Reactions...what if?

[Pepperman]

I get that, I do, but where do you draw the line? After game five when you've lost three already, does the star say,"heh coach, I'm hanging em up, were not going anywhere this year"? Every single practice, drill or game gives the same chance for injury, many times even without contact. Before you add the, "this game doesn't matter", please answer my question a couple of posts up. "Is this a meaningless game for the Hawks".

No kidding. People here apparently wouldn't have minded if he had chosen to sit out the Nebraska game because, hey, we're not really competing this year anymore... it is a terrible decision to ever do something to your teammates like sitting out. You start as a team, you finish as a team.

 

[unoHawkeye]

So why exactly does it have to come down to "F" that? If you read my posts, I won't hold it against Jackson or anyone else. My point is,(and as usual no one has responded to this), at what point is this an issue? From the moment players start off season workouts in a couple of months, they are at risk for a career ending injury. I'd bet at least as many players get injured in practice or workouts as in actual games. Is it OK for a player who has received national acclaim to tell the coach he's not going to practice because he might get injured? What about in game six, when your team is 2-4? Where is the line where it becomes more about the individual, and not the team concept? How does this effect team chemistry? Do players start to worry more about stuffing their stats,(interceptions, sacks, etc..), then their assignments within the team concept? Do you really not understand how this kind of, (I'm only worried about me) concept can effect a sport where it is paramount that the individuals act as a unit? And if there is ANYONE in the football complex, (players, trainers, or coaches), who thinks this game is meaningless to Iowa football going forward, I'd like them to be removed.

My post wasn't specifically directed at you or anybody else so sorry if you felt it was.

It's never an issue for me, as a spectator. If I were coach or one of the fellow players, then maybe I'd be concerned with players choosing not to play in the bowl game. But I'm not going to comment on what a player owes his teammates or university when I don't routinely contribute anything to the program other than a TV view every Saturday and an occasional message board post.

 

[kceasthawk]

My post wasn't specifically directed at you or anybody else so sorry if you felt it was.

It's never an issue for me, as a spectator. If I were coach or one of the fellow players, then maybe I'd be concerned with players choosing not to play in the bowl game. But I'm not going to comment on what a player owes his teammates or university when I don't routinely contribute anything to the program other than a TV view every Saturday and an occasional message board post.

I'm good with that, and honestly I've never been concerned with what these players "OWE", the university. I do however think there is a "brothers in arms" mentality that is essential to the fabric of team sports, especially football. My point has never really been about JJ, or any specific player, but about things like this punching holes in that fabric. Teams like Iowa that rely on developing players, need that team unity to overcome schools who can consistently recruit higher rated players. In short I feel its essential for Iowa to compete.

 

[unoHawkeye]

I'm good with that, and honestly I've never been concerned with what these players "OWE", the university. I do however think there is a "brothers in arms" mentality that is essential to the fabric of team sports, especially football. My point has never really been about JJ, or any specific player, but about things like this punching holes in that fabric. Teams like Iowa that rely on developing players, need that team unity to overcome schools who can consistently recruit higher rated players. In short I feel its essential for Iowa to compete.

Well sure. But the idea is that if you're sitting out of a bowl game, then you aren't coming back the next year anyways, so it really has no bearing on overall team unity. In fact, using Jackson (who is playing in the game anyways, so he's just an example) as an example, if he were to sit, then players like Hankins, Rugamba, and Ojemudia would all get more reps, thus getting them more game experience and preparing them better for next year when the games matter again.

 

[RocknRollface]

Pinstripe bowl is meaningless.

I dont care if the whole team decides to sit out.

 

[swihawk]

In no way shape or form am I predicting, advocating or reporting the following:

What if Josh Jacksons declines to participate in the Pinstripe bowl for fear of being injured and, in turn, having his draft stock plummet?

he's a great hawkeye, his future. his decision.

 

[kceasthawk]

Well sure. But the idea is that if you're sitting out of a bowl game, then you aren't coming back the next year anyways, so it really has no bearing on overall team unity. In fact, using Jackson (who is playing in the game anyways, so he's just an example) as an example, if he were to sit, then players like Hankins, Rugamba, and Ojemudia would all get more reps, thus getting them more game experience and preparing them better for next year when the games matter again.

Very Good. We've all got to share our thoughts. How about this. Maybe we can get Blair or Tom or someone who has access to the players, to ask Josh why he's playing. It might provide you with a better point of view then what I was able to provide. Have a nice holiday.

 

[kceasthawk]

Pinstripe bowl is meaningless.

I dont care if the whole team decides to sit out.

Would you like to poll the players and coaches on their view point on that, or are you entrenched in your view that your opinion matters more then theirs? Maybe you'll be out there laying it all out on the field.....

 

[unoHawkeye]

Very Good. We've all got to share our thoughts. How about this. Maybe we can get Blair or Tom or someone who has access to the players, to ask Josh why he's playing. It might provide you with a better point of view then what I was able to provide. Have a nice holiday.

I specifically attempted to distinguish between the perspectives of the players/coaches with the perspectives of the fan base. In terms of holding players accountable, they shouldn't be the same

 

[HKI]

To me can't pick and choose. He's on full ride to play football, and no matter what you think, that's getting paid to play. He chooses not to play, opts for NFL, he pays back that year of college. I'm sure that will be pocket change for him but's it's the principle of it all.

Except he isn't "getting paid to play," he is getting paid to be a part of the team, his voice, his decisions don't disappear. Would you pull his scholly and demand a refund if he went to the birth of his child, a familial funeral, or to receive some ambitious award? I doubt it. Therefore it isn't the missed game, it is the reason for the missed game. And you can be upset about that, but you can't use "its their job" if your problem is the reason, not the act. In my opinion, of course.

 

[RocknRollface]

Would you like to poll the players and coaches on their view point on that, or are you entrenched in your view that your opinion matters more then theirs? Maybe you'll be out there laying it all out on the field.....

When did I say my opinion mattered at all to anyone but me? Where do you come up with this stuff?

The OP phrased a question to people on here.

It may or may not be important to the players. Its not uncommon to see a disinterested team in a meaningless bowl game.