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NFL should not lower requirements

Maurice Clarett is taking a stand against the NFL before he even runs his first professional play. Should he emerge triumphant, the consequences for what might be America’s favorite sport could be extreme.

Maurice Clarett is Ohio State’s sophomore stud running back from its national championship season last year. This year, he’s been suspended for the season for lying about thousands of dollars worth of merchandise in his borrowed car.

Clarett, of course, believes this is a mighty injustice and has vowed to forgo his last two college seasons and jump directly to the NFL.

In most sports, this wouldn’t be a problem. However, the NFL has a rule requiring players to be three years removed from high school before entering the draft. It’s been less than two years since Clarett played in high school. So Clarett is suing for eligibility and trying to declare that rule unconstitutional.

First of all, the NFL is on rock-solid ground. The rule was agreed upon during collective bargaining by the NFL player’s association, and it applies to future players, too.

But let’s say Clarett gets a sympathetic judge who lets the floodgates open for Clarett and all put-upon underclassmen in the nation. This would be nothing short of disaster for pro football.

Take the NBA as an example. In the last five years, the number of high school and underclassmen entering the draft has soared. A star player who earns his degree is a rarity now. Coincidentally, the quality of play has plummeted.

It would be a shame to see another sport spoiled by upstart kids without the experience to use their skills properly. If Clarett wins his case, you can be almost certain that raw talent will replace actual skill on the field and on rosters.