[JohnR34231]

I personally have mixed feelings about all of this -- probably because it hit on so many facets of life: college, relationships, money, career, "success," loyalty, bodily injury... the list could go on.

But, in reading through what for me has been a very interesting thread, it seems that many who are disappointed in CM's choice are not so merely (or even mainly) because they are bummed not to see him play in the cardinal and white one last time. Rather, for many who are disappointed (certainly not all), it seems that they are disappointed in CM making what for them is a decision that uncharacteristically (for CM) disregards responsibility to his teammates, coaches, and the institution (which includes, in some way, fans, I suppose). On the other hand, others say that he has no such (or minimal) responsibility at this point; this more "transactional" perspective likely claims that CM has already fulfilled his end of the contract ... and then some. (I do wonder, and posted above, if CM has any sort of fiduciary responsibility to play given he is on scholarship. But he could always back out of that deal, so I am not suggesting it is beholding.)

Anyway, it's actually a complex situation that, as I mentioned, does reflect how one sees the purpose of college, sports, and lots of other things in life. Really interesting, and I thank all of you for your reflections and perspectives.

-m.

PS: Merry Christmas to all!

Yep, as we discuss it you can almost hear strains of "What's it all about, Alfie" playing in the background. :)

[JohnR34231]

I personally have mixed feelings about all of this -- probably because it hit on so many facets of life: college, relationships, money, career, "success," loyalty, bodily injury... the list could go on.

But, in reading through what for me has been a very interesting thread, it seems that many who are disappointed in CM's choice are not so merely (or even mainly) because they are bummed not to see him play in the cardinal and white one last time. Rather, for many who are disappointed (certainly not all), it seems that they are disappointed in CM making what for them is a decision that uncharacteristically (for CM) disregards responsibility to his teammates, coaches, and the institution (which includes, in some way, fans, I suppose). On the other hand, others say that he has no such (or minimal) responsibility at this point; this more "transactional" perspective likely claims that CM has already fulfilled his end of the contract ... and then some. (I do wonder, and posted above, if CM has any sort of fiduciary responsibility to play given he is on scholarship. But he could always back out of that deal, so I am not suggesting it is beholding.)

Anyway, it's actually a complex situation that, as I mentioned, does reflect how one sees the purpose of college, sports, and lots of other things in life. Really interesting, and I thank all of you for your reflections and perspectives.

-m.

PS: Merry Christmas to all!

Yep, as we discuss it you can almost hear strains of "What's it all about, Alfie" playing in the background. :)