Does anyone remember when Allen Iverson was driving a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E Class during his sophomore and final year at Georgetown University? When he was two years removed from jail in Hampton and when he led the Hoyas to a Sweet 16 appearance? Ahhh, the good ol' days; when star college athletes could get comped for their on-field or on-court skills and very few people (or anybody in most cases) would say a word. I'll bet some of you who are reading this never even knew Chuck had a Bubble Eye Benz while in school. But if you do some research (google can't help you with this) you may find some of your other favorite former colligiete ball players were driving fancy also. Terrell Pryor (Ohio State University quarterback) is the new athelte with the hot whip. Actually, the whip isn't that hot--it's a Nissan 300Z; but it'll do just fine for reporters who need to enhance a story. Honestly, he's talented enough to push the GT-R. At any rate, Prior turned into the target of a NCAA investigation after a variety of violations. More media, Twitter, and most importantly, more money has made what use to be an easy cash-for-service move into a huge mess. How did this happen? It doesn't matter. Because your boy has the guide to make sure all you blue-chippers live good while earning your favorite school millions. Note: If you walked onto your team and did not get a full scholarship, this is not for you.
A couple weeks ago, the spotlight was squarely fixed on Pryor's coach, Jim Tressel. But what do you think is more juicy for American media--an accomplished white coach or a black stud QB? We all know the answer to that and we know who's really going to take the fall in the end. But at the same time, we know you want to make sure your family who is still back in the 'hood is straight. So here are some things you have to remember when being a professional amateur athlete.
1. Only take the lump sum - do you know what kind of paper trail you leave getting your apartment, cell phone, credit card, and other bills getting paid each week? Can you understand how stupid it is to get cash in your hand after every game? Do you know how many people you will have to pay off to keep quiet? Don't be lazy; just do the math. Do a cost analysis of your expenses for the four years you're supposed to be in school, and make the booster pay your designee the total. It should be a one time thing BEFORE you sign your letter of intent. In addition to this, you shouldn't take the money, your mother or the most responsible family member should. Please help her or him understand she cannot quit his or her job or open up a clothing boutique just yet. Just make sure baby boys' expenses are covered.
2. Leave the hot cars alone - in the mortal words of Jay-Z and Memphis Bleek, you let your [explicative] bubble quietly, and then you blow. When you play for the University of Florida, you are bubbling. When the Cowboys draft you, you blow. What do you need a Lexus, Benz, Acura, Escalade, etc. for when you live on campus? Even the smart dope boys drive Hondas until they can move to Short Pump; then they get the 750LI. And you're making much more money for the small city your school is in than the drug dealer, so why mess up a good thing for a vehicle? And how many Camaros on 23s are in Gainesville anyway? You want to be the first? Besides, you don't need a car to get the girls--you're on TV every Saturday. (For this rule, you can replace the word 'cars' with jewelry, excessive clothes, expensive electronics, etc.).
3. Go to class with your flunkee - you're not the starting tailback at Virginia Tech because of your theory on seed germination, but don't take advantage of the fact that you are in theory a student. Go to class AND stay awake. You don't need to do all the work, just make sure your 3.2GPA flunkee friend is right there with you. Even though he's going to do your homework and other assignments, you would be a fool to let him take your tests. So you need to learn enough to get a C. Or even a D. But it cannot become a rumor that you don't go to class, so be there with your ipod earphones and all. Also, make sure the flunkee is a guy. Sexual mis-whatever isn't just for the workplace. Particularly if your potential to be a millionaire in two years is sky high.
4. Win, but not too much - the finance major is in Georgia Tech to get a job with Suntrust; you are at Alabama to get a job with the Packers. Therefore, play well, but don't 3peat as conference champs. Shine on the stat sheet, in the locker room, in practice, and at the combine. But nobody makes it to the NFL from wins and losess. Plus as shown by SMU, FSU, and more recently, OSU winning breeds attentinon. With the nerds that work at ESPN, the attention is asked to be negative. And if you're getting paid, it's a world of trouble. Which leads to my last point...
5. Don't Do It - I agree with, bro. You earn your school around $1,000,000 each weekend. And the hick town where the school is located cashes in too. That Wolverines jersey doesn't sell if you don't average 100+ yards a carry. Those coaches are back to teaching wood shop at Henrico High if you don't have 13.5 sacks. Everybody gets paid off your work, and it's not completely fair. You still are getting a free ride, but so is the physics major. And how much is he bringing in a week for the school? It is bad, but until the NCAA changes their rules, you have to play like this. Take advantage of the free education, the opportunity to travel around the country, the feeling of playing the best athletes in the country. But don't cheat. You could ruin your scholastic career and damage the school for decades. It can even impact your draft status (which equals less money) and be a nasty mark when you have to get a real job. And it won't be long before the schools get smart and sue the players who go pro for damaging their reputation. You may think it is, but it's not worth it.
Unless you're Reggie Bush, because how do you compare giving back a Heisman Trophy to gaining a Super Bowl bonus?
Stay legal my brothers.
Peace
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