John Rohde: Don't second-guess Sam Bradford's decision
BY JOHN ROHDE
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137
Published: October 18, 2009
DALLAS — Don't dare do it.
Don't say, "I told you so" to anyone who'll listen.
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"I told you he should have gone pro after last season."
"I told you he shouldn't have tried to come back after getting hurt."
"I told you he should have had surgery."
Don't second-guess Sam Bradford.
Keep it to yourself. Nobody wants to hear it, read it or see it, particularly Bradford.
Besides, he deserves better treatment than that.
When Oklahoma's junior quarterback separated his right shoulder against Brigham Young, everybody suddenly thought they were Bradford's coach, his doctor, his father, or all the above.
Bradford is well-provided for in all these matters, so hands off.
Bradford re-injured the shoulder in Saturday's 16-13 loss to Texas, which already has many of you repeating yourselves.
Please stop before you start.
Instead, pray for two things: 1. A healthy recovery; 2. For people keep their traps shut as to what Bradford should do or should have done.
Bradford lasted just eight plays Saturday morning before being sacked by blitzing nickel back Aaron Williams.
"We're really sorry for Sam that he got hurt," Longhorns coach Mack Brown said. "What a great kid and a great player."
We are now back in a holding pattern with Bradford.
His future is uncertain. He doesn't know when he'll return, or under what circumstance.
He doesn't know, so you couldn't possibly know, so don't bother pretending you know.
Back off and give the kid some space.
We're about to get the exact same answers to the exact same questions from a month ago.
Been there, done that. Asked and answered.
During Saturday's post-game interview, Bradford was asked if this was his last OU-Texas game.
"I really can't answer that," Bradford said. "I'm not sure. I'll have to make that decision at the end of this year."
As was the case before, Bradford will explore his medical options and go from there.
When there is more news to share, Sooners coach Bob Stoops will share it.
It was the proper way to handle this matter before, and it's the proper way to handle it again.
"We were going with good information from doctors," Stoops said. "He understood the entire situation. Sam is a bright young guy. He knows what he wants, and unfortunately it just hasn't worked out very well."
From multiple accounts, Bradford was primed and ready Saturday.
"I saw him throw the prettiest 60-yard pass to finish our warm up as I've seen him throw," Stoops said.
Bradford spotted OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson beforehand and said, "It's going to be a great day."
"I know he was really excited to play," Wilson said. "He's played well in great games and to not have a chance to finish it, that's unfortunate."
Wilson said the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner "has been unbelievably impressive, just the way he's gone about his business working and carrying himself, the things he gives us off the field that you guys (media) don't see. An unbelievable player ... he's been a blessing to have for our football team."
There is a chance Bradford's collegiate career ended on the 34-yard line inside Cotton Bowl stadium.
Then again, maybe not.
Until we found out what the answer is, please fight the urge to repeat yourself.
Don't dare do it.
John Rohde: 475-3099. John Rohde can be heard Monday-Friday from 6-7 p.m. on The Sports Animal Network, including AM-640 and FM-98.
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The NFL won't be there if his shoulder is torn up. Further, there is a huge physical price to be paid for playing football at a high level. You shouldn't pay that price for free if you don't have to.
Further, yes college is nice, but it is a means to an end. You don't go to college to peak in life as BMOC. You go to college to get somewhere as an adult. He can always go back and get his degree, assuming he hasn't already got it. Some day Bradford will be old, no longer a football star, and maybe suffering the physical effects of being one. He needs to make his money while he can to prepare for that day. As far as money not buying happiness, that is a judgment more easily made if you have money.
3-3 ...boomer
Sam Bradford won OU and Heisman and took them to two BCS bowls. He has made the school millions. He owes them absolutely nothing. It was an absured decision for him to come back and play. Life is short and football careers are shorter. When you have a chance to make your fortune, you take it. I am sorry it worked out this way for Bradford. He seems like a great kid. But, it was obscenely stupid of him to come back to school this year.
3-3 ...boomer