[misterrob]

The question is, is the NFL practicing a form of age discrimination against him? I think they are and they are also, in fact, limiting his right to earn a living. They may claim that they want to "protect" him but to me that sounnds like BS. Him bypassing the NCAA will result in the weakening of college football which is nothing but a farm system for the NFL. Him getting to the NFL early means that fewer jobs are available which means expansion and/or dilution of the league.

On the other hand, are you willing as a coach or owner to waste a high draft pick on a kid with his history?

[rftc]

The kid is legally 18 years old and should have a right to earn a living, either in Europe, the CFL or NFL..

[trad_anglican]

The question is, is the NFL practicing a form of age discrimination against him? I think they are and they are

If you're thinking about the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, then it may be age discrimination, but it isn't illegal age discrimination. The ADEA only protects people over 40 years old.

[KevinDavis]

The question is, is the NFL practicing a form of age discrimination against him? I think they are and they are also, in fact, limiting his right to earn a living. They may claim that they want to "protect" him but to me that sounnds like BS. Him bypassing the NCAA will result in the weakening of college football which is nothing but a farm system for the NFL. Him getting to the NFL early means that fewer jobs are available which means expansion and/or dilution of the league.

Sorry the NFL is a private organization and they can set the rules in who to take and not to take. Also there is no right to earn a living.

[discostu]

It's not age descrimination, it's establishing a minimum standard for players. All professional sports leagues have rules on minimum capabilities for their players, which often includes age. It's also not limiting his right to earn a living, he's free to go play for any of the semi-pro leagues or even the CFL.

They're protecting themselves from stupid young players that do stupid young things. Look at what's happened to the NBA since they started letting in teenagers, ratings down, scores down, attendance down, revenues down, quality of the game way down. Expect the same thing to happen if the courts don't allow the NFL to maintain their rules.

[Dog Gone]

Are businesses that only hire college graduates illegally discriminating? Or do high school graduates have a right to be hired by them?

[Labyrinthos]

On the other hand, are you willing as a coach or owner to waste a high draft pick on a kid with his history?

He hasn't killed or raped anyone yet, so by NFL (and DNC) standards, he's a choir boy.

[j_k_l]

On the other hand, are you willing as a coach or owner to waste a high draft pick on a kid with his history?

Um...- Ricky Williams, Randy Moss, Warren Sapp...

yup

[jbstrick]

"limiting his right to earn a living"

In what way? Also, where is this 'right' enumerated in the US Constitution?

[Lunatic Fringe]

The question is, is the NFL practicing a form of age discrimination against him? I think they are and they are also, in fact, limiting his right to earn a living.

Really? OK, I guess I will sue then... the NFL is denying me a RIGHT to earn of living, despite the fact I am not physically able to play the game.

That is essentially the purpose of the age restriction... a 19-year old growing boy should not be on the field with full-grown, 30 year old men.