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Athletes at any age should have the opportunity to participate in a paying sport. It's important to understand age discrimination. When we grow old, we are a threat to judgment. Most jobs will not consider you due to suspicion of lack of work ethic. So naturally, if you are young, you will be considered to work due to energetic levels. However, a young person will be judged too. Most people under 18, will be questioned for maturity, in other words, being responsible. So why question the older person whose over 50, who should be clearly responsible?

Since the NBA is a fierce and fast paced league, the elder-statesmen age is 35. Many athletes from all professional leagues, play to that age. It's not incredibly old, but most retire at that age, because of energy level deficiency. If a certain all-star hasn't won a championship, they stay considerably longer, and try to join "championship contender" teams. A player that is 18 or so, is not known for early development, until Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. James and Bryant came out of high school, foregoing college, but they were not the first. Daryll Dawkins, and Moses Malone came out of college as well. Malone won his first championship with Julius Erving and the Sixers. But not until, Malone was in his 30's. Bryant won his first, in his early 20's, and James is coming off his first appearance in the Finals at 22!

You see, Coaches should be allowed to recruit students or any civilian that can understand the game. Age is nothing but a number, some mature faster that others. An 18 year old is just as capable, as an elder player. Keyword, coaching. Only the coach should be questioned for developing a champion. It's not the age that will dictate one career or status, it's influence. Bryant was coached by Phil Jackson, and Bryants' youth was not a factor, the Triangle Offense was. If players have to be baby sat, then blame the organization for not interviewing throughly. Otherwise, you will offset a pattern, that could lead to litigation.

In conclusion, if you do not allow high schoolers the opportunity to play, it's age discrimination, pure and sweet. What's the point in have work permits, if an entity, even if it's the NBA, can chose which age to start acquiring personnel. I was 15, when i got my first job. Through the school district, I acquired legal documentation to work in this country. The NBA should be no exception. They are under the same constitution. Going to college won't make you any less adolescent. There are a lot of 30 year olds and older, being foolish after the game is over. Targeting youth is judgmental. Give a chance for a young person to get a head start in life, then not only will you see someone grow up before your very eyes, but maybe even see a probable champion as well!

Learn more about this author, Brian Williams.
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