Sydney Brown, Devon Witherspoon will not play in bowl game
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The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
Honesty, nothing but respect for his decision. Extremely thankful for everything he's done to help lift us out of the basement. Him having a long career in the NFL will do far more good for the program than how we perform in the bowl game. Though, obviously, I'd still love to win the bowl game.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Bravo Syd, thanks for everything.
Dan
Admin
"It's a bittersweet moment as my time here comes to an end.."
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
What's bittersweet is that bowl games won't exist in 10 years.
They are still on scholarship lol
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Devon Witherspoon is the first player ever to push himself to the first round by sheer force of trash talk. Absolute legend.
The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
This is the sales pitch and I think it's an extremely strong one.
I am interested to see how they do in the NFL. I love corners/safeties who can hit and play the ball. It is a rare combination and both of these players can do that.
Hard disagree on this take. It is better having them stay healthy get a good draft pick and have announcers on Sunday say they went to Illinois
Bowl games mean nothing to a player who can play at the next level. It is an early spring game to showcase new talent for next year plus get 3 weeks of extra practice
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Dude starts for Illinois for 5 seasons. Put his body on the line day in and day out. Worked harder than almost anybody on this forum, while managing his school work. Played a pivotal role in giving us our best season in the past 15 years.
And you want him to pay his own way for his final semester of schooling because he wants to protect his body to secure his shot at playing in the NFL, his childhood dream - and has the potential to transform his family tree financially forever - so that you can watch him play one more game?
GMAB
Ok I get that. Just sad as a fan that we won't see the same team one more time.
Yes. Team and commitment.
They've put their bodies on the line for this team for years. Now they have a chance at a life changing opportunity and they don't want to risk it for what is essentially a glorified exhibition game.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Easy to cast stones from the stands.
Ok. My bad.
I’m of the opinion they should play. You worked hard all year so you can make the post season ( a bowl) and your whole career in college. Now I’m not going to go because I might get hurt. This trend over the last 5-10 yrs of opting out is a bunch of crap. Your yrs in college are the best. Most will have a very short NFL career. I know some are going to say don’t risk the $$$, but give some loyalty to your school and your teammates. Not going to be the same team without them. These guys got NIL money and a free education plus all the other bennies of being a student athelete at Illinois. Finish the season you committed to.
I’m thinking I may opt out of watching the ReliaQuest Bowl. While I respect Brown and Witherspoon’s decisions, it’s become clear that if this game is not important enough for the actual players to participate, I can only conclude it’s not important enough for me to dedicate four hours of my time. On a holiday, no less. I hope the University, the television networks and the team i am otherwise dedicated to will respect my decision. Thanks for the all the love Illini Nation!
For all those supporting this would you have supported them sitting out Northwestern?
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