[JohnR34231]

[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

Yes, you're right, but I suspect CMac's conscience wouldn't have allowed him to bail on the team with nearly half the season left, whereas one game after the regular season wasn't so bad.

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

Yes, you're right, but I suspect CMac's conscience wouldn't have allowed him to bail on the team with nearly half the season left, whereas one game after the regular season wasn't so bad.

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

Yes, you're right, but I suspect CMac's conscience wouldn't have allowed him to bail on the team with nearly half the season left, whereas one game after the regular season wasn't so bad.

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

Yes, you're right, but I suspect CMac's conscience wouldn't have allowed him to bail on the team with nearly half the season left, whereas one game after the regular season wasn't so bad.

[OutsiderFan]

I know someone mentioned this before and I don't know who or when, but Andy Staples wrote about making redshirts "fireproof" for one game.

http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/...bowl-games

It was me a few days ago in this thread.

I'd certainly take seeing KJ Costello and Trevor Speights play in the Sun Bowl as a decent consolation prize for Mac not being there.

[OutsiderFan]

I know someone mentioned this before and I don't know who or when, but Andy Staples wrote about making redshirts "fireproof" for one game.

http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/...bowl-games

It was me a few days ago in this thread.

I'd certainly take seeing KJ Costello and Trevor Speights play in the Sun Bowl as a decent consolation prize for Mac not being there.

[OutsiderFan]

I know someone mentioned this before and I don't know who or when, but Andy Staples wrote about making redshirts "fireproof" for one game.

http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/...bowl-games

It was me a few days ago in this thread.

I'd certainly take seeing KJ Costello and Trevor Speights play in the Sun Bowl as a decent consolation prize for Mac not being there.

[OutsiderFan]

I know someone mentioned this before and I don't know who or when, but Andy Staples wrote about making redshirts "fireproof" for one game.

http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/...bowl-games

It was me a few days ago in this thread.

I'd certainly take seeing KJ Costello and Trevor Speights play in the Sun Bowl as a decent consolation prize for Mac not being there.

[Goose]

[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

[Goose]

[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

[Goose]

[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

[Goose]

[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=JJJ link=topic=16303.msg183390#msg183390 date=1482376793]
I know someone mentioned this before and I don't know who or when, but Andy Staples wrote about making redshirts "fireproof" for one game.

http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/...bowl-games

It was me a few days ago in this thread.

I'd certainly take seeing KJ Costello and Trevor Speights play in the Sun Bowl as a decent consolation prize for Mac not being there.
[/quote]

Not a bad idea, although knowing Shaw I doubt if we would see much of them, except perhaps at garbage time. His main goals would be (a) to win the game and (b) give Chryst, Love, and Scarlett as much time as possible to get them ready for next year. He would also feel the need to give Burns some bowl game time if Chryst happened to come out.

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=JJJ link=topic=16303.msg183390#msg183390 date=1482376793]
I know someone mentioned this before and I don't know who or when, but Andy Staples wrote about making redshirts "fireproof" for one game.

http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/...bowl-games

It was me a few days ago in this thread.

I'd certainly take seeing KJ Costello and Trevor Speights play in the Sun Bowl as a decent consolation prize for Mac not being there.
[/quote]

Not a bad idea, although knowing Shaw I doubt if we would see much of them, except perhaps at garbage time. His main goals would be (a) to win the game and (b) give Chryst, Love, and Scarlett as much time as possible to get them ready for next year. He would also feel the need to give Burns some bowl game time if Chryst happened to come out.

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=JJJ link=topic=16303.msg183390#msg183390 date=1482376793]
I know someone mentioned this before and I don't know who or when, but Andy Staples wrote about making redshirts "fireproof" for one game.

http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/...bowl-games

It was me a few days ago in this thread.

I'd certainly take seeing KJ Costello and Trevor Speights play in the Sun Bowl as a decent consolation prize for Mac not being there.
[/quote]

Not a bad idea, although knowing Shaw I doubt if we would see much of them, except perhaps at garbage time. His main goals would be (a) to win the game and (b) give Chryst, Love, and Scarlett as much time as possible to get them ready for next year. He would also feel the need to give Burns some bowl game time if Chryst happened to come out.

[JohnR34231]

[quote author=JJJ link=topic=16303.msg183390#msg183390 date=1482376793]
I know someone mentioned this before and I don't know who or when, but Andy Staples wrote about making redshirts "fireproof" for one game.

http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/...bowl-games

It was me a few days ago in this thread.

I'd certainly take seeing KJ Costello and Trevor Speights play in the Sun Bowl as a decent consolation prize for Mac not being there.
[/quote]

Not a bad idea, although knowing Shaw I doubt if we would see much of them, except perhaps at garbage time. His main goals would be (a) to win the game and (b) give Chryst, Love, and Scarlett as much time as possible to get them ready for next year. He would also feel the need to give Burns some bowl game time if Chryst happened to come out.

[Goose]

Sorry about the quote only post. Operator error. My point was as follows. Christian didn't say he was not playing in order to avoid injury. He said it was to "prepare for the draft", whatever that means. Naturally, we all assume, probably correctly, that injury concerns played a role. However, there is another factor that doesn't seem to resonate much on this board, which is a surprise to me. Most of us have either quit one job to take another, or at least left school to take a job. As long as you have not actually decided to move on, you can be "all in" in your present position. But once you have mentally "crossed the Rubicon" and decided to go, it is essentially impossible to be "all in". Reading the Clemson links from this topic demonstrates this. The guys that had decided to go were different. Their priorities were different. They played different. They probably didn't want to (at least appear) to be not as much of a team player, but the fact was that they were not and could not be. I have asked employees who gave their notice to leave early because it was clear they just didn't give a **** about their responsibilities after they had given their notice. I think this is one reason that many players try to postpone the decision to go pro as long as possible, because they realize that once the decide to leave, it is over, and no effort on their part can change that. The Clemson team as a group apparently committed to that approach. CMac probably was trying to avoid the choice as well, but either his own feelings or circumstances caused him to decide that he would leave. Once you do that, you are different, and you know it and feel it. In a sport like football, where instant actions have to come without thought, others will know it too. (See Clemson). So, if CMac had decided before Rice, would he have played? I don't know. Did Shaw know from his experience that this was so and suggest that CMac maybe should get out of the way once he had decided? I  think this is possible. Or, possibly Christian realized his heart and head were just not in the right place. The "not playing" announcement did not come at the same time as the "going to leave" one did. No way to know and nobody would say so if it were true, but it is a theory at least.

[Goose]

Sorry about the quote only post. Operator error. My point was as follows. Christian didn't say he was not playing in order to avoid injury. He said it was to "prepare for the draft", whatever that means. Naturally, we all assume, probably correctly, that injury concerns played a role. However, there is another factor that doesn't seem to resonate much on this board, which is a surprise to me. Most of us have either quit one job to take another, or at least left school to take a job. As long as you have not actually decided to move on, you can be "all in" in your present position. But once you have mentally "crossed the Rubicon" and decided to go, it is essentially impossible to be "all in". Reading the Clemson links from this topic demonstrates this. The guys that had decided to go were different. Their priorities were different. They played different. They probably didn't want to (at least appear) to be not as much of a team player, but the fact was that they were not and could not be. I have asked employees who gave their notice to leave early because it was clear they just didn't give a **** about their responsibilities after they had given their notice. I think this is one reason that many players try to postpone the decision to go pro as long as possible, because they realize that once the decide to leave, it is over, and no effort on their part can change that. The Clemson team as a group apparently committed to that approach. CMac probably was trying to avoid the choice as well, but either his own feelings or circumstances caused him to decide that he would leave. Once you do that, you are different, and you know it and feel it. In a sport like football, where instant actions have to come without thought, others will know it too. (See Clemson). So, if CMac had decided before Rice, would he have played? I don't know. Did Shaw know from his experience that this was so and suggest that CMac maybe should get out of the way once he had decided? I  think this is possible. Or, possibly Christian realized his heart and head were just not in the right place. The "not playing" announcement did not come at the same time as the "going to leave" one did. No way to know and nobody would say so if it were true, but it is a theory at least.

[Goose]

Sorry about the quote only post. Operator error. My point was as follows. Christian didn't say he was not playing in order to avoid injury. He said it was to "prepare for the draft", whatever that means. Naturally, we all assume, probably correctly, that injury concerns played a role. However, there is another factor that doesn't seem to resonate much on this board, which is a surprise to me. Most of us have either quit one job to take another, or at least left school to take a job. As long as you have not actually decided to move on, you can be "all in" in your present position. But once you have mentally "crossed the Rubicon" and decided to go, it is essentially impossible to be "all in". Reading the Clemson links from this topic demonstrates this. The guys that had decided to go were different. Their priorities were different. They played different. They probably didn't want to (at least appear) to be not as much of a team player, but the fact was that they were not and could not be. I have asked employees who gave their notice to leave early because it was clear they just didn't give a **** about their responsibilities after they had given their notice. I think this is one reason that many players try to postpone the decision to go pro as long as possible, because they realize that once the decide to leave, it is over, and no effort on their part can change that. The Clemson team as a group apparently committed to that approach. CMac probably was trying to avoid the choice as well, but either his own feelings or circumstances caused him to decide that he would leave. Once you do that, you are different, and you know it and feel it. In a sport like football, where instant actions have to come without thought, others will know it too. (See Clemson). So, if CMac had decided before Rice, would he have played? I don't know. Did Shaw know from his experience that this was so and suggest that CMac maybe should get out of the way once he had decided? I  think this is possible. Or, possibly Christian realized his heart and head were just not in the right place. The "not playing" announcement did not come at the same time as the "going to leave" one did. No way to know and nobody would say so if it were true, but it is a theory at least.

[Goose]

Sorry about the quote only post. Operator error. My point was as follows. Christian didn't say he was not playing in order to avoid injury. He said it was to "prepare for the draft", whatever that means. Naturally, we all assume, probably correctly, that injury concerns played a role. However, there is another factor that doesn't seem to resonate much on this board, which is a surprise to me. Most of us have either quit one job to take another, or at least left school to take a job. As long as you have not actually decided to move on, you can be "all in" in your present position. But once you have mentally "crossed the Rubicon" and decided to go, it is essentially impossible to be "all in". Reading the Clemson links from this topic demonstrates this. The guys that had decided to go were different. Their priorities were different. They played different. They probably didn't want to (at least appear) to be not as much of a team player, but the fact was that they were not and could not be. I have asked employees who gave their notice to leave early because it was clear they just didn't give a **** about their responsibilities after they had given their notice. I think this is one reason that many players try to postpone the decision to go pro as long as possible, because they realize that once the decide to leave, it is over, and no effort on their part can change that. The Clemson team as a group apparently committed to that approach. CMac probably was trying to avoid the choice as well, but either his own feelings or circumstances caused him to decide that he would leave. Once you do that, you are different, and you know it and feel it. In a sport like football, where instant actions have to come without thought, others will know it too. (See Clemson). So, if CMac had decided before Rice, would he have played? I don't know. Did Shaw know from his experience that this was so and suggest that CMac maybe should get out of the way once he had decided? I  think this is possible. Or, possibly Christian realized his heart and head were just not in the right place. The "not playing" announcement did not come at the same time as the "going to leave" one did. No way to know and nobody would say so if it were true, but it is a theory at least.

[Mick]

[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

+1.  I think you're right, CornFed.  I also think that CMAC has difficulty healing from injuries, and they take a little longer than he might have expected, hence his preference to avoid the Sun Bowl.  I think he may have lingering injuries now.

What I don't think is that he is having any trouble focusing.  I don't think he's mentally moved on from Stanford to the degree that it would impact his play, as Goose suggested.

I also think "preparing for the draft" is a red herring, bordering on an insult to the fans' collective intelligence.  I think the additional two weeks of prep-for-bowl time versus prepping-for-combine time is essentially meaningless, particularly with the combine starting on February 23.  I think it's all about injury reduction/injury avoidance.  I also don't think he wants to convey concern for injury because it would harm his draft position, because quite frankly, if he'd said "I'm not playing in the Bowl Game because I'm banged up..." well, anyone would understand that.  Outside of injury, he's a quitter, and I wonder how many NFL scouts and GMs will balance a 40 time that's five-hundredths faster with the fact that he bailed out on his team.  Players play.

[Mick]

[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

+1.  I think you're right, CornFed.  I also think that CMAC has difficulty healing from injuries, and they take a little longer than he might have expected, hence his preference to avoid the Sun Bowl.  I think he may have lingering injuries now.

What I don't think is that he is having any trouble focusing.  I don't think he's mentally moved on from Stanford to the degree that it would impact his play, as Goose suggested.

I also think "preparing for the draft" is a red herring, bordering on an insult to the fans' collective intelligence.  I think the additional two weeks of prep-for-bowl time versus prepping-for-combine time is essentially meaningless, particularly with the combine starting on February 23.  I think it's all about injury reduction/injury avoidance.  I also don't think he wants to convey concern for injury because it would harm his draft position, because quite frankly, if he'd said "I'm not playing in the Bowl Game because I'm banged up..." well, anyone would understand that.  Outside of injury, he's a quitter, and I wonder how many NFL scouts and GMs will balance a 40 time that's five-hundredths faster with the fact that he bailed out on his team.  Players play.

[Mick]

[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

+1.  I think you're right, CornFed.  I also think that CMAC has difficulty healing from injuries, and they take a little longer than he might have expected, hence his preference to avoid the Sun Bowl.  I think he may have lingering injuries now.

What I don't think is that he is having any trouble focusing.  I don't think he's mentally moved on from Stanford to the degree that it would impact his play, as Goose suggested.

I also think "preparing for the draft" is a red herring, bordering on an insult to the fans' collective intelligence.  I think the additional two weeks of prep-for-bowl time versus prepping-for-combine time is essentially meaningless, particularly with the combine starting on February 23.  I think it's all about injury reduction/injury avoidance.  I also don't think he wants to convey concern for injury because it would harm his draft position, because quite frankly, if he'd said "I'm not playing in the Bowl Game because I'm banged up..." well, anyone would understand that.  Outside of injury, he's a quitter, and I wonder how many NFL scouts and GMs will balance a 40 time that's five-hundredths faster with the fact that he bailed out on his team.  Players play.

[Mick]

[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

+1.  I think you're right, CornFed.  I also think that CMAC has difficulty healing from injuries, and they take a little longer than he might have expected, hence his preference to avoid the Sun Bowl.  I think he may have lingering injuries now.

What I don't think is that he is having any trouble focusing.  I don't think he's mentally moved on from Stanford to the degree that it would impact his play, as Goose suggested.

I also think "preparing for the draft" is a red herring, bordering on an insult to the fans' collective intelligence.  I think the additional two weeks of prep-for-bowl time versus prepping-for-combine time is essentially meaningless, particularly with the combine starting on February 23.  I think it's all about injury reduction/injury avoidance.  I also don't think he wants to convey concern for injury because it would harm his draft position, because quite frankly, if he'd said "I'm not playing in the Bowl Game because I'm banged up..." well, anyone would understand that.  Outside of injury, he's a quitter, and I wonder how many NFL scouts and GMs will balance a 40 time that's five-hundredths faster with the fact that he bailed out on his team.  Players play.

[Mick]

[quote author=martyup link=topic=16303.msg183373#msg183373 date=1482372533]
I wonder if a better way to achieve his goal to stay healthy for the NFL combine would have been to go to Shaw and say that he would play in the game, but that he wanted his touches limited.  If he would have done that, he would not have been perceived as letting his team down.

Well, that wasn't exactly his stated goal though I think that would have potentially been a good idea.

He said we wanted to prepare for the draft,  not avoid injury or stay healthy. Perhaps he feels another couple weeks of specialized outside training is more beneficial than team based bowl prep...
[/quote]

Yes, that's exactly what NFL scouts and GMs want to hear (CM thinks), so I'm 100% certain it's accurate. 

[Mick]

[quote author=martyup link=topic=16303.msg183373#msg183373 date=1482372533]
I wonder if a better way to achieve his goal to stay healthy for the NFL combine would have been to go to Shaw and say that he would play in the game, but that he wanted his touches limited.  If he would have done that, he would not have been perceived as letting his team down.

Well, that wasn't exactly his stated goal though I think that would have potentially been a good idea.

He said we wanted to prepare for the draft,  not avoid injury or stay healthy. Perhaps he feels another couple weeks of specialized outside training is more beneficial than team based bowl prep...
[/quote]

Yes, that's exactly what NFL scouts and GMs want to hear (CM thinks), so I'm 100% certain it's accurate. 

[Mick]

[quote author=martyup link=topic=16303.msg183373#msg183373 date=1482372533]
I wonder if a better way to achieve his goal to stay healthy for the NFL combine would have been to go to Shaw and say that he would play in the game, but that he wanted his touches limited.  If he would have done that, he would not have been perceived as letting his team down.

Well, that wasn't exactly his stated goal though I think that would have potentially been a good idea.

He said we wanted to prepare for the draft,  not avoid injury or stay healthy. Perhaps he feels another couple weeks of specialized outside training is more beneficial than team based bowl prep...
[/quote]

Yes, that's exactly what NFL scouts and GMs want to hear (CM thinks), so I'm 100% certain it's accurate. 

[Mick]

[quote author=martyup link=topic=16303.msg183373#msg183373 date=1482372533]
I wonder if a better way to achieve his goal to stay healthy for the NFL combine would have been to go to Shaw and say that he would play in the game, but that he wanted his touches limited.  If he would have done that, he would not have been perceived as letting his team down.

Well, that wasn't exactly his stated goal though I think that would have potentially been a good idea.

He said we wanted to prepare for the draft,  not avoid injury or stay healthy. Perhaps he feels another couple weeks of specialized outside training is more beneficial than team based bowl prep...
[/quote]

Yes, that's exactly what NFL scouts and GMs want to hear (CM thinks), so I'm 100% certain it's accurate. 

[Mick]

[quote author=martyup link=topic=16303.msg183351#msg183351 date=1482368733]
[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183333#msg183333 date=1482363909]
At some point further discussion amounts to simply honing one's debate skills.  It is, though, why I love reading the CardBoard.  You folks have some chops.  Great points have been made.

True.  Seventeen pages on this topic.  A very heated debate about a very significant decision by a very significant player in Stanford football history.  I'm glad this debate didn't devolve into ad hominem.
[/quote]

This is a national story as it raises a lot of issues that impact all fan bases. Is this a new trend? Can you believe he did that?

I visit a Michigan message board and they had more comments on this topic than the Cardboard.  The majority of those comments are much less  understanding and forgiving of CMac's decision as the Stanford fan base. The consensus seems to be that CMac is very selfish in bailing on his team even if it makes economic sense for him. They feel that a true Michigan man wouldn't make that decision and they are worried that CMac's selfish attitude will run in the family and carry over to his brother who is headed to Michigan.  This decision of his is creating more publicity than his announcement to go pro or his    snub.  This is still discussed on Sportscenter and talk radio shows all over the country. This mixed publicity is not helpful to the young man as he seeks employment and future endorsements. As I stated earlier in this thread, I think he will look back one day and regret not playing in the Sun Bowl.  I understand why he did it and it makes economic sense, but not all decisions we make are driven by economics and it bums me out that CMac made this particular decision.
[/quote]

Personally, I think this is going to become the new normal -- the football equivalent of the one-and-dones, as another poster put it.  I think that NFL draft/free agent candidates will bail on bowl games if the players perceive that the game won't help their draft status.  So they'll most likely play in Jan. 1 and later games, but not in bowls before Jan. 1. 

This will pose quite a dilemma for coaches.  They want and need the best players, but i'm certain that it drives them batsxxt crazy when they see CMAC or Fournette quit.  At the same time, they can't really come out and publicly say that, or it will harm their recruiting of all the 17 year old 3, 4 and 5 star players who think they'll be in the NFL one day.

[Mick]

[quote author=martyup link=topic=16303.msg183351#msg183351 date=1482368733]
[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183333#msg183333 date=1482363909]
At some point further discussion amounts to simply honing one's debate skills.  It is, though, why I love reading the CardBoard.  You folks have some chops.  Great points have been made.

True.  Seventeen pages on this topic.  A very heated debate about a very significant decision by a very significant player in Stanford football history.  I'm glad this debate didn't devolve into ad hominem.
[/quote]

This is a national story as it raises a lot of issues that impact all fan bases. Is this a new trend? Can you believe he did that?

I visit a Michigan message board and they had more comments on this topic than the Cardboard.  The majority of those comments are much less  understanding and forgiving of CMac's decision as the Stanford fan base. The consensus seems to be that CMac is very selfish in bailing on his team even if it makes economic sense for him. They feel that a true Michigan man wouldn't make that decision and they are worried that CMac's selfish attitude will run in the family and carry over to his brother who is headed to Michigan.  This decision of his is creating more publicity than his announcement to go pro or his    snub.  This is still discussed on Sportscenter and talk radio shows all over the country. This mixed publicity is not helpful to the young man as he seeks employment and future endorsements. As I stated earlier in this thread, I think he will look back one day and regret not playing in the Sun Bowl.  I understand why he did it and it makes economic sense, but not all decisions we make are driven by economics and it bums me out that CMac made this particular decision.
[/quote]

Personally, I think this is going to become the new normal -- the football equivalent of the one-and-dones, as another poster put it.  I think that NFL draft/free agent candidates will bail on bowl games if the players perceive that the game won't help their draft status.  So they'll most likely play in Jan. 1 and later games, but not in bowls before Jan. 1. 

This will pose quite a dilemma for coaches.  They want and need the best players, but i'm certain that it drives them batsxxt crazy when they see CMAC or Fournette quit.  At the same time, they can't really come out and publicly say that, or it will harm their recruiting of all the 17 year old 3, 4 and 5 star players who think they'll be in the NFL one day.

[Mick]

[quote author=martyup link=topic=16303.msg183351#msg183351 date=1482368733]
[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183333#msg183333 date=1482363909]
At some point further discussion amounts to simply honing one's debate skills.  It is, though, why I love reading the CardBoard.  You folks have some chops.  Great points have been made.

True.  Seventeen pages on this topic.  A very heated debate about a very significant decision by a very significant player in Stanford football history.  I'm glad this debate didn't devolve into ad hominem.
[/quote]

This is a national story as it raises a lot of issues that impact all fan bases. Is this a new trend? Can you believe he did that?

I visit a Michigan message board and they had more comments on this topic than the Cardboard.  The majority of those comments are much less  understanding and forgiving of CMac's decision as the Stanford fan base. The consensus seems to be that CMac is very selfish in bailing on his team even if it makes economic sense for him. They feel that a true Michigan man wouldn't make that decision and they are worried that CMac's selfish attitude will run in the family and carry over to his brother who is headed to Michigan.  This decision of his is creating more publicity than his announcement to go pro or his    snub.  This is still discussed on Sportscenter and talk radio shows all over the country. This mixed publicity is not helpful to the young man as he seeks employment and future endorsements. As I stated earlier in this thread, I think he will look back one day and regret not playing in the Sun Bowl.  I understand why he did it and it makes economic sense, but not all decisions we make are driven by economics and it bums me out that CMac made this particular decision.
[/quote]

Personally, I think this is going to become the new normal -- the football equivalent of the one-and-dones, as another poster put it.  I think that NFL draft/free agent candidates will bail on bowl games if the players perceive that the game won't help their draft status.  So they'll most likely play in Jan. 1 and later games, but not in bowls before Jan. 1. 

This will pose quite a dilemma for coaches.  They want and need the best players, but i'm certain that it drives them batsxxt crazy when they see CMAC or Fournette quit.  At the same time, they can't really come out and publicly say that, or it will harm their recruiting of all the 17 year old 3, 4 and 5 star players who think they'll be in the NFL one day.

[Mick]

[quote author=martyup link=topic=16303.msg183351#msg183351 date=1482368733]
[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183333#msg183333 date=1482363909]
At some point further discussion amounts to simply honing one's debate skills.  It is, though, why I love reading the CardBoard.  You folks have some chops.  Great points have been made.

True.  Seventeen pages on this topic.  A very heated debate about a very significant decision by a very significant player in Stanford football history.  I'm glad this debate didn't devolve into ad hominem.
[/quote]

This is a national story as it raises a lot of issues that impact all fan bases. Is this a new trend? Can you believe he did that?

I visit a Michigan message board and they had more comments on this topic than the Cardboard.  The majority of those comments are much less  understanding and forgiving of CMac's decision as the Stanford fan base. The consensus seems to be that CMac is very selfish in bailing on his team even if it makes economic sense for him. They feel that a true Michigan man wouldn't make that decision and they are worried that CMac's selfish attitude will run in the family and carry over to his brother who is headed to Michigan.  This decision of his is creating more publicity than his announcement to go pro or his    snub.  This is still discussed on Sportscenter and talk radio shows all over the country. This mixed publicity is not helpful to the young man as he seeks employment and future endorsements. As I stated earlier in this thread, I think he will look back one day and regret not playing in the Sun Bowl.  I understand why he did it and it makes economic sense, but not all decisions we make are driven by economics and it bums me out that CMac made this particular decision.
[/quote]

Personally, I think this is going to become the new normal -- the football equivalent of the one-and-dones, as another poster put it.  I think that NFL draft/free agent candidates will bail on bowl games if the players perceive that the game won't help their draft status.  So they'll most likely play in Jan. 1 and later games, but not in bowls before Jan. 1. 

This will pose quite a dilemma for coaches.  They want and need the best players, but i'm certain that it drives them batsxxt crazy when they see CMAC or Fournette quit.  At the same time, they can't really come out and publicly say that, or it will harm their recruiting of all the 17 year old 3, 4 and 5 star players who think they'll be in the NFL one day.

[Mick]

[quote author=winflop link=topic=16303.msg183402#msg183402 date=1482416830]
[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

Yes, you're right, but I suspect CMac's conscience wouldn't have allowed him to bail on the team with nearly half the season left, whereas one game after the regular season wasn't so bad.
[/quote]

He had three straight sub-par games through the Colorado game.  His draft status was pretty poor, to be candid, relative to what it was after five straight games of 135 to 284 yards rushing post-Colorado game.  so he was never going to punk out immediately after Colorado, he had to establish the best draft status possible.

Let's face it...what's good for the individual player is largely good for the team...until it isn't.

[Mick]

[quote author=winflop link=topic=16303.msg183402#msg183402 date=1482416830]
[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

Yes, you're right, but I suspect CMac's conscience wouldn't have allowed him to bail on the team with nearly half the season left, whereas one game after the regular season wasn't so bad.
[/quote]

He had three straight sub-par games through the Colorado game.  His draft status was pretty poor, to be candid, relative to what it was after five straight games of 135 to 284 yards rushing post-Colorado game.  so he was never going to punk out immediately after Colorado, he had to establish the best draft status possible.

Let's face it...what's good for the individual player is largely good for the team...until it isn't.

[Mick]

[quote author=winflop link=topic=16303.msg183402#msg183402 date=1482416830]
[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

Yes, you're right, but I suspect CMac's conscience wouldn't have allowed him to bail on the team with nearly half the season left, whereas one game after the regular season wasn't so bad.
[/quote]

He had three straight sub-par games through the Colorado game.  His draft status was pretty poor, to be candid, relative to what it was after five straight games of 135 to 284 yards rushing post-Colorado game.  so he was never going to punk out immediately after Colorado, he had to establish the best draft status possible.

Let's face it...what's good for the individual player is largely good for the team...until it isn't.

[Mick]

[quote author=winflop link=topic=16303.msg183402#msg183402 date=1482416830]
[quote author=CornFed link=topic=16303.msg183393#msg183393 date=1482383369]
[quote author=jacketree link=topic=16303.msg183382#msg183382 date=1482375282]
That's an interesting point about endorsements. Telegenic guy, but "quitting on team" reputation doesn't move a lot of widgets necessarily. Wonder if it matters, anyone cares or it will affect the bottom line.

The more I read, the more I believe this is all about shaving a few hundredths of a second off his 40 time.

The more I read the more I am convinced that it is almost entirely related to mitigating how an existing or potential injury might affect his draft value.  Clearly, avoiding injury is the first benefit to not playing in the game.  Further, whatever residual effects he may have from earlier injuries will have time to heal that much further.  Also, if he does sense a lingering injury, notwithstanding that it did not affect his performance in the last few games, he might be concerned that it could impair his performance in the game.

I specifically do not believe that an additional few weeks of preparations will affect his combine results sufficiently to make a difference in his draft position.
[/quote]

I agree that it's about avoiding injury in a "meaningless" game, but if the consensus is that he would have only played in an RB or CFP, isn't every game after the loss to Colorado a risk of injury in a "meaningless" game?
[/quote]

Yes, you're right, but I suspect CMac's conscience wouldn't have allowed him to bail on the team with nearly half the season left, whereas one game after the regular season wasn't so bad.
[/quote]

He had three straight sub-par games through the Colorado game.  His draft status was pretty poor, to be candid, relative to what it was after five straight games of 135 to 284 yards rushing post-Colorado game.  so he was never going to punk out immediately after Colorado, he had to establish the best draft status possible.

Let's face it...what's good for the individual player is largely good for the team...until it isn't.

[Goose]

What I don't think is that he is having any trouble focusing.  I don't think he's mentally moved on from Stanford to the degree that it would impact his play, as Goose suggested.

I also think "preparing for the draft" is a red herring, bordering on an insult to the fans' collective intelligence.  I think the additional two weeks of prep-for-bowl time versus prepping-for-combine time is essentially meaningless, particularly with the combine starting on February 23.  I think it's all about injury reduction/injury avoidance.  I also don't think he wants to convey concern for injury because it would harm his draft position, because quite frankly, if he'd said "I'm not playing in the Bowl Game because I'm banged up..." well, anyone would understand that.  Outside of injury, he's a quitter, and I wonder how many NFL scouts and GMs will balance a 40 time that's five-hundredths faster with the fact that he bailed out on his team.  Players play.

Well, I certainly can't know for sure. It is clear he has moved on, because he isn't playing. I agree that "prepare for the draft" is very non-specific and therefore is not a compelling argument as to why he isn't playing. I do agree that Players Play. And I don't think that CMac is a quitter. He has always been a Player. I do know that choosing to not come back and support the team that you have dedicated the three most important years of your young life towards has to be emotionally very, very difficult. It may be intellectually a "no brainer" because her is a running back etc.etc. So you have made the choice an gotten over the emotional links, and are going to go. That is real, real hard. You can only do that by cutting the ties. And once you do that, you feel empty. The idea of playing another game with these guys after you have finally got over the hump and decided to go could be real hard, especially if you are a Player.
Not getting hurt is a great intellectual reason to not play. But as the reaction on this board shows, it is not an emotionally satisfying one. My personal gut tells me that CMac would follow his heart and play if his heart told him to do so. I just think his heart is telling him that he has decided to go, so go now. Don't make it harder by trying to play when you are no longer "all in". It is not a matter of focus, it is a matter of commitment. He isn't any more, and he knows he isn't. He may have had some help in deciding this from a coaching staff that believes that "when you are gone, you are gone. Sometimes, if you are still eligible, you can come back. But you are in, or you are out. You can't be both. Next Man Up."
So the question becomes, "Is this a calculated move designed to avoid injury, is this Christian just not feeling he should play, or is it the coaching staff wanting to move on?". My answer is yes. All three are probably true to some extent. I just think that if Christian really felt he had it in him to play, he would have kept his mouth shut and played. I think if it were a pre-planned, calculated move entirely it would have happened at the same time he announced going pro, and it would certainly have had a better explanation than "prepare for the draft". I think that if Shaw had said "Christian, we really need you out there.", he would be playing. Granted, these are "I thinks", not "I know", but from what we do know, it seems to me that the second and third conditions would need to be met or else he would play.
The old statement "Lead, follow or get out if the way" is in action here. As a Freshman, he followed. As a Sophomore and Junior, he lead. Now, he has decided to get out of the way. Good for him.

[Goose]

What I don't think is that he is having any trouble focusing.  I don't think he's mentally moved on from Stanford to the degree that it would impact his play, as Goose suggested.

I also think "preparing for the draft" is a red herring, bordering on an insult to the fans' collective intelligence.  I think the additional two weeks of prep-for-bowl time versus prepping-for-combine time is essentially meaningless, particularly with the combine starting on February 23.  I think it's all about injury reduction/injury avoidance.  I also don't think he wants to convey concern for injury because it would harm his draft position, because quite frankly, if he'd said "I'm not playing in the Bowl Game because I'm banged up..." well, anyone would understand that.  Outside of injury, he's a quitter, and I wonder how many NFL scouts and GMs will balance a 40 time that's five-hundredths faster with the fact that he bailed out on his team.  Players play.

Well, I certainly can't know for sure. It is clear he has moved on, because he isn't playing. I agree that "prepare for the draft" is very non-specific and therefore is not a compelling argument as to why he isn't playing. I do agree that Players Play. And I don't think that CMac is a quitter. He has always been a Player. I do know that choosing to not come back and support the team that you have dedicated the three most important years of your young life towards has to be emotionally very, very difficult. It may be intellectually a "no brainer" because her is a running back etc.etc. So you have made the choice an gotten over the emotional links, and are going to go. That is real, real hard. You can only do that by cutting the ties. And once you do that, you feel empty. The idea of playing another game with these guys after you have finally got over the hump and decided to go could be real hard, especially if you are a Player.
Not getting hurt is a great intellectual reason to not play. But as the reaction on this board shows, it is not an emotionally satisfying one. My personal gut tells me that CMac would follow his heart and play if his heart told him to do so. I just think his heart is telling him that he has decided to go, so go now. Don't make it harder by trying to play when you are no longer "all in". It is not a matter of focus, it is a matter of commitment. He isn't any more, and he knows he isn't. He may have had some help in deciding this from a coaching staff that believes that "when you are gone, you are gone. Sometimes, if you are still eligible, you can come back. But you are in, or you are out. You can't be both. Next Man Up."
So the question becomes, "Is this a calculated move designed to avoid injury, is this Christian just not feeling he should play, or is it the coaching staff wanting to move on?". My answer is yes. All three are probably true to some extent. I just think that if Christian really felt he had it in him to play, he would have kept his mouth shut and played. I think if it were a pre-planned, calculated move entirely it would have happened at the same time he announced going pro, and it would certainly have had a better explanation than "prepare for the draft". I think that if Shaw had said "Christian, we really need you out there.", he would be playing. Granted, these are "I thinks", not "I know", but from what we do know, it seems to me that the second and third conditions would need to be met or else he would play.
The old statement "Lead, follow or get out if the way" is in action here. As a Freshman, he followed. As a Sophomore and Junior, he lead. Now, he has decided to get out of the way. Good for him.

[Goose]

What I don't think is that he is having any trouble focusing.  I don't think he's mentally moved on from Stanford to the degree that it would impact his play, as Goose suggested.

I also think "preparing for the draft" is a red herring, bordering on an insult to the fans' collective intelligence.  I think the additional two weeks of prep-for-bowl time versus prepping-for-combine time is essentially meaningless, particularly with the combine starting on February 23.  I think it's all about injury reduction/injury avoidance.  I also don't think he wants to convey concern for injury because it would harm his draft position, because quite frankly, if he'd said "I'm not playing in the Bowl Game because I'm banged up..." well, anyone would understand that.  Outside of injury, he's a quitter, and I wonder how many NFL scouts and GMs will balance a 40 time that's five-hundredths faster with the fact that he bailed out on his team.  Players play.

Well, I certainly can't know for sure. It is clear he has moved on, because he isn't playing. I agree that "prepare for the draft" is very non-specific and therefore is not a compelling argument as to why he isn't playing. I do agree that Players Play. And I don't think that CMac is a quitter. He has always been a Player. I do know that choosing to not come back and support the team that you have dedicated the three most important years of your young life towards has to be emotionally very, very difficult. It may be intellectually a "no brainer" because her is a running back etc.etc. So you have made the choice an gotten over the emotional links, and are going to go. That is real, real hard. You can only do that by cutting the ties. And once you do that, you feel empty. The idea of playing another game with these guys after you have finally got over the hump and decided to go could be real hard, especially if you are a Player.
Not getting hurt is a great intellectual reason to not play. But as the reaction on this board shows, it is not an emotionally satisfying one. My personal gut tells me that CMac would follow his heart and play if his heart told him to do so. I just think his heart is telling him that he has decided to go, so go now. Don't make it harder by trying to play when you are no longer "all in". It is not a matter of focus, it is a matter of commitment. He isn't any more, and he knows he isn't. He may have had some help in deciding this from a coaching staff that believes that "when you are gone, you are gone. Sometimes, if you are still eligible, you can come back. But you are in, or you are out. You can't be both. Next Man Up."
So the question becomes, "Is this a calculated move designed to avoid injury, is this Christian just not feeling he should play, or is it the coaching staff wanting to move on?". My answer is yes. All three are probably true to some extent. I just think that if Christian really felt he had it in him to play, he would have kept his mouth shut and played. I think if it were a pre-planned, calculated move entirely it would have happened at the same time he announced going pro, and it would certainly have had a better explanation than "prepare for the draft". I think that if Shaw had said "Christian, we really need you out there.", he would be playing. Granted, these are "I thinks", not "I know", but from what we do know, it seems to me that the second and third conditions would need to be met or else he would play.
The old statement "Lead, follow or get out if the way" is in action here. As a Freshman, he followed. As a Sophomore and Junior, he lead. Now, he has decided to get out of the way. Good for him.

[Goose]

What I don't think is that he is having any trouble focusing.  I don't think he's mentally moved on from Stanford to the degree that it would impact his play, as Goose suggested.

I also think "preparing for the draft" is a red herring, bordering on an insult to the fans' collective intelligence.  I think the additional two weeks of prep-for-bowl time versus prepping-for-combine time is essentially meaningless, particularly with the combine starting on February 23.  I think it's all about injury reduction/injury avoidance.  I also don't think he wants to convey concern for injury because it would harm his draft position, because quite frankly, if he'd said "I'm not playing in the Bowl Game because I'm banged up..." well, anyone would understand that.  Outside of injury, he's a quitter, and I wonder how many NFL scouts and GMs will balance a 40 time that's five-hundredths faster with the fact that he bailed out on his team.  Players play.

Well, I certainly can't know for sure. It is clear he has moved on, because he isn't playing. I agree that "prepare for the draft" is very non-specific and therefore is not a compelling argument as to why he isn't playing. I do agree that Players Play. And I don't think that CMac is a quitter. He has always been a Player. I do know that choosing to not come back and support the team that you have dedicated the three most important years of your young life towards has to be emotionally very, very difficult. It may be intellectually a "no brainer" because her is a running back etc.etc. So you have made the choice an gotten over the emotional links, and are going to go. That is real, real hard. You can only do that by cutting the ties. And once you do that, you feel empty. The idea of playing another game with these guys after you have finally got over the hump and decided to go could be real hard, especially if you are a Player.
Not getting hurt is a great intellectual reason to not play. But as the reaction on this board shows, it is not an emotionally satisfying one. My personal gut tells me that CMac would follow his heart and play if his heart told him to do so. I just think his heart is telling him that he has decided to go, so go now. Don't make it harder by trying to play when you are no longer "all in". It is not a matter of focus, it is a matter of commitment. He isn't any more, and he knows he isn't. He may have had some help in deciding this from a coaching staff that believes that "when you are gone, you are gone. Sometimes, if you are still eligible, you can come back. But you are in, or you are out. You can't be both. Next Man Up."
So the question becomes, "Is this a calculated move designed to avoid injury, is this Christian just not feeling he should play, or is it the coaching staff wanting to move on?". My answer is yes. All three are probably true to some extent. I just think that if Christian really felt he had it in him to play, he would have kept his mouth shut and played. I think if it were a pre-planned, calculated move entirely it would have happened at the same time he announced going pro, and it would certainly have had a better explanation than "prepare for the draft". I think that if Shaw had said "Christian, we really need you out there.", he would be playing. Granted, these are "I thinks", not "I know", but from what we do know, it seems to me that the second and third conditions would need to be met or else he would play.
The old statement "Lead, follow or get out if the way" is in action here. As a Freshman, he followed. As a Sophomore and Junior, he lead. Now, he has decided to get out of the way. Good for him.