This essay discusses why athletes enter the pros early
The Lure of Professional Leagues
In the past few years, a great number of college athletes have been leaving school
early to enter into the professional leagues. Some athletes are even skipping college and going
pro straight out of high school. Many people ask what is causing these athletes to turn
professional so early. I believe there are three reasons for their decision.
The first factor that causes students to enter the professional leagues early is simply,
money. These athletes are still just kids. If a kid has ten to twenty million dollars waved in his
face, he is more than likely going to take it without thinking about the consequences. The
majority of adults would jump at that chance. College athletes constantly see the professional
stars doing endorsements on television and being driven around in limousines. College athletes
aren't allowed to do endorsements or promote anything, although the publicity they generate
makes money for the university.
Many of these athletes come from low socioeconomic
backgrounds and are not used to having money. Some are even having to support their own
parents and siblings. These athletes cannot afford to turn down the money.
The second cause for students leaving college early is fame. Many athletes are well-
known in college, but nothing like the athletes who are the professional leagues. Look at
Emmit Smith, the running back for the Dallas Cowboys. A person cannot go into a mall in
America where his jersey is not sold. Both little children and some adults worship him.
Professional athletes are even making their own movies now. What other profession can a
nineteen or twenty year old be paid millions to play a game and have a movie career on the
side? The lure...