The recent revelations concerning NCAA basketball players receiving off-the-books money has jumpstarted a number of conversations. One of those discussions centers on whether programs should be allowed to legally pay players for their work and, as you may expect, there is a sharp divide on that particular subject.
Beyond that, though, it is a reminder that players are not currently permitted to jump from high school to the NBA, instead facing the “one-and-done” rule that certainly provides incentive, even if indirectly, for agents and facilitators to jump into the mix with top-tier prospects. On Friday, Warriors superstar Kevin Durant, who was once a “one-and-done” player in his own right, was prompted on the topic and, in short, he indicated that he believes the rule should be abolished.
KD says there shouldn't be a one-and-done rule, they should let guys choose their own path, says he would've come out of high school: "I needed the money" pic.twitter.com/vwbib3d028
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 23, 2018
In speaking on the players not being compensated for their time and effort, Durant said the following:
“You want these players to go out there and play on the biggest stage. The Final Four is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, in sports, and they don’t get a dime for it. I don’t think it’s right. They go out there. They slave for these programs. To go out there and win a championship. Just to bring a good vibe to these programs… These fans go to the game to see these players. Just like the NBA, they want to see the best players.”
Then, he elaborated on the “one-and-done” rule itself, indicating that he likely would have jumped to the NBA from high school if permitted to so and putting the onus back on the player to make the right decision.
“You should let these kids make a decision, however they want to. If they want to come out of high school, it should be on them. You know what I mean? You can’t control everything. So if they feel as though they’re ready, that’s on them. They want to make a decision on their life, that’s on them. If they don’t get drafted, it’s on them. You can try to control it, but you’re still not really doing anything.”
Durant clearly speaks from a unique point of experience, given his own personal path to the league. Of course, he isn’t alone in believing that a) players should be paid at the college level and, b) players should be allowed to jump to the NBA if desired. Still, it always brings an extra layer of credibility to the table when some like Durant places a spotlight on the situation and he does so here with clarity.
The debate will continue but, with every passing hour, more supporters of athlete’s rights in these situations continue to emerge and Kevin Durant is another.
[h/t CBS Sports]
