It seems like we are in the worst spot right now where there is a difference in expectations between coaches, players, and fans regarding obligation to play in the bowl game. It is obvious that there is some risk to the player in playing, but also that it does cause a modest amount of harm to the university if the player doesn't play. It seems like the expectation should be set by agreement up front through the scholarship, which is the contract between the student and the school. The scholarship should address the situation.
I'd recommend that the scholarship terms basically treat it as if the student quit the team at the end of November if they decline to play in the bowl game, 3/4 of the way through the academic semester. Therefore, if you decline to participate in the bowl game, you forfeit 1/4 of the value of your scholarship for the fall semester (likely needing to reimburse the school for that amount) and 100% of your scholarship for the spring semester. If it is still worth it to you to protect your draft status, that's certainly your choice and right, but then you forfeit your scholarship when you effectively decline to play.
Whether the example above is used or another is (such as paying out the full scholarship for fall but forfeiting spring, forfeiting your entire scholarship for the year, or forfeiting 1/13 of your scholarship), I think there should be a clear agreement by both parties ahead of time regarding the obligations of the player.
I'd recommend that the scholarship terms basically treat it as if the student quit the team at the end of November if they decline to play in the bowl game, 3/4 of the way through the academic semester. Therefore, if you decline to participate in the bowl game, you forfeit 1/4 of the value of your scholarship for the fall semester (likely needing to reimburse the school for that amount) and 100% of your scholarship for the spring semester. If it is still worth it to you to protect your draft status, that's certainly your choice and right, but then you forfeit your scholarship when you effectively decline to play.
Whether the example above is used or another is (such as paying out the full scholarship for fall but forfeiting spring, forfeiting your entire scholarship for the year, or forfeiting 1/13 of your scholarship), I think there should be a clear agreement by both parties ahead of time regarding the obligations of the player.
