White shows how commitment is not quite dead yet

Thank you Devin White!
You have restored my faith in mankind!
When the junior linebacker declared that he will play for the Tigers in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day, White did something that cornerback Greedy Williams could not do; honor his commitment.
White’s decision to be there with his teammates in the trenches when LSU takes on one of the hottest teams in the country over the past couple of years, the University of Central Florida. He bucked the disturbing trend of underclassmen forgoing playing in a post-season game because they are projected to be a first round pick in the NFL draft.
When asked why he decided to make his appearance in what could be his last game in purple and gold, White’s response was succinct, but gave us all a powerful glimpse into the type of character that we all should strive for.
“It’s the next game on the schedule,” he said. “I signed up to play football for LSU.”
Wow!
No doubt if White chooses to declare for the draft he more than likely would be a top 20 selection; one that would make him an instant millionaire. In fact, CBSSports.com has White projected as the No. 11 choice.
Knowing this, White has still decided that strapping up the helmet against the Knights is more important than risking an injury that could jeopardize the chance of never playing professional football. That decision makes players like Williams look, well uh, greedy.
Listen, I have no problem with underclassmen leaving early if they have the talent enough to be a first round pick and are set to make the insane amount of money NFL teams give for that talent. Hell, if I were lucky enough to have the God given talent to be in that situation, I would more than likely leave early too.
If one wants to give up the pursuit of a degree for the chance to earn millions of dollars, I say go for it.
But, here is where I have a problem. When players like Williams and White signed their name on the dotted line to play football for a university, they made a commitment to complete the job started. In the words of White, “It’s the next game on the schedule.”
I know there are those that would argue, “What if they get hurt in the bowl game?”
Well, God forbid, if something bad did happen, there is a silver lining. Even hurt, they are still on track receive something not everyone has access too; an amazing education and a degree. And, they also have the option to rehab and return for their senior year.
These are the same people that also argue players do not get paid to play on the collegiate level.
I disagree with them wholeheartedly!
When college athletes, especially those on full scholarships, walk on the campus they immediately become part of the payroll.
Grant it, the money does not come in the form of a traditional check. However, guys on the level of Williams and White get paid in some very meaningful and, considering the cost of a college education, valuable ways.
First and foremost, they are getting a quality education that leads (if the commitment is there) to a degree and a solid future; an education they do not have to pay for after they graduate (think student loans).
Secondly, these student-athletes are given housing for free and are fed three meals a day. They are also have access to medical attention and any help needed in terms of tutoring in order to get through their hardest classes.
Finally, just being part of the small fraternity of college athletes opens doors that may not be opened to the average student.
I know it is not easy to be a student-athlete on the collegiate level. I have seen it first-hand. My daughter was one of those student-athletes. The struggle to balance school and athletics is real.
But, players like Williams should be required to play in whatever final game they committed to when they began the season. They gave their word that they would finish the job. Doing that reveals a character trait that is sadly fading away from our society.
For me, when a player determines that they will not finish out the season begun, there should be some type of penalty. Maybe, they should have to pay back a part of the scholarship money designated for that season.
Sort of like when a person takes money out of their 401K early they have to pay a penalty. I mean isn’t receiving scholarship money the same as investing in your future?
Look, I am not disparaging the character of anyone that makes this decision, including Williams. I am sure he believes that his decision is in his best interest for his family and himself.
I am just saying that our commitment to others should be taken seriously and should not be up for debate. Nor should it be wavering.
So, thank you Devin White for not wavering!
Just my opinion!