college first

Finally, some sanity has seeped back into the minds of professional sports:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=afp-basketnbaoden&prov=afp&type=lgns

Just saw this on a headline, and thank goodness that they decided to raise the minimum age for NBA players to 19. I mean, LeBron James is the exception to the rule (I suppose), but realistically speaking - do people really think that high school kids are ready in any way for the rigors of professional sports? From a physical and mental perspective - I DON'T THINK SO! Spending time in college sports, along with obtaining a decent education will do wonders for these kids. It will help to develop and hone their skills, the added maturity growth will also be a major positive factor, and the overall time spent will increase their marketability and value to a future organization. But even if it doesn't (due to injury or what not), at least they have an education to fall back on. They will not have that luxury if they dive right in after high school. I am not sure if the same regulations have already been applied to other professional associations such as baseball and football, but if not, they should be. Football - now that's a sport that is definitely NOT meant for high schoolers - and I am purely talking from a physical standpoint on this one...