Earlier this month, an NFL spokesman confirmed that the league was canceling the annual rookie symposium which is a way for incoming rookies to become acclimated to the league dealing with the issues that come along with turning into a rich celebrity overnight.
NFLPA Coming Out With Their Own Rookie Symposium For 2011 Draft Picks
With the NFL lockout and the uncertainty that brings, the rookie symposium was canceled and we thought a new set of players wouldn’t have the same advantage others did by attending the symposium.
Except...the NFLPA is starting it’s own rookie symposium. The NFLPA’s George Atallah tells Jim Trotter of SI.com that they will schedule their own rookie symposium -- and handle the cost -- at the end of June.
“It was important for us to do this because it’s a critical time in the lives of players who are about to enter the league,” Atallah said. “Lockout issues aside, it’s important that players are prepared for this next phase in their lives and careers.”
The symposium will be similar to the one that was previously scheduled and they’ll deal with what comes along with being an NFL player from finances to dealing with the media. Those who have taken part in it have said it’s an important step in the process of becoming a player so I’m sure some players (and teams) are happy it’s back on.
The rookie symposium that was originally scheduled was thought to be the first formal NFL event to be canceled due to the lockout so, for now, it’s back on.
It’s set to take place June 28-29 in Washington D.C.
See More:
