The End of Innocence

About two weeks ago, a frightening story was unleashed that could be a sign that the beginning of the end is nearing with regards to amateur sports. The University of Southern California (USC) accepted a verbal commitment from David Sills of Bear, Delaware, to play quarterback for the Trojans. I guess that shouldn't come as a total surprise. Many of the nation's top Seniors are signing on the dotted line to play Division I sports. The traditional power houses have been aggressively snatching up NFL caliber talent like David, in an effort to win the next BCS National Championship game.

Oh....Did I forget to mention that David Sills is not a Senior this year? In fact, the little shit isn't even in high school for cryin' out loud. He's a friggin' 13 year old boy who's expected to graduate in 2015! He just found out that there's no Santa Claus 3 years ago for Christ sakes. Now USC is expecting him to take over as their signal caller in 5 years so they can reach the promised land again? Excuse me while I go take a piss on the Trojan's football program.

Any verbal agreement with an athlete is not entirely binding for either side. Until they actually put ink to paper, both parties could legally put an end to their partnership. I'm just appalled that "amateur sports" have gotten to this point. This kid should be worried about putting gum in some girl's hair from his class and not getting caught for it. He shouldn't be seriously thinking about what he's gonna major in when he goes to college.

It's also creeping into the ranks of college hoops. I know that basketball scouts have been ranking kids as young as 12 for decades. That's nothing new. And now DePaul University in Chicago has taken it a step further to sign a 12 year old basketball star. The school's Athletic Director Jean Ponsetto admits to having had contact with Jahlil Okafor. If the name sounds familiar it should. He is the cousin of former UCONN star Emeka Okafor who now plays in the NBA for the New Orleans Hornets. Ponsetto stupidly confirmed that a relationship with this 6 and a half foot tall wonder-boy has been ongoing with the Blue Demons staff.

I can already see the drool slobbering from the mouths of the NCAA rules committee. Good luck DePaul, the NCAA is a more ruthless organization than The P.L.O. Just by admitting that they initiated contact with a player his age who hasn't signed with them is a major violation. Nice going. Even if this youngster wants to play for DePaul when he's eligible, the Blue Demons will probably be suspended from post season play as a result of the contact they had with Jahlil when he was 12.

The exploitation of kids isn't just reserved for the next great super star on the field. How about the little girls who are treated like Barbie Dolls. You know you've seen it. I'm talking about parents who live out their own childhood fantasies by forcing kids to compete in cut-throat, winner take all, beauty pageants. Or how about some of the schmucks who parade their teens out onto the stage to become the next American Idol. I'd rather listen to a bird stuck in the garbage disposal than have to hear some of these hacks. And listen you PETA tree huggers, I'm kidding about the bird. I'm just trying to make my point, so don't bother getting on my ass about that little barb.

I guess my gripe is that childhood is ending far too prematurely. Picking a college at such a young age is ludicrous in my eyes. It's good that they are interested in higher education, but is it for the right reasons. Where does it stop? Maybe David and Jahlil should give up their last year of Junior High and enter High School early. The risk of injury is too great to risk another year at their current level.

I do wish David, Jahlil, as well as the rest of the youth of America the best of luck. With this type of pressure at such a young age, I believe this won't be the last time we will be reading about them in the media outlets. Hopefully it will be for academic and athletic achievement. My gut tells me it will be in the police blotter when they've gone postal on somebody.