Quote:
Originally Posted by Parallex
There is no loophole. Please stop calling it that... A loophole is an ambiguity in a system which can be used to circumvent or otherwise avoid the intent (implied or explicit) of the system.
Even the Schultz/Wheeler situation isn't a "loophole".
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It is called a "loophole" because unlike other drafted players, these guys have already decided prior to the draft that they will stay in school (for 4 years).
The staying in school decision isn't the problem though (more guys should be encouraged to do it), the loophole is that this decision gives them the ability to become unrestricted free agents at the end of their planned school time and this is without any inconvenience to the player. All they have to do is wait until August 15th of the year after school ends to get this special UFA status.
If a regular drafted player were to do this they would have to hold out from signing with their team and then end up back in the draft. Normal players that "properly" go through the system do not get a chance to become a UFA until their mid to late 20s and have to stay with their drafting team until that time (unless they are traded).
Unless I am mixing up my CBAs, that would be the "loophole" to acquire both a degree and early UFA status with zero lost time to the player.
IMO, the fix would be simple enough. The drafting team should get to hold the college player's rights until he turns 26 so he does not get a special ability to go UFA.