Godwin, who may be faced with this choice is less
than a year’s time. He had two perspectives to the
question of whether the education is more than the
degree? First he feh that, “It depends on whether or
not your family is in a financially stable situation and
if so; the money can outweigh the school.” Also peo
ple have to rate their priorities and if education is a
key factor, they should stay in school. When asked
whether he would leave early, he had a slightly differ
ent answer. He stated that his “Life is planned where
he can do both, and he would [only] sign under the
conditions, that he could come back and graduate the
following year.” Is essence he feels that the money is
worth more than the degree if you are forced to leave
only under financial circumstances which involve
supporting your family.
1 do not blame sophomores Elton Brand,-the num
ber one pick in the 1999 NBA draft I-, William Avery
and freshman, Corey Maggette for leaving -one of the
country’s finest basketball programs, - Duke
University to pursue a chance at stardom. They left a
lower level of stardom at Duke to embark on a higher
level in the NBA. At this level their hard work not
only gives them glory, but a nice paycheck as well.
We must not forget our very own Antwan Jamison
and Vince Carter who decided to go to the NBA.
Vince Carter was even awarded the NBA Rookie of
the Year for the 1998-99 basketball season. I am sure
that he felt that he made the right decision. Most ath
letes who play college sports see it as a stepping stone
to the pros. In the pros, they have the potential to
become millionaires. There are not many jobs where
a person with a college degree can make a million
plus dollars a year, maybe not in a lifetime. By stay
ing in college the player risks the chance of getting
injured and the opportunity is gone within the wink of
an eye. Even individuals who choose not to attend
college, I wholeheartedly agree with their decision.
Look at Kevin Garnett, who plays for Minnesota
Timberwolves. He signed a six year $125 million
dollar contract in 1997.2 It is virtually impossible for
anyone to make those kinds of earnings. We can not
forget Kobe Bryant with the 1100 SAT score,3 who
used his brains to make the smart choice. He can
always go back and get his education later. He does
not even have to worry about paying loans back when
he is done. Everyone says that money is not every
thing, but it is the main reason why high school and
Photo: courtesy of UNC Sports Information
collegiate athletes opt to leave early. To answer the
question, is the money worth more than the degree?
It is not my call but, my answer is simple; seize the
day. A person should not overlook going back to fin
ish their education, but they should take to the time
and weigh their options. They will not always have
the physical ability to shoot a jumper, hit a homerun
or make a touchdown.
December 1999
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