Why Bronny James Shouldn’t Play This Season for USC

Bronny James suffering a cardiac arrest in the middle of a USC practice was one of the most shocking sports stories of the year. The most popular amateur athlete in recent sports history who just so happens to be the son of the greatest NBA player this century almost died during practice. Like what the hell.

No sports fans could have predicted it.

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LeBron sounds optimistic, but it still feels like the possibility of him playing this year is low. I get that his debut is much-anticipated. But rushing back a teenager who collapsed on a basketball court does not sound like an ideal decision.

Look at Damar Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest in January. He’s played a total of one game during the 2023 NFL season and has been a healthy inactive in each of the other eight games the Buffalo Bills have played in. I know, different sports, different circumstances. But Bronny might as well red shirt.

Does he stand to gain anything by playing? Possibly, but prior to him even suffering a cardiac arrest, it wasn’t like Bronny was going to get a lot of playing time in the first place. I could be wrong, and he could come back and ball out this season for a talented USC team. But the reward does not match the risk in my eyes.

Waiting a full year could be good for everyone. It could temper expectations for a young man who has a lot of them, and it gives the team, his family, and Bronny himself the time to feel confident going out there and playing his best.

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