Advice from Indians: It's too early

Cleveland Indians broadcaster Tom Hamilton said everybody wants instant gratification.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BOARDMAN -- Tom Hamilton has four children, and as a father he's mindful of their futures.
"If someone said that your kid's college education is guaranteed, I wouldn't have a worry in the world," said Hamilton, the Indians' veteran radio broadcaster.
That's why Hamilton, from a father's perspective, gets frustrated when players such as Ohio State sophomore running back Maurice Clarett make a big issue about leaving college early and becoming a professional.
"If these kids don't want to be in college, don't be in college," said Hamilton during the Indians' winter caravan at Antone's.
The issue
A federal judge ruled Thursday that Clarett, 20, a Youngstown native, is eligible for the NFL draft in April. Before the ruling, only players three years removed from their high school graduation were eligible.
"Everybody wants instant gratification -- become a millionaire and don't put any time into it," Hamilton said. "It's a societal problem."
Because the NFL and NBA don't have extensive minor league systems like baseball's, those players must develop themselves in college.
So what happens when they leave early -- Clarett has played one college season -- for the next level? Or what happens when a high school football player seeks entry into the NFL draft someday?
"Once you get drafted," Indians outfielder Jody Gerut said, "you're pretty much thrown to the wolves."
Gerut spent three years at Stanford and three more in the minor leagues before making his major league debut with the Indians last season.
"I think it's a mistake for guys to go out early for football or basketball," said Gerut, 26. "There's only going to be a chosen few who make that transition very well -- you have a real good example in Cleveland with LeBron James.
"But that's very much the exception to the rule."
Chance to grow
College, Gerut said, serves as a shelter for student-athletes to mature.
"You can do your own growing up and take your own chances," he said. "There aren't as many people presenting you with opportunities.
"Once you've grown up a little bit, you can hit the real world."
Instead, Clarett has chosen to enter that real world now. Once he's thrown into the pool of players from which NFL teams can choose, there's no turning back.
"Those guys have to declare. They have to say I want to stay in school or I want to play pro ball," Indians pitcher Cliff Lee said.
"With baseball, when you get drafted, you still have a choice -- do I want to sign or do I want to go back?" Lee added. "In football, you're locked in. Once you declare, you can't play college anymore."
richesson@vindy.com