Alright, I got into a debate with a friend of mine about this tonight (instead of studying corporate formations, which I should have)...
You're Reggie Bush. It's looking like you're a solid lock to be the Heisman winner. It's looking more and more like you're going to be the #1 overall draft pick (and, if not that, at least one of the top 3). You're being compared to Gayle Sayers as the greatest athlete at running back to come out of the draft in decades, possibly ever.
The only thing standing between you and a guaranteed $40+ million dollar payday is the National Championship game against Texas in January. You've already got one title under your belt from last year. You, quite literally, have nothing to gain and everything to lose by playing in this game (see: McGahee, Willis).
Big question: Do you find some reason to sit this one out? Develop a "ankle sprain" in practice the week leading up the game? Come down with a bad case of the flu the day or night prior? Do you tell Coach Carroll (privately) that you don't want to risk your financial future and your livelihood on a game that does nothing but underline an already stellar career?
Me? I'm not sure...but I think sitting this one out is a mighty tempting option. I'd be curious what others think.