Stafon Johnson #13 Of USC

by Gen Alexander
(Huntsville, AL)

When I read this page and all the articles I couldn't help but think of the recent injury to USC's Stafon Johnson. An athlete at the top of his game in a program revered by the country. Then all of the sudden without any warning or ability to halt the accident the bar comes crushing down on Stafon's neck.

Lucky to be alive this man sits in a hospital in Los Angeles now and begins his recovery. If this doesn't remind each and every one of us that the education is paramount to the sport then I don't know what will. This player will be fine health wise. He may or may not play football again. Stafon Johnson has set himself up to succeed as he is working towards his degree. In fact, many of the programs today are refocusing on the Academics as a badge for the Coaching Staff to tout on recruiting visits to the high school homes around the country.

Today the numbers are encouraging. But, we also see the stars leaving early like Mark Sanchez did this past January 2009 and leaped to the NFL and is now staring with the JETS. So many student athletes get that call in their ear to grab the brass ring. But if they leave early and are struck down by an injury then what? Most of them spend what they earn which is a whole other story in itself. These young men and woman need guidance. Professional sports needs to draw a line and encourage through entrance guidelines where a person can enter the Pros (sports wise) and this would be a giant step forward. How bout a certificate of diploma?