A lesson you'll never forget, as taught by Prof. Stoops
Published: 1/16/2009 7:29 AM
Last Modified: 1/16/2009 7:29 AM
Today, we take you inside Bob Stoops' classroom. Not for a film session (which would be pretty sweet... maybe another day), but for an economics lesson.
In this case, you're an Oklahoma underclassman who is considering early entry into the NFL.
Professor Stoops, take it away...
"I just believe a guy gives up too much if you go early and you're not a solid first-round guy. I'm looking at 2007 figures. A third-round guy is going to make somewhere around $600 or $700,000. And then a second-round guy is maybe $1.8 (million). And then you look at the bottom-half-of-the-first-round guy, you're up in the $6.5 (range). Then you look at the first 17 picks, you're looking at $16-plus. Those are major differences."
Your hand goes up. You ask about Jammal Brown, the Sooners' All-American tackle who considered leaving a year early after the 2003 season before deciding to return.
Professor?
"He's a huge example. He was a projected second-round (pick in the '04 draft). That year, he would have made $1.8. He ends up the first lineman taken in the ('05) first round and makes $16 million. So, was there value in coming back and winning the Outland Trophy? He made nine times as much.
"Everyone says, 'Making 1.8, that's good.' Well, then you start showing them on the board, 'Here's what taxes are, here's what your agent's fee is. Now, who are you gonna help? You're gonna take care of yourself. Right?'
"They don't know about taxes at that age. You start putting it on the board, all of a sudden, 'Shoot, I'm lucky to get a good house and a car and that's about it.' Mom and Dad, you might be able to help them with a car, but there goes that big country club house."
At this point, you might want to stay at OU another 10 years, not just one. But just in case, the lecture continues...
"It's a lot easier for them to cut a second- or third-rounder than it is a first-rounder. You look at the average life in the NFL, it's 3.5 years. There's a reason for that. It's easy to let go of those second- or third-rounders after a couple years. Then they go get another young guy and put him right in their place. To me, you have to maximize your opportunity and get value for your ability. Some of those guys that go early, they get a four-year contract and they play at a discount."
OK. You're excused. See you the first day of spring practice.
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
