Jose Sanchez is author of next 2015-2016 MLHS senior student editorial
High School Students Going Pro
If a high school student is good enough to play with the pros, he/she should not have to go to college for it. There are many student athletes that do not want to go to college because they just want to play and focus on the sport they love.
Many gifted athletes who were raised in a hard neighborhood need to make money to help support their families, instead of going to school. Even if they get their college paid for with scholarships, their main focus is still on helping their family.
The point of college is to receive a better education to learn, and know, how to make more money. According to Bleacher Report, if an athlete goes straight to the pros, he/she can start making money right away, which will benefit both them and their families.
An important role in sports is the time players use to practice. an example of this is basketball. According to the sports television channel ESPN, college basketball players have a time restraint on how long they can be in the gym. In the NBA (National Basketball Association), there are no such limitations, which the athletes can use to their advantage to practice, get better and learn more about the game.
Many people are against high school athletes going pro because of the lack of mental and physical maturity some athletes may have. I do not think as many athletes lack maturity as people think. If they can make it to the pros, it is for a reason – they area ready.
Some people also argue that if a high school athlete goes straight to the pros, everyone else will be bigger, faster and stronger than them. I believe that this does not have much of an affect. There will always be someone physically better – even if college comes first – but that does not mean someone will be physically left behind.
Becoming involved with bad elements is a big concern for the young athlete because most people in the pros are at an age to be able to do anything and go anywhere. I do not think that should that much of a problem because the young athlete should know right from wrong because they should have been taught that from a young age.
Although we all have opinions about whether or not high school athletes should go pro, I personally think it should be up to whether or not they have the athletic skills to achieve that goal. If money can be made sooner, why not give the young athletes a chance? Some student athletes struggle getting into college cause of their education status or financial issues, so giving this change to players could change their lives.
Some people may argue with my statements because they believe some young people may lack maturity, which could affect their skill to play. I think that putting them to a test, and seeing of they pass, will prove if they are ready or or not.
In conclusion, in looking at the fact, it is clear which choice is better for the athletes who could then make their dreams a reality.