The difference between "The Decision" and the football players who announce their college choices on national television is that the high school kids don't know any better.

Perhaps they see others doing it and want to get under the spotlight, too. Maybe it's because if you're 17 and ESPN offers, you're afraid to say no.

Even though several ESPN commentators ripped their own network for televising these announcements on Wednesday, there is no indication it's going to stop. In the last five to 10 years, cable networks have started covering national signing day as if it were the NFL draft.

Only it's not. About the only good it does is give the teenagers some early exposure to the exploitative business of college football.

- Howard Primer