Moses Malone did.
LeBron James also...about 40 or so have done it..
Of course he looked like he was 40 not 18 when he made the move.
How about paying them and putting it in an account they cant touch without ‘supervision’ and NOT be allowed to sign if they take this ‘option’.
Now if the colleges don’t put this money to ‘work’ rather than the general fund (sounds familiar) etc etc
Upon graduation give lump sum (which will be chump change for the 1 or so percent who actually sign a pro contract - with big money involved) which will give the athlete a step up.
NO DIPLOMA - NO MONEY of course with asides for injuries etc.
Does a couple of things, pays them, MAYBE teach them how to responsibly manage money (Of course have to limit access of groupies/agents/etal) and get an education.
I guess in ‘their’ minds it makes sense to take a person that is academically weak and have him spend a good portion of the ‘season’ traveling.....
Guess those tournament bucks come ahead of the (so called) Student Athlete.
Rules are different now. At least for the NBA and NFL.
NBA you must be 19 y/o.
NFL you must be three years out of high school (21 y/o)