It was rumored before the BCS championship game that Sam Bradford would bolt for the NFL, provided he didn't get injured. The rumor, however unsubstantiated, made a lot of sense considering Bradford's success this season and the likelihood that he would be a top-10 pick, to say the least.
But contrary to those reports and the millions of dollars that were waiting for Bradford, he has decided to stay at Oklahoma and sling rocks for at least one more year under big-game coach Bob Stoops.
"I've dreamed about playing at Oklahoma since I was little, and my three years here have been probably three of the best years of my life, and I really feel that there's no need to cut this experience short," Bradford said Wednesday at a news conference.What Bradford didn't say: "Um, guys, you do know the Detroit Lions are going to take me with the top pick right? Surely you don't think I'm suicidal."
"Obviously its frustrating to end with a loss and I want to come back and finish my career the right way: on a win," Bradford said. "I would say it had a little bit of an influence on my decision, but I really tried to keep that out of my mind because that could have limited myself to making the best decision for me."
And quasi-funny jokes aside, if I'm Bradford, the Lions sitting at the top spot has a lot to do with my decision. Yes, he would get paid either way, but in Detroit there's a lot less chance for him to see his 25th birthday, regardless of how amazing it would be to throw deep to Calvin Johnson.
Did You See That?
The field clears a fence during the New Season Handicap Steeplechase during the at Ludlow Racecourse on September 16, 2008 in Ludlow, England.
Emanuele Canonica of Italy helps his caddie in the rescue of a pigeon from the water around the 18th green during the first round of the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course on October 16, 2008 in Vilamoura, Portugal.
A multiexposure image showing Britain's Andy Murray returning to Croatian Marin Cilic during a last sixteen tennis match at the Madrid Masters in Madrid on October 16, 2008. Andy Murray won 7-5, 7-6.
English football fans dressed in armours and tunics play in a friendly match against Belarus fans in Minsk on October 15, 2008 before the start of the Belarus vs. England 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European group 6 match.
Travis Brigley (R) of Hamburg fights with Matt Keith (L) of Ingolstadt during the DEL match between Hamburg Freezers and ERC Ingolstadt at the Color Line Arena on October 14, 2008 in Hamburg, Germany.
Russian Nikolay Davydenko returns a ball to US Robby Ginepri during a second round tennis match at the Masters in Madrid on October 15, 2008.
A golf ball which has been enveloped by the tree over many years is pictured during the pro-am for the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course on October 15, 2008 in Vilamoura, Portugal.
Andy Murray of Great Britain plays football during his training session prior to his thrid round match tomorrow at the Madrid Masters tennis tournament at the Madrid Arena on October 15, 2008 in Madrid, Spain.
Samuel Peter from Nigeria gets a punch from Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine during their WBC heavyweight boxing world championship fight in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008. Klitschko won the fight after round nine due to technical knock out.
Herbert Knosowski, AP
Japan's Kyoko Hamaguchi (lower) fights with China's Hong Yan (red) during the semi-final of the 72kg class of the Women's Wrestling World Championships in Tokyo on October 13, 2008. Hong defeated Hamaguchi and will face Bulgaria's Stanka Zlateva in the final.
Yoshikazu Tsuno, AFP/Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
1-14-2009 @ 11:28PM
Mr.G said...
What makes the difference? The only way he avoids the Lions next year,is if he slips down the draft board.And that can't be a good thing either.
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1-15-2009 @ 7:46AM
Frank said...
What's the matter with the Lions?
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1-15-2009 @ 10:50AM
chuckie said...
HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!H A! Ow, my side hurts!
1-16-2009 @ 6:18PM
Elsie said...
As Chuck said.. HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA! Where have you been living??? I'm a white haired 71 year old woman, and even I know what's wrong with the Lions.
1-15-2009 @ 9:12AM
dorsolfin said...
smart kid/stay in school
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1-16-2009 @ 12:54PM
Beverly said...
I totally agree. You never know how long you will have in the NFL or any sport, but you will always have your education to fall back on. Right there this young man is showing how intelligent he is by his decision to stay in school. Now if all those "Bay Boys" of sports did the same, maybe we wouldn;t be reading about their "escapades with the law" and them thinking they are above the law with assinine statements such as "Do you know who I am? I have millions!"
1-15-2009 @ 9:37AM
my4653 said...
Good for Sam!
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1-15-2009 @ 9:57AM
steve said...
Hey...the Jets will give the Lions Farve,Clemens,Coles,Gholston and all their linebackers for the first pick in the draft. Call woody johnson right away!
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1-15-2009 @ 10:25AM
ed2adam said...
That's right Sam. Stay in school. Break your leg and pray that it heals right. You can earn your degree from a wheel chair, but you can'y in the NFL from there. You can also earn your degree from the NFL.
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1-15-2009 @ 4:05PM
mwdesigns21 said...
it's all about the money, right?!!!!
What a idiot you are!
I hope Sam goes tot he NFL and makes millions......but he certainly can't replace a college degree and the satisfaction of earning it with a career in the NFL.......AFTER the NFL whether that is one season or 20, that degree will keep him going in all business ventures......unlike some of the other airhead s that have played and is now broke or in jail...or BOTH
1-15-2009 @ 10:26AM
ed2adam said...
Hey Sam, when you land a job with starting pay that matches the NFL - give me a shout!
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1-15-2009 @ 1:22PM
davkeibro said...
Keep Bradford and lose Stops...oops,I mean Stoops.
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1-15-2009 @ 3:07PM
SmittynRed said...
he would have a better chance going to the super bowl with the Lions then winning a title with the sooners LOLLOLLOLLOLLOL
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1-15-2009 @ 3:50PM
texascactuswow said...
Laugh all you want now... remember all the other NFL teams with losing seasons. Where are they now? I can't wait until the DETROIT LIONS kick all of your butts! Detroit has a heart and where there is a heart there will be a great team! REMEMBER me.
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1-15-2009 @ 4:09PM
ronnt34 said...
To sit for millions in the NFL or let a kid follow his dream that's the question we are all caught up with the money have we forgot what some people play the game for and then the millions are a bonus that's how you survive the game my kids play pop warner and this may be the last time i see them play the game as 'pure' athletes. Do your thing same chase your dreams and let the money find you
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1-15-2009 @ 4:10PM
ronnt34 said...
i mean sam got a little emotional
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1-15-2009 @ 4:12PM
ed2adam said...
mwdesigns21 said...
it's all about the money, right?!!!!
What a idiot you are!
I hope Sam goes tot he NFL and makes millions......but he certainly can't replace a college degree and the satisfaction of earning it with a career in the NFL.......AFTER the NFL whether that is one season or 20, that degree will keep him going in all business ventures......unlike some of the other airhead s that have played and is now broke or in jail...or BOTH
==============================LOL - 3/4 of all millionaires in America are high school dropouts. Why? They can afford to pay guys like and Sam Bradford to do anything they need to do. What is the difference in a degree earned at 21 years old and the same degree earned at 35 years old or somewhere in between? A college degree in America qualifies you to be average! A college degree doesn't teach you how to keep your money. A trusted finacial adviser and wise parents do that.
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1-15-2009 @ 4:27PM
Bud Foster said...
It's his business. Not everyone is enthralled with making big bucks. He can mature and gain experience at OU. Regardless of his choices, he'll earn a good living and be happy.
I'm a Gator fan but I think Percy Harvin should go for sure because he's too fragile to take a chance on a career-ending injury in college.
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1-16-2009 @ 10:37AM
dixiegatorgirl said...
I'm a gator, too and I was in Miami last Thursday to watch what a great job Timmy, Percy and the rest of the boys did. Except I am very disappointed in Percy's decision to go Pro. I understand the reasoning behind it, but someone has to draw the line at these boys going pro early. They are there on scholarship, given an opportunity to get a college education free and clear. How many people would kill for that? I know many. It just burns me up every time I think about. Besides, the earlier you leave, the earlier you start your career as a potential thug. That is in my opinion of what a lot of the NFL is. Give me college ball...always. Also, I'd like to share my respect for Timmy Tebow and Brandon Spikes for staying and finishing thier degrees and time at the University of Florida. Go Gators! Lets do it again in 2009!
1-15-2009 @ 4:59PM
soonernise55@aol.com said...
Pay no attention to the critics, Sam. I see a national championship yet in your future.In the meantime, keep doing what you do best....being an outstanding athlete,a soft spoken, classy role model for young men to look up to,a home grown Okie that had the determination to see his childhood dreams come true! May God continue to bless you, we love ya, Sam!!!
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