No respect for back to school? Leinart begs to differ

There was a time when I believed players like Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow were fools to pass up the NFL's millions for another season of college football. Such decisions were arrogant and demonstrated a certain juvenileness and lack of understanding of how professional sports work.

Then along came the words below from Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart.

Matt Leinart is in the midst of another season as the Cardinals' backup QB. (Getty Images)

His interview with CBSSports.com about making the decision to turn professional or stay in school has made me (slightly) rethink everything. After reading Leinart's very passionate beliefs, you'll never look at the decisions these young men make the same way again.

The debate is this: Did Tebow and Bradford make mistakes in returning and, in doing so, not just damage their draft stock but their bodies as well?

My answer is still they probably did, but Leinart's eloquence on the matter certainly causes hesitation.

Bradford is dealing with a shoulder injury that is perhaps more serious than originally believed, and Tebow just experienced a cranium-scrambling hit that resulted in him losing consciousness. Bradford might've been the first choice in the draft last year, but now it's unclear how much his injury will affect his NFL future (if at all). The same might be said for Tebow.

The decision to stay could cost Bradford and Tebow a great deal of money.

Leinart understands those decisions -- and the repercussions of those choices -- as well as anyone. After Leinart's junior year, he would almost definitely have been the top pick in the 2005 draft had he declared. His deal might've included $26 million in guaranteed money.

Leinart returned to USC for his senior year and, instead of being drafted first, he was picked 10th. It's possible that decision cost Leinart some $13 million.

But Leinart says he has no regrets and that people who criticize him or Bradford or Tebow just don't get it.

"Everyone says that you can potentially lose a lot of money, but nothing is ever guaranteed in this sport and I, to this day, have never had any regrets about coming back to USC," Leinart explained. "I think I benefited from coming back. Everything that's going on in my life has worked out because I came back, whether it's my family situation, or being here in Arizona, or a little bit more maturity in dealing with adversity.

"Sure, I was fortunate not to have any serious injuries, but that's the risk you take playing this game at any level, whether it's in the pros or in college. You kind of know that going in so you put that in the back of your mind."

Speaking specifically of Bradford and Tebow, Leinart said, "I feel bad for them. It's unfortunate, but again, it's just part of football. It's a rough sport and there are going to be injuries. You just hope you can come back from them. Neither of those injuries are going to affect their draft status. Those are two great players who are going to be drafted high." We think they are, at least, and there's the problem.

What Leinart says next is interesting and highly debatable. Leinart believes that players coming back enhances college football overall. There's definitely some accuracy in that statement. An NCAA season with Tebow and Bradford is better than one without them.

"I think it's all about what that person feels is best for them at the time," Leinart said. "I like seeing guys coming back to school because it makes the sport more fun and there's a lot to be said of enjoying another year of college. Who out there wouldn't like to go back to those fun days?"

But should a player concern himself with bettering college football over bettering his financial situation? Doesn't college football make enough money off the backs of kids who don't get paid (at least officially) but should?

This is one area where athletes should definitely be me-first.

Leinart said the most confusing aspect of making this sort of decision is the cacophony of advice he received from numerous people. He heard from just about everyone, and many people he respected had totally different thoughts. It's likely Bradford and Tebow heard and are hearing the same amount of noise.

"You get a lot of people telling you things one way or the other," Leinart said. "About half say go and half say stay, so the whole process is really just about gathering as much information as you can -- and then it really comes down to your gut feeling or your instincts. For me, personally, I didn't feel like I was ready to go. I thought there were things I could still learn.

"It makes it hurt a little bit, or scare you a little bit, when people are talking about losing a lot of money. You grow up your whole life just playing football and then you get a chance to have a big-time life change, go to the NFL and make a lot of money doing this thing that's been such a big part of who you are. It's easy to say, 'OK, I'm just going to do that' but I'm still glad to see that more people are staying and, like I said, I'm still glad I came back."

It took a great deal of guts for Leinart to speak so bluntly and publicly about a personal decision that he must still replay in his head over and over.

It's likely Bradford and Tebow are doing the same type of self-questioning now.

CBSSports.com correspondent Craig Morgan contributed to this story.