Greg Weintraub <[log in to unmask]> wrote, in part:
>I can't help but question a STUDENT-athlete leaving school a month before
>completing a degree.  It really drives home a point that college sports
>are really just farm teams for many players.  Seeing players leave for
>the pros after 1 or 2 years is something with which we have all
>learned to live, regrettably IMHO.  To me, having players leaving DURING the
>academic year only looksworse.  Next thing we know, a player will start the
>season on fire and sign a pro contract over New Year's in the middle of the
>season.
 
If a print or TV reporter said this we'd, I hope, hang him out to dry.
How about determining that something really happened before speculating
(and complaining)?  Now, I don't know anything about Jay Pandalfo's
situation, but almost all Maine players that have left school early for
the pro's are either still working on their education or have since
graduated.
 
On the other hand, what's the big deal.  If I'm a graphics artist with a
semester to go ...  and Lucas Films wants me now ...  guess what, I'm
outa here!  Similar situations happen for the best engineering and other
areas.
 
Normally the employer *wants* the prospective employee to finish school
to receive their degree and will substantially help.
 
Surely, it would have been wonderful for Paul Kariya to play a couple of
more seasons for the Black Bears, but it was time to move on.  Was it
important for Pandalfo or Purdie to be in school for the last month of
classes.  IMHO, not in the least.  Perhaps they will graduate with their
class or perhaps not.  They have excelled in college and their next
challenge is at hand.
 
just one opinion,
wayne
 
Wayne T. Smith                         Systems Group -- CAPS
[log in to unmask]                    University of Maine System
Co-owner of the College Hockey lists - Hockey-L/Info-Hockey-L/Hockey3
 
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