|
Football Prospect Calls an Audible
Jeremy Bloom Delays College, Heads for Slopes
 Listen to the report by Howard Berkes.
Jan. 1, 2002 -- The University of Colorado plays in the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix New Year's Day without its most promising wide receiver.
 | |
USA mogul skier Jeremy Bloom gets some air at the summer freestyle skiing camp he owns and manages at Mt. Hood, Ore.
Photo: Courtesy EGO Sports Management
|
 | |
Bloom at a recent freestyle skiing World Cup event in Steamboat Springs, Colo.
Photo: Courtesy EGO Sports Management
|
Jeremy Bloom, 19, is spending much of the day traveling to Germany for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition. Bloom was vigorously recruited and given a full football scholarship at Colorado. But instead of playing for one of the best teams in college football, Bloom focused on becoming one of the best mogul skiers in the world. He's considered a good prospect for a medal at next month's Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
The decision to delay football for a year was a tough one. But Bloom has even tougher decisions ahead, especially if he wins a gold medal at the Olympics. His agent says a gold medal performance will make Bloom an instant millionaire from endorsement and sponsorship contracts.
Bloom also wants to play college football next year. But an NCAA rule means Bloom can't play football if he accepts endorsements and sponsorships. Doing so would make him a professional in the eyes of the NCAA.
NPR's Howard Berkes reports on this rare dilemma for a college athlete and the NCAA, and the resistance to making an exception for one of America's best hopes for an Olympic medal in the moguls event in freestyle skiing.
Other Resources
• More pictures and info at Jeremy Bloom's bio page.
|
