September 14th, 2020 at 10:29 AM ^
That’s pretty much right. TECHNICALLY, just saying out loud “I declare for the draft” is meaningless. However, consider the ramifications and reality behind that statement. It likely means the individual hasn’t been practicing with the team, and possibly not at all anywhere in the last few weeks. That would mean the team and coaches have moved on to replace you.
I think it would depend on how you messaged your departure with the coaches and teammates as to whether you’d be welcomed back with open arms and plugged right back in, forced to work harder than anyone else, or possibly told no, can’t come back.
edit: as others have mentioned...it likely also means they didn’t enroll in classes, which is why you probably saw some of them declare when they did. That would preclude them from a return.
September 14th, 2020 at 10:36 AM ^
In our case, you'd have to think that the coaches would be very happy to work both Mayfield and Thomas back into the rotation.
8.3.2September 14th, 2020 at 10:47 AM ^
I think this is a fan pipe dream honestly. Very good chance those two have no interest in coming back. They’ve made a decision they’re comfortable with, and I wish them all the best.
September 14th, 2020 at 10:56 AM ^
Sam answered some of these questions 2 weeks ago. Ambry was opting out because of his pre-existing condition, but he did sign with an agent and has been working out on that agents dime. Mayfield was still a possibility to play.
https://omny.fm/shows/michigan-insider/005-if-b1g-plays-football-on-mayfield-thomas-09032
September 14th, 2020 at 12:29 PM ^
I thought someone said both of them are not on campus or taking classes?
September 14th, 2020 at 3:41 PM ^
Assuming they are academically eligible but hired an agent/took money, couldn't they just pull a Chase Young and give it back? Probably not, because NCAA....
September 14th, 2020 at 2:25 PM ^
I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY!!
September 14th, 2020 at 10:30 AM ^
In these unprecedented times, as we all learn to navigate the “new normal,” you’d think the NCAA would adjust rules and make this very clear. Alas, they probably won’t...
September 14th, 2020 at 2:11 PM ^
Good one, Faux. You used NCAA and think in the same sentence. That's pretty damn hard to do!
September 14th, 2020 at 10:31 AM ^
Great question. This Link has some information on this topic.
September 14th, 2020 at 10:35 AM ^
Another aspect is whether or not they are enrolled in classes. Mayfield opted out weeks ago. If he's not taking classes he wouldn't be eligible even if he didn't hire an agent or take any money.
September 14th, 2020 at 12:55 PM ^
Osu doesn't start for another couple weeks. Funny how this works out for them.
September 14th, 2020 at 1:54 PM ^
I think they do a couple weird interim term kind of things but their full semester classes started August 25. Here's a story talking about a bunch of kids getting suspended for violating social distancing back in mid August after students moved back.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/25/us/ohio-state-university-suspensions-trnd/index.html
September 14th, 2020 at 10:41 AM ^
Got to let them play.
Otherwise total bullshit. Extraordinary circumstances...
September 14th, 2020 at 11:07 AM ^
Are you typing on a CB radio by any chance? Over...
September 14th, 2020 at 11:07 AM ^
I've been told that they can return, even after signing with an agent, as long as they don't accept cash from the agent.
That came from an actual Big Ten coach in person. I have no idea if that rule is hard and fast or a generalization subject to other pertinent factors.
Take it for what it is worth.
September 14th, 2020 at 11:13 AM ^
Until told otherwise, I'd just go ahead and think any player who declared for the draft already is ineligible for any sort of an upcoming season.
September 14th, 2020 at 11:37 AM ^
Not sure it will matter, Dan Patrick just tweeted that Michigan State is going to opt out and likely Michigan too. FYI I don’t know how reputable he is.
September 14th, 2020 at 11:43 AM ^
Well, he's no "Sir Yacht". I can tell you that much!
September 14th, 2020 at 11:54 AM ^
Didn’t it get reported over the weekend that all 14 would play if there is a return?
September 14th, 2020 at 12:16 PM ^
We all want to see Michigan football, but why would anyone believe any "rumor"? The Presidents haven't spoken one word on this issue. Before the cancellation the only thing we hear was most schools wouldn't play if students weren't allowed on campus. Since then, even after the vote to cancel, the only people we hear from are coaches, a couple of AD's and politicians. No President or Chancellor has spoken a word. Why would they "leak" something now?
September 14th, 2020 at 12:52 PM ^
Paperwork is sent to the NFLPA binding the player to the agent. This SRA (standard representation agreement) is what essentially ends a player's eligibility. At that point, the player would also be taking money for expenses for training that the agent is fronting. So basically that's all she wrote for Mayfield and Ambry (they have both done the above process).
September 14th, 2020 at 12:56 PM ^
Wasn't Ambry thinking of opting out because of health reasons as well?
September 14th, 2020 at 12:59 PM ^
Yeah, his well-known health issues meant that it made the most sense to just move on and start the pro process. What some fans don't realize is that for some guys they just want to start getting paid. The sooner they sign with an agent, the sooner they can start earning money for auto signings, social endorsements, etc. Why wait 3 months for the potential to possibly play, when you can start earning the $ now.
September 14th, 2020 at 1:56 PM ^
For some of these players, they can improve their draft status with another season of film.
September 14th, 2020 at 6:04 PM ^
100% but agents are also pushing the fact that the season is going to get cancelled, and why take the unnecessary risk when you can get paid now and go train for 4 months in Cali?
They're pitching, for example, if you're a 3rd round guy the combine performance is what will make you move up, not 3-4 weeks of game film. Just reporting what the pitch is being made to the players.
September 14th, 2020 at 1:04 PM ^
If they get an agent then they're likely ineligible; same if they stop attending classes. I also assume most guys who declared already don't plan on returning, though maybe a couple will kick the tires about coming back.