re: How many you think will sit out for bowl game?

I have a slight opinion on this matter, maybe even a vent.

I went to Bama after undergrad. I played D1 ball at a smaller school. I was a preferred walk-on, the day I was awarded a scholarship was probably one of the best days of my life. I didn’t cry when it happened but when I got back to my apartment I broke down. There is nothing I wouldn’t do that for that team. The idea of sitting for our bowl game and not dawning that helmet one more time… I would have rather been dead. We had plenty of guys who went to the league and there was never a thought of sitting. It’s more than money. When I was later in the Army I further learned this lesson. When you have been in the situations with the same people it creates a bond. Brotherhood is forged in adversity. I know not everyone agrees, just my .10 Cents.

Roll Tide.

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How many you think will sit out for bowl game?

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Not ONE single player should sit ! It's a Team sport, and they all signed up to play a Team sport. Not only that, but they received a free education from one of the best Universities in the Nation.

The very thought that they think they have the "right" to sit this one out is one of the very things wrong with society ! Too much emphasis is placed on "ME" !

Complete your assignment, giving 100% to the Institution that gave you the opportunities you have, and to your TEAM !

Be a Legacy....not a Quitter !

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I mean, Bryce and Will should have sat the whole year then, right?

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No - they wanted to try and win an SEC and National Championship for themselves, their team and their teammates.

Look, it's a new world and I don't exactly love guys sitting out bowls. But I also am honest enough with myself to understand it and respect the decision of guys who have played their asses off (and done it through pain in a lot of instances) for Alabama throughout their careers.

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Is that worth losing a $20-30 million signing bonus?

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They, and the majority of college players, clearly believe it is.

Would he play in the Senior Bowl but not the Sugar Bowl?

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Bryce
Battle
Will Anderson
Henry
Gibbs
Ricks
Ekiyor
Latu

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Not sure why Latu, Ricks, Ekiyor, or Too'Too would skip the Sugar Bowl.

The idea that it's smart for some guys to not play because it's a meaningless game and that it's important for other guys to play is ridiculous. Either it's important or it's not. Guys that are 3-4 years into the program have plenty of film, whether they are a high pick or not. They are risking the same injury as Bryce or Will. If Battle gets hurt and can't play anymore and loses out on $2-3 million are we going to act like that's not a big deal for him and his family?

But why even take the risk? Why even take out an insurance policy? If the game is meaningless, just don't play. You've got plenty of film out there.

What if Battle were to get drafted and then turns into an all-pro? That insurance policy isn't going to cover a potential second contract.

You can't justify playing at all if the game is meaningless.

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Would he play in the Senior Bowl but not the Sugar Bowl?

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The Senior Bowl is one of the biggest scouting events for the NFL. The game really doesn’t matter, the drills and direct contact with staff and subsequent interviews can directly affect your draft status. Several million dollars can be made by attending the Senior Bowl.

On the other hand, the Sugar Bowl does nothing other than putting a few more plays on film and worst case scenario, you get an injury.

Long story short, you can increase your value at the Senior Bowl and can only decrease your value playing the Sugar Bowl. It’s all about return on investment, there’s no return in the Sugar Bowl.

And don’t be mistaken, NFL teams couldn’t care less about loyalty and sticking with your team for a bowl game. It means nothing to them. They may actually ding you for not protecting yourself and your health for the draft.