NFL Draft 2011: NFLPA George Atallah Is Denying 'Boycott'

News broke yesterday by ESPN's Adam Scheter that the NFLPA, acting as a trade association, is encouraging the top 17 prospects for this year's draft to "boycott" the event and not attend. 

My first reaction to this was that it was just silly and extremely childish, and yet another immature act by the former executive director, DeMaurice Smith.

Why take away one of the biggest moments from a person's life? How much of a statement does it really make? Is it just to avoid confrontation with commissioner Roger Goodell, just not shaking his hand?

All in all, I think it is just plain stupid. 

I can only imagine how the prospects are feeling about this, considering they've had the draft marked on their calenders since high school and being recruited by their respected colleges and universities. 

LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, who's projected to go very early in the 2011 draft, had a few comments to say regarding the recent act from the NFLPA:

"I would like to go if possible. That's what you play football for. That's a big moment to go up there and shake the commissioner's hand and get that jersey and hat." Peterson told National Football Post. 

Peterson continued to say, "It means a lot. I definitely want to go and no one has told me not to go. So, we'll see what happens."

I think it's safe to say that the majority of all NFL fans would agree with Peterson, and agree that the whole "boycott" idea is just pointless.

George Atallah, of the NFLPA, came out today with a statement denying the encouragement of the boycott.

"The NFLPA is not asking anyone to 'boycott' anything," said Atallah. "The NFL Draft is special. Players and their families will be in New York City. It just may be different (this year)."

How different can it be? Will the NFLPA continue to act childish and just request that the players not shake hands with Goodell?

We'll soon find out.

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @    TonySantorsa.