My previous post about Cam Newton started the wheels turning a bit. I wonder if there isn’t a market for a football league for high schoolers that are only interested in football?
The idea is based on the assumption that no high schooler can jump directly to the pros. Depending on position, they need at least another year of maturity and experience playing against players of equal talent. Right now, college football has a monopoly on these players. The competitive nature of the business leads to a lot of shady dealing.
So really, what’s needed, is a league that caters to grooming high school standouts for a potential life as a professional. For starters, the league would pay the player a modest salary, perhaps based on years in the league and with some performance bonuses. The league would teach players what to expect as a professional and how to deal with sports agents. I think some money management classes might also be useful. The league would allow any player to enroll in the draft at any time, but should probably provide guidance on a per-player basis. For instance, a first-year standout might be tempted to jump and could ask about the pros and cons of his choice.
I don’t think the league should be a place where professional veterans should land, unless as a coach or something. Remember, we’re talking about catering to young players who need more time to mature into a potential professional.
One thing this league avoids is direct competition with the NFL. By setting it up as a stop-off point for young players, it’s basically a feeder league. Another benefit is it drains the NCAA of the players who are there only to play football. Now that they have a place to go, theoretically we don’t have any more cheating scandals and pay-to-play scandals.
No idea as to financial viability. Although with the amount of money the NCAA makes off these kids now, I’ve got to believe that something is there. Speaking of the NCAA, I’m sure they’d be none to pleased with the formation of such a league and would bring everything they had to bear and make it fail.
Anyway, that the rough idea. Any takers?