CBA Is Lighter on Practices But Will It Lead to More Trouble?

I was briefly listening to the Mike Hill and Mark Schlereth show on ESPN Radio and in that time they were discussing the possibility that one of the unintended consequences of the new C.B.A. is that players are more likely to be in trouble. One of the two talked about how idle time for young guys with a lot of money could lead to more bad decisions. Furthering the theory by saying that the rigors of practice drained players so that following practice all most players wanted to was ice their bodies and lay in bed before the next day. It’s an interesting take and when I had not really considered, but I’m not sure it’s a valid argument.

Even though it seems higher during the off-season, a lot of players do stupid things during the season as well. It comes down to the mindset of each individual. People like Kenny Britt, who have flashed a world of ability and could be perennial pro bowl players if they could just keep their heads on straight, will continue to jeopardize their career with bad decisions (allegedly on this latest incident). I was a big proponent of Kenny Britt and was actually slightly disappointed when the Giants drafted Britt in the first round of the 2009 N.F.L. draft. In 2010 Britt averaged 18.9 yards per receptions and was on a pace for 1033 yards and 12 touchdowns had he played a whole season which is impressive, but now he’s facing a possible suspension because he continues to (allegedly) make bad decisions.

I think it’s possibly a valid hypothesis that with less practice, more players will find themselves in troubles, but it should never be mistaken for an excuse. The majority of players will benefit from less wear and tear on their bodies and potentially prolong their careers or life and that far outweighs the risk that more players will make dumb decisions off the field.

I’ll let Osi Umeinyora end this post.