If I had been offered a guaranteed multimillion dollar contract in my late teens or early 20s, I would have taken it -- no questions asked.
I would have dropped out of the University of Michigan to begin my new life among America’s privileged class.
Heck, I would have been so blinded by my riches of good fortune, negative consequences never would have crossed my mind. I would have helped out my family and then embarked on a period of wine, women and song.
Eventually, I would have had to earn my money, and I’m pretty certain that’s when my silver-spoon world would have come crashing down.
Myself as a teen millionaire is a frightening thought today. I would have been out of control and completely irresponsible, despite the advice and influences of my family and friends.
I would have been an immature, self-centered jerk. Simply stated, I wouldn't have been able to handle it.
That’s why whenever the topic of whether an underclassman should leave college early and turn pro is discussed, I always think about what I would have done in a similar situation.
Because once you start talking millions of dollar, unless you already come from a well-to-do family, a kid is going to opt for the money every time.
And I don’t blame them -- even though as middle-age adults they might regret the decision.
There isn’t a Michigan basketball fan who -- somewhat selfishly -- wouldn’t want to see Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr., Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary return to Ann Arbor next season. The Wolverines would be a superior team.
That’s not going to happen. Maybe Robinson and McGary will come back for their sophomore season; Burke and Hardaway are gone, and that’s fine.
It’s not our business to tell them what to do. Whether they all return or all leave, Michigan will field a team next season.
Put yourself in their shoes and honestly tell me you would stay at Michigan. As I've already stated, I would leave for the money.
I would, however, offer them a word of advice -- stay balanced.
Because when you reach my age, I want you all to have a pair of shoes that you can stand in.
