College Basketball Insider Jon Rothstein Is Catching Heat For His Take On Duke’s Jalen Johnson Opting Out

CBS Sports’s college basketball insider Jon Rothstein isn’t making any friends with his latest take.

Duke freshman Jalen Johnson has decided to opt out for the remainder of the season. Johnson is projected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, and the Blue Devils have been shockingly underwhelming all season long. While most were fine with Johnson’s decision, Rothstein was not.

Jon Rothstein took to Twitter to share his disproval with Jalen Johnson’s decision to opt out so late in the season.

“‘Opting Out’ with three weeks left in the regular season isn’t opting out. It’s quitting,” Rothstein wrote.

"Opting Out" with three weeks left in the regular season isn't opting out.

It's quitting. https://t.co/XFU2E1avNR

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 15, 2021

Jon Rothstein is catching a bunch of flak for this response to Jalen Johnson’s decision.

https://twitter.com/busy4276/status/1361467556515651587

I don’t care if there’s one game left. If one of my players is uncomfortable, feels unsafe and decides to opt out, I’m supporting them. Shaming a young person is not a good look @JonRothstein

— Christy Martin (@CoachChristyM) February 16, 2021

It’s taking care of you and your family’s future earnings. Won’t even make the big dance. He’s a good dude if he even sticks around for the rest of the year. I’d be right to draft camp. https://t.co/PwNGWBqm0q

— CHEF (@DanielOchefu32) February 17, 2021

How dare he *checks notes* stop making millions for a wealthy university for no pay.

You work for free, Jon?

— The Hoarse Whisperer (@TheRealHoarse) February 16, 2021

Appreciate this BQPF!

I caught wind of a screenshot last night. Classic BS from Rothstein. The worst!

— John From Wrigleyville (JFW) (@johnfromwrigley) February 16, 2021

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Here was what Jalen Johnson had to say about his decision to opt out.

“I appreciate everything about my time at Duke,” said Johnson. “Coach K, my teammates and the program have been nothing but supportive throughout this season, especially during the rehab of my foot injury. My family, Coach and I have made the decision that I should not play the remainder of this season so I can be 100 percent healthy in preparation for the NBA Draft. This was not easy but we feel it’s best for my future. I have nothing but love for the Brotherhood and thank my teammates and everyone associated with the program. Duke will always have a special place in my heart and will always be a part of me.”

At a certain point, Jon Rothstein should just keep his opinions to himself. This isn’t even a professional athlete we’re talking about, it’s a kid. A kid who has had to play an entire season during a pandemic; allowing us the opportunity to have some entertainment while we have had to sit in quarantine. If the kid has decided it’s time to prioritize his health and future, then so be it. Good for him.

Jalen Johnson’s situation is not for Jon Rothstein to judge.

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