Jason Whitlock recently penned a column about Sam Bradford, University of Oklahoma's start QB. He titled his, Bradford made the wrong choice by staying. His article is linked below and my letter to him is below that. I hope you enjoy.
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/9080876/Bradford-made-the-wrong-choice-by-staying
An open letter to Jason Whitlock, columnist for Fox Sports.
Dear Jason,
This is not the first and certainly not the last time I disagree with you. But for some reason, this time I disagreed enough to write you an email. I respect your opinion and have enjoyed watching and reading your material over the past years, but was surprised money was your main argument for Sam Bradford to come out. What happened to money isn’t everything? And we should feel bad for Matt Leinart?
In his three year career, he has made around $18 million based on salary alone (USA TODAY). So he has in fact made more than just what he was guaranteed; $14 million. You compare him to Alex Smith, the #1 pick a year before. In four years, his salary is around $22 million, just $4 million more and one extra year. I know saying ‘just’ 4 more trivializes the actual amount, but I am trying to make a point here:). I bet Leinart has made some nice coin off of endorsements too…but we are just talking salary [I do realize he could be making more money, but sometimes there are more important things than JUST money].
Let’s look at Bradford’s opportunity outside of just the money. Like Tebow this year, Bradford has the opportunity to win another Heisman and be the only college football player in its history to join Archie Griffin as a two-time winner. He has a chance to take his team back to the National Championship and avenge the loss to Florida this year. And most importantly, he has the chance to graduate with the class he came into college with. These three reasons should be reasons enough for Bradford to return and I believe he made the right choice.
Let’s also not forget that he isn’t throwing a way the opportunity to play in the NFL. Unless a freak accident happens (what’s the rate of college stars that get seriously injured, enough to never play the sport again?), Bradford will be a first round pick at the very least. A similar year to this one’s and he will undoubtedly be a top 5 pick and make his money. But let’s say he has the same fate as Leinart…should we feel bad for him?
I appreciate you taking the time to hear my thoughts and look forward to a healthy debate during next year’s draft.
Sincerely,
Ari Ratner
