Jadeveon Clowney should lawyer up, challenge nonsensical 'three-years-out' rule

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

He is a 6-foot-6, 256-pound athletic wonder who tracks opposing ball carriers like a laser dot and punishes them like a vindictive medicine ball.

If Jadeveon Clowney were allowed to enter April's NFL draft, rather than prepare for his junior season at South Carolina, the dripping-with-talent defensive end would likely go in the top three, and possibly the top one. Jadeveon Clowney finished the 2012 season with 13 sacks. (USA Today Sports)

Yet Clowney, because of a nine-year-old decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, doesn't have the option to cash in immediately on his potential. And the risk he'll assume by playing another season for the Gamecocks has prompted some, including Charlotte Observer columnist Tom Sorensen, to suggest that Clowney sit out the 2013 season before going pro.

I have a better idea: Clowney, who turns 20 on Valentine's Day, should lawyer up and try to barge his way into the NFL this spring – the same way he blasted into the Michigan backfield during last month's Outback Bowl.

If Clowney chooses to go this route, I'll wish him well: The NFL's existing, court-sanctioned rule requiring a player to be three full seasons removed from his high school graduation before becoming draft-eligible is ridiculous, on many levels.

[Also: Steve Spurrier laughs off notion that Jadeveon Clowney should sit '13 season ]

First, it's utter nonsense. According to this rule, a wunderkind who graduates high school at 14 can apply to play professional football before he's old enough to vote, but someone whose matriculation is delayed because of, say, a severe medical condition might have to wait until he's 22.

Secondly, it's a self-serving and greedy attempt to preserve what is essentially a free farm system for the NFL – and a corrupt and hypocritical college-football machine that pays off coaches and administrators while exploiting the labor of its elite athletes.

Thirdly, and most important, it is age discrimination in its most blatant form. If Freddy Adu can be selected in the MLS SuperDraft at the age of 14, and Steffi Graf can play a professional tennis tournament when she's a few months past her 13th birthday, how is it fair that someone like Clowney has to wait until he can drink legally before plying his trade?

This is the point at which many of you start firing off emails, tweets and faxes (wait, national Signing Day is over?... never mind about that last part) reminding me that the NFL is a different animal. Yes, I am aware that pro football at its highest level is an inherently dangerous pursuit, and I know this argument for challenging draft restrictions may seem to be at cross-purposes with the many columns I have written regarding the increased need for health-and-safety protections. My first answer would be that very young men (and women) are allowed to enter similarly daunting sports like boxing, MMA, hockey and auto racing without age limits.

My second response? Did you see that hit Clowney put on Michigan running back Vincent Smith in the Outback Bowl?

It's fair to surmise that Clowney's opponents are the ones who'll need protection.

"The guy looks like a beast," one AFC general manager says of Clowney. "Shows rare close and can really bend the edge and then he hits like a truck and shows some real nasty."

[Also: Jadeveon Clowney looks to take out $5 million insurance policy for 2013 season]

Echoed an NFC GM: "Yes, he's rare. He's a mixture of Jevon Kearse and JPP (Jason Pierre-Paul). He'd go number 1 right now, no later than two. He's an absolute freak."

It seems pretty obvious that Clowney is ready for the big leagues. And if it turns out he isn't – well, can't we let the market decide? And make no mistake: physical readiness is the only issue that's even worth debating. Plenty of older players with more college experience, from Ryan Leaf to JaMarcus Russell, have proven they're not mentally or emotionally mature enough to handle life in the NFL, but that didn't preclude them from entering the draft and getting paid. Jadeveon Clowney celebrates after a win over Michigan. (Getty)

Oddly enough, I would argue that the young players who'd be most in harm's way upon entering the NFL early – running backs – are the ones getting hurt most by the current system. If you are a young, strong runner like Alabama's T.J. Yeldon or Georgia's Todd Gurley, each of whom had standout seasons as true freshmen in 2012, why should you subject yourself to approximately 500 touches apiece over the next two years for free?

Consider that if either of those backs were to enter this year's draft – another NFC GM told me Yeldon would likely be the first back off the board in that scenario – he'd not only start getting paid for all that pounding, but he'd also enhance the chances of landing an elusive second (or even third) contract because of his relative youth.

I'm sure that in retrospect Clowney's former South Carolina teammate, Marcus Lattimore, wishes he could have turned pro after the 2010 season, in which he starred as a true freshman. A torn ACL in his left knee ended his sophomore campaign, and last October he suffered a gruesome injury to his right knee, tearing multiple ligaments and suffering a dislocation that put his future prospects in jeopardy. Lattimore plans to enter the draft but will go at a much lower spot – and receive far less guaranteed money – than he would have had he been eligible two years ago.

"For a running back, especially, the wear-and-tear is so great that it's tough to justify keeping them (in college for three years)," the second NFC general manager says. "Don't get me wrong: Fans like the current system, and a lot of these kids aren't emotionally ready for pro football – and, as with the NBA, you'd have a lot of guys washing out. But it's a free country. At some point, it seems like somebody's going to challenge it and win."

[Also: Student allegedly beaten by Crimson Tide players still loves Alabama football ]

Not surprisingly, running backs have been at the forefront of previous threats to the existing system. When Chicago Bears owner George Halas signed Illinois star Red Grange to a contract in November of 1925, it helped legitimize the young NFL while enraging college football's powers that be.

The Galloping Ghost's decision to leave following his junior season led to the establishment of a rule requiring players to be four years past their high school graduation before entering the NFL. That was later amended to the current three-years-removed restriction, in 1990. Thirteen years later, another running back – former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett – sued to enter the draft and temporarily succeeded in striking down the rule.

After a phenomenal freshman season in which he led the Buckeyes to a national championship, Clarett was suspended for his entire sophomore year for taking improper benefits. Two years removed from his high school graduation, Clarett convinced a U.S. District Court judge to allow him to enter the 2004 draft, essentially rendering the existing restrictions obsolete. That decision held that eligibility rules are not immune from antitrust scrutiny under the non-statutory labor exemption.

Eight other players who'd previously been ineligible for the '04 draft, including standout USC wide receiver Mike Williams, promptly declared, only to be left out in the cold when the decision was suspended by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.

That same three-judge panel, which included future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, later overturned the decision, and when the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, it essentially gave legal cover for the NFL's age-discrimination policies. Jadeveon Clowney smiles after a win over Georgia. (Getty)

I'm no lawyer, but it seems to me there are some reasonable arguments that could be made if one were to issue another challenge to the 2nd Circuit's decision. The appellate court essentially ruled that labor law trumps antitrust law in cases where the two conflict, and that both the NFL and the NFL Players Association should forgo individual antitrust protection for the sake of advancing the collective bargaining process.

However, the three-years-removed rule was not the product of collective bargaining, and draft-ineligible players (like Clarett then, or Clowney now) aren't yet members of the union. It's possible another appellate panel would ultimately view things differently, or even that the U.S. Supreme Court would take the case this time.

NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith was unavailable for comment Wednesday, but another high-ranking union source said the organization would welcome a legal challenge by Clowney (and/or other players) to the Clarett Decision.

[Also: NCAA Rules Committee proposes ejections for targeting players ]

I have no idea if Clowney would be interested in such a crusade, but I can see why he would be: I ran his situation by six NFL general managers on Tuesday, and the consensus was that he would "fly off the board" if eligible for the 2013 draft, with three of the GMs saying he'd likely go No. 1 overall.

As per the rookie wage scale, last year's No. 1 overall pick, Andrew Luck, received a four-year, $22.1-million contract that was fully guaranteed. That, at a minimum, seems to be what Clowney would risk by playing for the Gamecocks in 2013.

Apply this model to other careers, and imagine being a 20-year-old in that position. In that context, it's easy to see why some people believe Clowney should consider sitting out his junior season. There was even an argument Wednesday on profootballtalk.com that Clowney should intentionally fail his classes to avoid the possibility of a serious injury that could impact his future earning potential. (If that's the path he chooses, I know plenty of folks from my college days who could give him some excellent pointers.)

At the very least, the young man should protect himself: Clowney is seeking an insurance policy of up to $5 million to guard against the possibility of a catastrophic injury that could prematurely end his career in 2013. It's unclear how he'd pay the premiums, however, and there are other potential flaws with such an arrangement, such as the likelihood that a career-altering (but not career-ending) injury likely wouldn't trigger a payout.

My advice to Clowney: Find yourself a good lawyer who'd be willing to take on your case pro bono – and I suspect there are a whole lot of them who'd be interested, for the principle and/or the publicity – and see if you can blow up that nine-year-old appellate court decision the way you do opposing backfields.

If nothing else, I'd love to see Vincent Smith subpoenaed as a character witness.



http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--ja...211521980.html

[RealSNR]

That's it. I hope Clowney Tony Mandariches himself.

I'm getting really ****ing tired of Deberg_1990 starting a thread every couple of years titled "Should the Chiefs have drafted (Super Bowl QB)?"

After we get Geno, the Flacco one will be the last such thing I see, and people will stop wanting to draft "monsters" so goddamn badly instead of drafting players that can actually win you a Super Bowl.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

Most of them are just read some posts dude. I remember one thread DJ himself pointed out something about Smith and was getting attacked droner style by some fanatic.

MOST of them aren't.

This whole mindset has been created by 1 or 2 people that are very vocal.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

Most of them are just read some posts dude. I remember one thread DJ himself pointed out something about Smith and was getting attacked droner style by some fanatic.

You sound really convincing right now.

Maybe it's a good thing the debate between you and Direckshun was called off.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by Molitoth

facepalm

I dont get all the Glennon hate here hes inconsistent but also had shitty coaching. Sounds familiar.

Also are we now pretending like Suh is some sort of bust? Ive read a few post in here that would indicate so. Were the lions suppose to trade for Bradford?

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by SNR

That's it. I hope Clowney Tony Mandariches himself.

I'm getting really ****ing tired of Deberg_1990 starting a thread every couple of years titled "Should the Chiefs have drafted (Super Bowl QB)?"

After we get Geno, the Flacco one will be the last such thing I see, and people will stop wanting to draft "monsters" so goddamn badly instead of drafting players that can actually win you a Super Bowl.

Surprised he hasn't douched up a Russ Wilson one yet.

[MagicHef]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

If you want to look at the ones that don't have ridiculously small sample sizes, that's pretty damning for RBs, tackles, and WRs.

EDIT: VERY damning for defensive tackles.

The 7 QBs: Eli, Rivers, VY, Ryan, Sanchez (lol), Luck and RGIII. Only one had little to do with their team winning.

The 2 LBs: A.J. Hawk and Von. When I think of the Packer's success, Hawk isn't the name that comes to mind.

The 2 RBs: Benson and Bush. Both underwhelming.

The 2 OTs: D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Matt Kalil. I don't think either team is winning because of these guys.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

I dont get all the Glennon hate here hes inconsistent but also had shitty coaching. Sounds familiar.

Also are we now pretending like Suh is some sort of bust? Ive read a few post in here that would indicate so. Were the lions suppose to trade for Bradford?

He also played in a garbage conference against weak defenses - and wasn't impressive.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

I dont get all the Glennon hate here hes inconsistent but also had shitty coaching. Sounds familiar.

Also are we now pretending like Suh is some sort of bust? Ive read a few post in here that would indicate so. Were the lions suppose to trade for Bradford?

No. Suh is a bad example whoever used it. If Kansas City had drafted the franchise QB LAST year and Clowney were in the draft this year, then yes, this pick would be a no-brainer.

Suh is also not done learning how to channel his incredible ability. He's still a good player. Angry, but good.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

Also are we now pretending like Suh is some sort of bust?

Suh is a very good player.

And he hasn't, and won't, win shit, until Stafford un****s himself and Gunther is fired.

[Molitoth]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

I dont get all the Glennon hate here hes inconsistent but also had shitty coaching. Sounds familiar.

I'm not bagging on you for liking him, (that's just your opinion).
I've watched everything he has on youtube and comparable to Geno/Wilson/Barkley, he's just not even in the same conversation to me.

He's got the ideal physical measurables and can throw the occasional good pass.

I like to look for great consistency and great pocket awareness. Something that really sells me on Geno.

[Reerun_KC]

Originally Posted by GoWalrus

Suh is a very good player.

And he hasn't, and won't, win shit, until Stafford un****s himself and Gunther is fired.

and he never will until they get a QB...

[Molitoth]

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

and he never will until they get a QB...

I don't think the Lions should give up on Stafford yet... but you are right, he's currently shown nothing to say that the Lions are going to be competing for even an NFC championship anytime soon.

The Lions need help in the Secondary badly... and when they get it, Stafford should have no excuse to not take them far in the playoffs.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

How the **** is Gun still employed?

[Reerun_KC]

Originally Posted by Molitoth

I don't think the Lions should give up on Stafford yet... but you are right, he's currently shown nothing to say that the Lions are going to be competing for even an NFC championship anytime soon.

The Lions need help in the Secondary badly... and when they get it, Stafford should have no excuse to not take them far in the playoffs.

Clownfish will never see a superbowl either if his team doesnt have a QB...

Strange how that works in the modern day NFL...

Without a QB you are a washed out franchise like the Chiefs...

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by Molitoth

I don't think the Lions should give up on Stafford yet... but you are right, he's currently shown nothing to say that the Lions are going to be competing for even an NFC championship anytime soon.

The Lions need help in the Secondary badly... and when they get it, Stafford should have no excuse to not take them far in the playoffs.

People don't realize this was his 2nd full year starting.

I expect Stafford to bounce back this year, provided Detroit re vamps their pass rush, secondary, and upgrades at WR, RB.