http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1868537 Have to say, I disagree with the NCAA on this one.
He should make himself eligible for the draft, fake his death, and then come back as a free agent so that he can cash in for all this lost time.
Damn, that sucks. I'm not even a USC fan, but he has always been one of my favorite players to watch.
I think the NCAA ruling was correct. He burned all of his bridges (signing with an agent, dropping out of school) before the appeals process was exhausted. (a confession - I went to LSU and work with lotsa USC guys. I hate USC)
Well I guess now, its train as hard as you can with the strength and conditioning coach and wait until April. If he impresses at the next Combine, he could go in the first round, but it will be hard since it will have been about 15-16 months without playing football. Is his best bet going into the Supplimental Draft? Is he even eligible?
If he's not eligible for the regular draft (yr of graduation) then he's not elibile for the supplemental draft.
on tv they were saying something about he was warned that if the ruling was reversed again... he wouldn't be able to go back to college... knowing that it would be appealed.. why would he hire an agent in the first place?
It was definitely a poor decision to do all those things. I can't imagine him not being aware of the risk. Can he go into the CFL for a season, then go into the NFL?
This, IMO, sounds like both leagues were trying to set a precident by smacking down a couple of guys. The NFL didn't want to have to allow young players in and the NCAA didn't want guys thinking they could leave and come back. Williams, unfortunately, is the fall guy and it sucks. And I'm not even a college football fan.
He's no fall guy. He didn't even have the foresight to see that Clarett's ruling could possibly be overruled, and that his withdrawal from school and hiring of an agent would subsequently jeopardize his standing with the NCAA. It's cut and dried. He gambled that Clarett's ruling would stand and lost. I feel bad for him because he lacks any semblance of judgment, not because the NCAA is out to screw him.
I am sorry to sound cold and callous, but I was glad this happened. Maybe this will end once and for all any thoughts about trying to get into the NFL before being out of high school for 3 years.
Exactly. Those early departures to the NBA and the draftees straight out of h/s have been the death of the NBA. We can't have it happen to the NFL as well. He should have kept his options open and not hired an agent.
Keeley said it best. Williams was either stupid, or decided to take a huge gamble. Either way, he is to blame for his predicament. Everyone is just feeling sorry for him because no one (NCAA or NFL) will throw him a bone. I would feel sorry for him too except that I'm pretty sure that regardless of what happens, the guy will be making millions within a year or so anyway. His situation is worse, but still pretty damn good compared to most.
