It seems like everyone with an opinion about Earl Clark's and Derrick Caracter's decisions to turn pro feels the need to voice it. At last check, the UofL sophomores were foregoing the rest of school to make themselves available for the NBA Draft. But based on all the criticism they've been receiving, you would think the two had decided to go commit a crime or something. All you hear is how they are both -- Caracter more so than Clark -- making a mistake. Enough with the self-righteousness.

Even if Clark and Caracter don't make it in the NBA, there are still plenty of other avenues for them to earn a living. It's been well documented that there are a number of leagues overseas where players can earn a six-figure income. Add to that the fact that most leagues provide housing and meals for their players. It doesn't sound like such a bad deal to me.

And what if Clark or Caracter happen to land with an NBA team? Trust me they'll be all right.

Former Louisville recruit Amir Johnson was heavily criticized for skipping college to jump to the NBA. Have you checked his salary history? In his first year, he made $398,762. His second year: $664,209. Right now, he's playing under a contract that pays him more than $3.6 million a year. This for a guy who has played in only 70 games dudring his career and averaging slightly better than 12 minutes a game. It sounds like a pretty decent life to me. In fact, I'd trade places with Johnson tomorrow if I could.

I understand if Clark and Caracter stay in school they could improve their games and draft stock. But nothing in life is guaranteed, so if these guys think they're ready to make a living playing basketball, who am I to criticize them for doing so? College is not for everyone. So lay off Clark and Caracter and let them do their thing. More than likely they'll be all right.

3 Comments

mike s said:

I AGREE LEAVE EARL AND DERRICK ALONE,LET THEM GO ON WITH LIFE HELL ITS JUST B-BALL. RICK WILL FIND THE RIGHT PLAYERS FOR THE CARDS,WE NEEDLOYAL PLAYERS LIKE T-WILL............ GO CARDS

April 17, 2008 2:48 PM

Denise U. said:

Thank you so much for your blog and comment. I had reached the boiling point yesterday with all the criticism about Clark, Caracter and others' decision about what to do with THEIR lives. I'm sure we've all had dreams that we are pursuing or wished we had pursued in our lifetime so leave them alone!! How is someone else going to tell you how to live your life? Instead of the criticism, we should encourage them to do their best and let God do the rest.

April 16, 2008 12:57 PM

Jack the Card Fan said:

Kyle - I couldn't agree with you more...The Cards survived without Micheal Bush and won the Orange Bowl, albeit to an injury. This too shall pass. Hey, I wish the guys all the best. Derrick and Earl are two great individuals. We appreciate their hard work for Coach Pitino and hope for their success in their choice in life, which by the way, we all have to make sometime, that is which profession do we choose/ which employer are we going to work for after school? It's not an easy decision! They just decided earlier than waiting to earn their degree. By the way, I am 31 years after making that career decision, and they will surpass my income at their ripe age of what, 19-20? Go fer it guys!

April 15, 2008 11:49 PM

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