement plan? Opportunities to make more money than the average person makes in a lifetime do not come that often. Take them when you can!

Believe us when we say everyone should not leave school early. If you are slated to be a second round draft pick in basketball, stay in school. You may be okay in football, hockey, or baseball and being in this same position. Always check with the professional sources before making this decision and do not get an agent unless you are sure of your draft position. The "Voshon Leonard" rule should be considered. Not getting an agent can keep your eligibility alive if where you go in the draft is unacceptable. Do not let people make you feel guilty about leaving for the pros, it is a job not just a sport.

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