Luck staying at Stanford

[IrishLax]

See personally, I have no problem with your take. My problem (and I believe Mike and GoIrish et al) was that people saying he was stupid and a moron for doing it. To each his own. It is your opinion that he should have went and you would have went...COOL! I have no problem with that at all (I said that Kyle should go if he felt it was in his best interest). But if a guy wants to return to college and get his degree and all the things that come with playing college football - things you simply cannot replicate later on in life - then he shouldn't be called a moron.

Oh, but I disagree with your assessment on his talent level. Luck is a special player and has everything you want in a QB, including some surprising speed. He'll prob struggle like every young QB, but I think he'll be a stud on the next level. Just my opinion though...

With all due respect, as someone who called him a moron, I qualified my opinion by saying I'm just an engineer with a keyboard and an internet connection whose opinion isn't worth 2 $hits.

However, it is just as short sighted, if not more so, to take your approach here. Yes, he might think this will make him the happiest. Yes, everything might work out just fine. But looking at it objectively and removing as much bias as possible you cannot justify this decision. You say there is no difference between 60 million and 100 million (which is an absolute stinking pile of crap statement for so many reasons when you think of all things you could do to enhance people's lives you care about or further an important cause with an extra 40 million... and that is only scratching the surface) but ignoring that I feel comfortable calling this a "stupid" decision for a couple reasons.

At the heart of you argument is that he should do what makes him happy, and if that's staying in college he should do it. Well... that doesn't make it a "smart" decision for the same reason I can have a legitimate opinion that a smoker is "dumb" for smoking even if it makes them happy. By forgoing a sure thing he is taking an unreasonable risk for his future. If he sat on a couch until draft day he would be guaranteed ~$60 mil no matter what happens after he signs that contract. If, heaven forbid, he were to have an awful season or have a devastating injury (we had a player get paralyzed this year...) or somehow hurt his draft stock PLUS the rookie wage scale and then be a bust a la Jamarcus Russel, Ryan Leaf, or many other "sure things"... he'd probably only end up with near $10 mil tops.

There is an old adage that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. In this case, he has a dozen birds in hand and a half dozen in the bush... and he has to get past a crocodile to get to the bush. Yeah, terrible analogy, but just because this decision *might* make him happier does not justify the risks. And that is why I'm comfortable calling it a "moronic" decision.

To each his own though and I respect your difference in opinion.

 

[NDinL.A.]

With all due respect, as someone who called him a moron, I qualified my opinion by saying I'm just an engineer with a keyboard and an internet connection whose opinion isn't worth 2 $hits.

However, it is just as short sighted, if not more so, to take your approach here. Yes, he might think this will make him the happiest. Yes, everything might work out just fine. But looking at it objectively and removing as much bias as possible you cannot justify this decision. You say there is no difference between 60 million and 100 million (which is an absolute stinking pile of crap statement for so many reasons when you think of all things you could do to enhance people's lives you care about or further an important cause with an extra 40 million... and that is only scratching the surface) but ignoring that I feel comfortable calling this a "stupid" decision for a couple reasons.

At the heart of you argument is that he should do what makes him happy, and if that's staying in college he should do it. Well... that doesn't make it a "smart" decision for the same reason I can have a legitimate opinion that a smoker is "dumb" for smoking even if it makes them happy. By forgoing a sure thing he is taking an unreasonable risk for his future. If he sat on a couch until draft day he would be guaranteed ~$60 mil no matter what happens after he signs that contract. If, heaven forbid, he were to have an awful season or have a devastating injury (we had a player get paralyzed this year...) or somehow hurt his draft stock PLUS the rookie wage scale and then be a bust a la Jamarcus Russel, Ryan Leaf, or many other "sure things"... he'd probably only end up with near $10 mil tops.

There is an old adage that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. In this case, he has a dozen birds in hand and a half dozen in the bush... and he has to get past a crocodile to get to the bush. Yeah, terrible analogy, but just because this decision *might* make him happier does not justify the risks. And that is why I'm comfortable calling it a "moronic" decision.

To each his own though and I respect your difference in opinion.

You're completely ignoring one MAJOR thing here...not everyone's world revolves around money, or making the absolute most of it possible. It just doesn't. It may for you, and that's fine. But it doesn't for everyone. I know because I made a career choice in which I walked away from a lot more money that I'd ever make doing what I do now. But I make a good enough living, and I'm EXTREMELY happy. And for me, quality of life and personal happiness mean a helluva lot more than money.

So see, for a guy like me, the difference between 60 mil and 100 mil is negligible. For me, what the hell is that going to get me...yet another maid? A house that I'll visit once a year in Spain? My own island? Seriously, for me, that means crap. I'm just not turned on by it. Now, other people are turned on by that stuff, and that's fine. To each his own. I can see that...apparently you can't.

I've known some rich-*** people in my life, and MANY of them aren't/weren't happy. Some were. I've also worked with families who have VERY little, and they are extremely happy and thankful for what they do have. Andrew Luck is obviously not poor, but he is happy with what he has and wants to experience something again THAT NO AMOUNT OF MONEY CAN BUY. That's not moronic, it's a his decision, right or wrong.

To me, it's smart. He knows what life is all about - for him. Good on him.

Everyone disagrees at times - it's all good.

 

[UPMich_NDfan]

Miami just extended Tony S. and said Harbaugh looks to be staying at Stanford according to ESPN...not great for ND on many fronts...

 

[IrishLax]

You're completely ignoring one MAJOR thing here...not everyone's world revolves around money, or making the absolute most of it possible. It just doesn't. It may for you, and that's fine. But it doesn't for everyone. I know because I made a career choice in which I walked away from a lot more money that I'd ever make doing what I do now. But I make a good enough living, and I'm EXTREMELY happy. And for me, quality of life and personal happiness mean a helluva lot more than money.

So see, for a guy like me, the difference between 60 mil and 100 mil is negligible. For me, what the hell is that going to get me...yet another maid? A house that I'll visit once a year in Spain? My own island? Seriously, for me, that means crap. I'm just not turned on by it. Now, other people are turned on by that stuff, and that's fine. To each his own. I can see that...apparently you can't.

I've known some rich-*** people in my life, and MANY of them aren't/weren't happy. Some were. I've also worked with families who have VERY little, and they are extremely happy and thankful for what they do have. Andrew Luck is obviously not poor, but he is happy with what he has and wants to experience something again THAT NO AMOUNT OF MONEY CAN BUY. That's not moronic, it's a his decision, right or wrong.

To me, it's smart. He knows what life is all about - for him. Good on him.

Everyone disagrees at times - it's all good.

Just to clarify my stance.

1. It isn't necessarily a decision between $100mil and $60mil. It could end up being a decision between $60mil and 0mil in the extreme.

2. Let's say everything works out great and it ends up being $100mil vs. $60mil. No one says you have to be opulent with $40 million extra dollars. Why donate it to a cause you believe in? Or build health clinics in Africa? Or give a million dollars to each of your close friends? If you make the decision one year of more fun in school versus helping a lot of people or doing something good with another truckload of money.... I would get MUCH more overall satisfaction and happiness from being able to use $40 million extra dollars on good causes then 9 more months of college.

To borrow your term, if "life is all about" living in the moment and personally enjoying yourself as much as possible... yeah, I can see your point of view that this could be a smart decision. If life is about leaving a legacy and maximizing the positive impact you can have on the world (my personal viewpoint) then I still don't see how you can justify this as smart.

Anyways, we can leave it alone now. His decision is made and no debate on the internet will have any impact on how it all turns out in the end. I'll be praying for Luck to have a solid next year and not regret this decision.

 

[phgreek]

This is ****ing moronic. I thought Stanford kids were supposed to be smart. Did he learn nothing from Leinhart and Locker? This is going to cost Luck, at a minimum, tens of millions of dollars. He could've signed a deal for darn near $18-20 mil a year if he came out this year and now he will be lucky to get more than $5 mil a year if they put in a rookie wage scale and he is forfeiting one year of money making. Over the next five years, this will cost him something like $80 million.

I am utterly and totally shocked.

...Yea but he'll have a degree from Stanford...j/k

I hear ya...a degree is certainly important to we normal schmoes, and there is a certain degree of honor staying the course...even great story material for the grand kids someday...but I bet his grand kids will mock him when he's not in the room.

Anyway, he should take the money, and figure out the degree in the midst of being filthy rich. There is nothing dishonerable about doing both...right?

 

[phork]

He'll have a degree and a huge insurance policy in case of a career ender. I totally respect the kid.

 

[Old Man Mike]

About "leaving a legacy": a poor woman who raises her kids to be good people in heroic fashion leaves a legacy beyond price; so, occasionally, does a hard-working & caring teacher. God doesn't measure one's "legacy" by the size of the organization one funds. Many of our greatest "philanthropists" were moral monsters [read about the original Rockefeller, Carnegie, Ford et al---Social Darwinism in American Thought by Heilbroner, I think he's the author of that one, is a good place to start as a re-envisioning of evaluating a "life well lived"].

Henri Nouwen, a great Catholic theologian wrote that one is judged not by one's agenda but by how one responds to life's interruptions---translation: it's the real person-to-person stuff that matters. If Andrew Luck, in his fuzzy young vision, is feeling his way towards that state, well, good for him. Life also doesn't all have to be furious paddling against the current.

Mountain William looking about at his furious neighbors said: "Folks around here keep a sudden eye, then rush about being exceptionally normal".

 

[Shamrocks and Shenanigans]

I also respect the kid alot. College is a very special time as many of you already now. When it is over, it is a time that you will look back on with the fondest of memories. I can understand him wanting to take it all in. As far as an injury costing him alot of money, his insurance policy will cover that. Enjoy your time at school and finish your degree. All of the money from the NFL can't buy that back for you. I wish him well, except on the last game of the year.

 

[DaBLKIrishman]

It looks as if Luck and Harbaugh want to make another run at it.

 

[phgreek]

I also respect the kid alot. College is a very special time as many of you already now. When it is over, it is a time that you will look back on with the fondest of memories. I can understand him wanting to take it all in. As far as an injury costing him alot of money, his insurance policy will cover that. Enjoy your time at school and finish your degree. All of the money from the NFL can't buy that back for you. I wish him well, except on the last game of the year.

I'll give the nod to making memories...at his age it seems a wise decision beyond his years.

as to the insurance policy, while big to you and I, the payout would not approach the numbers LAX is talking about...at least what I know of how premiums and policies are structured, the numbers would be an order of magnitude different.

As well, we are talking about timing as relates to finacial reward more than injury here...or at least I thought we were

As to a larger vision...it seems to me I would sacrifice a few good times so that all descendants of "Luck" would be financially secure...but thats my 40 something view, and not a 20 something view.

 

[phgreek]

I also respect the kid alot. College is a very special time as many of you already now. When it is over, it is a time that you will look back on with the fondest of memories. I can understand him wanting to take it all in. As far as an injury costing him alot of money, his insurance policy will cover that. Enjoy your time at school and finish your degree. All of the money from the NFL can't buy that back for you. I wish him well, except on the last game of the year.

...ooops, double post

 

[Irish To The Core]

"So see, for a guy like me, the difference between 60 mil and 100 mil is negligible. For me, what the hell is that going to get me...yet another maid? A house that I'll visit once a year in Spain? My own island? Seriously, for me, that means crap. I'm just not turned on by it. Now, other people are turned on by that stuff, and that's fine. To each his own. I can see that...apparently you can't."

Agreed. Except for the maid thing...I would like one of them.

 

[Irish To The Core]

"So see, for a guy like me, the difference between 60 mil and 100 mil is negligible. For me, what the hell is that going to get me...yet another maid? A house that I'll visit once a year in Spain? My own island? Seriously, for me, that means crap. I'm just not turned on by it. Now, other people are turned on by that stuff, and that's fine. To each his own. I can see that...apparently you can't."

Agreed. Except for the maid thing...I would like one of them.

 

[Irish To The Core]

Sorry for the double post, the site is acting up.

 

[Shamrocks and Shenanigans]

I'll give the nod to making memories...at his age it seems a wise decision beyond his years.

as to the insurance policy, while big to you and I, the payout would not approach the numbers LAX is talking about...at least what I know of how premiums and policies are structured, the numbers would be an order of magnitude different.

As well, we are talking about timing as relates to finacial reward more than injury here...or at least I thought we were

As to a larger vision...it seems to me I would sacrifice a few good times so that all descendants of "Luck" would be financially secure...but thats my 40 something view, and not a 20 something view.

The only reason I bring up the insurance policy is because it was stated that he could get hurt and get nothing. Also, if you are willing to pay for it and have documented proof to back up your claim, he can get insured for a very large some of money. I have to agree with you on the descendents take. Being 37 myself, I would love that kind of security for my family also. I never said that I agreed with his decision or that I would do that myself. I just admire the kid for doing what he wants and the balls it must have taken to turn down this opportunity.

 

[phgreek]

The only reason I bring up the insurance policy is because it was stated that he could get hurt and get nothing. Also, if you are willing to pay for it and have documented proof to back up your claim, he can get insured for a very large some of money. I have to agree with you on the descendents take. Being 37 myself, I would love that kind of security for my family also. I never said that I agreed with his decision or that I would do that myself. I just admire the kid for doing what he wants and the balls it must have taken to turn down this opportunity.

...ahhh I didn't see the gets hurt, gets nothing...been struggling with the site today...my fault.

I don't doubt you can get a policy a normal family could pay for, that would cover him up to 10 or 15 mil...but that payout is like one maybe two years of salary and bonuses etc. should he leave now.

looking at some other factors...

...as Lax mentioned, even if he doesn't get hurt, he's likely out 80Mil just based on timing due to salary changes between this year and next...as well, look around at the folks who've hung around, and very few have added to their draft stock...most have dropped...also consider he is the #1 QB...As well, he has the Bradford success to get owner confidence up...this may vault him to the #1 pick. I just don't see there ever being a set of circumstance being better for him.

But...
nod to the kid's onions. Pretty sure there are guys with serious financial and logistical brain power advising this kid regarding all the considerations...and he's stared all of them down, and done what he wants to do...agree, he has giant onions for sure.

...I guess it comes down to which thing turns into regret later in life 1) passing on the insane $$$$, 2) passing on the memories

toward that end, I will say he only gets one crack at the memories, and if he chooses to go that route, his financial situation is not a done deal...he could still get there.

I was hoping he would opt to chase the degree, and still take the money...but that solution certainly does not account for the memories in the college life...

 

[Shamrocks and Shenanigans]

Very well stated, I have to agree with all that you said. Hopefully all works out well for him.