All this talk about kids playing in the next level got me thinking...

[ClarkeFan83]

The NFL does not allow anyone to be drafted or play in the NFL until they are at least 3 years removed from High School via graduation. I understand why, but I think this is unfair for the kids who aren't interested in attending college in the first place. Not everyone is supposed to go to college. Mike Rowe advocates for the trades, traditional blue collar jobs that built this great country. Why isn't there a developmental league, or minor league where kids fresh out of HS can keep playing while they learn to be electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, etc.? Why do kids who have the talent and skill to play in the NFL HAVE to go to college for 3 years to keep playing? They really aren't doing anything except earning those schools big money.

Yes, I do know about the Apprentice School in the Norfolk area, but are there more like them?

 

[VolNation85]

The NFL does not allow anyone to be drafted or play in the NFL until they are at least 3 years removed from High School via graduation. I understand why, but I think this is unfair for the kids who aren't interested in attending college in the first place. Not everyone is supposed to go to college. Mike Rowe advocates for the trades, traditional blue collar jobs that built this great country. Why isn't there a developmental league, or minor league where kids fresh out of HS can keep playing while they learn to be electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, etc.? Why do kids who have the talent and skill to play in the NFL HAVE to go to college for 3 years to keep playing? They really aren't doing anything except earning those schools big money.

Yes, I do know about the Apprentice School in the Norfolk area, but are there more like them?

Unfortunately, I doubt we will ever see something like that. Having a developmental league would require the NFL and it's owners to invest in that league which means reduced profits for the owners and the league, and we all know they're not going to allow that to happen. The NFL currently has the best developmental league (for themselves) and it doesn't cost them a penny...it's called the NCAA. The NCAA accomplishes the same thing as the Minor league in baseball or the NBA- G league.

 

[ClarkeFan83]

Unfortunately, I doubt we will ever see something like that. Having a developmental league would require the NFL and it's owners to invest in that league which means reduced profits for the owners and the league, and we all know they're not going to allow that to happen. The NFL currently has the best developmental league (for themselves) and it doesn't cost them a penny...it's called the NCAA. The NCAA accomplishes the same thing as the Minor league in baseball or the NBA- G league.

Yeah, but you can still go straight to the MLB or NBA from High School, right?

 

[VolNation85]

Yeah, but you can still go straight to the MLB or NBA from High School, right?

MLB yes, NBA no. The NBA has a silly 1 year removed from high school rule.

 

[ClarkeFan83]

MLB yes, NBA no. The NBA has a silly 1 year removed from high school rule.

Was that the Kobe Bryant rule or the LeBron James rule? I wasn't sure, couldn't remember if it was ever enacted.

 

[Gunz41]

Was that the Kobe Bryant rule or the LeBron James rule? I wasn't sure, couldn't remember if it was ever enacted.

I think it wasn't long after LBJ. And I believe it used to be 2 years, but I could be wrong.

And I don't think there has been a player, say Bryce Harper as an example who played in MLB that 1st year. They can be drafted right out of HS or go to college for a set amount of time before being able to be drafted again

 

[VolNation85]

Was that the Kobe Bryant rule or the LeBron James rule? I wasn't sure, couldn't remember if it was ever enacted.

Technically it was the Dwight Howard Rule. Lebron was drafted in 2003 and the rule was put into place after the 2004 draft class.

 

[1MoreHokie]

That NBA rule probably won't be around in a year or so.

 

[ClarkeFan83]

Technically it was the Dwight Howard Rule. Lebron was drafted in 2003 and the rule was put into place after the 2004 draft class.

Thanks for clearing that up! Haven't heard of Dwight Howard lately. Is he still playing?

 

[VolNation85]

Thanks for clearing that up! Haven't heard of Dwight Howard lately. Is he still playing?

I believe he's currently with the Lakers. Not sure how much he's contributing though.