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Fans, media react to Rashod Bateman’s decision to opt out of remainder of 2020 season
Published:
Minnesota receiver Rashod Bateman opted out of the remainder of the 2020 football season on Wednesday afternoon.
Bateman will instead prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, where he could be picked in the first few rounds.
Here’s Bateman’s statement on the decision:
Thank you Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/ANVtBYnCdr
— Rashod Bateman (@R_bateman2) November 25, 2020
Bateman finishes his collegiate career with 147 catches and 2,395 yards and 19 touchdowns in 31 games. He’s one of the best receivers in program history, placing No. 6 in receptions, No. 6 in yards and No. 5 in touchdowns.
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck also released a statement in support of Bateman’s decision:
We wish you all the best, @R_bateman2 💛💛
A statement from @Coach_Fleck. pic.twitter.com/ZfRby2rm00
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) November 25, 2020
Minnesota had high hopes for this season, but the Gophers are just 2-3 on the year. They have two regular season games remaining vs. Northwestern and Nebraska.
Most of the reaction from fans and media was in support of Bateman. There’s already some early chatter about where he might land in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Here’s some of that reaction:
Rashod Bateman's willingness to come back and give it a go with his teammates was admirable. This seems like the sensible decision for him to look forward as the COVID situation only seems to worsen. https://t.co/qnpYlaDDEy
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) November 25, 2020
Rashod Bateman is moving on. No surprise there. https://t.co/kMShbSf6x0
— The Daily Gopher (@TheDailyGopher) November 25, 2020
Rashod Bateman moving on to the NFL. These guys who opted back in took a risk. To me, there’s no shame in sizing things up and saying it’s time to go. https://t.co/OzE9ANAIfi
— Max Olson (@max_olson) November 25, 2020
2021 NFL Draft WR Rankings
1. Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
2. Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
3. Rondale Moore, Purdue
4. Devonta Smith, Alabama
5. Rashod Bateman, Minnesota pic.twitter.com/Y7yJrDCkIc— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 25, 2020
Rashod Bateman is one of the best WR prospects in the past decade.
So excited for his NFL career! https://t.co/KFuOclsShR
— Dalton Kates (@Dalton_Kates) November 25, 2020
Minnesota star wide receiver Rashod Bateman has opted out to prepare for the draft, per his twitter.
Bateman answered any questions about his ability this year, carrying the Gophers passing attack with 36 catches, 472 yards, and 2 TD’s in 5 games this season.
— Shaun Chornobroff (@SChornobroff) November 25, 2020
This is the Rashod Bateman play that in the moment brought me the most joy. Minnesota lost, but the delirium caused by this touchdown against that team on that day is one of my highest sports highs. I thank him, and I hope he found coming back worth it.https://t.co/f0UA4PxsRx
— Chandler Elsbecker (@CKElsbecker) November 25, 2020
Rashod Bateman opted out. Then he opted back in. He played five games. Then he opted out again.
If Minnesota was 5-0 and not 2-3, we'd ask why? But we know why. He ain't gotta say a damn thing.
— RJ Young (@RJ_Young) November 25, 2020
Star #Gophers WR, Rashod Bateman has decided to opt out of Minnesota’s remaining season and begin preparing for the NFL Draft.
Thanks for the memories @R_bateman2. Best of Luck!!
—> https://t.co/OHYhIvOEmI pic.twitter.com/eNpTrCrrxH
— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) November 25, 2020
Minnesota Star WR Rashod Bateman opts out of the season. Potential 1st rounder will start preparing for the NFL Draft. Not a shocker based off the season Minnesota has had so far
— CollegeSportsElite (@NCAA_Elite) November 25, 2020
#Gophers WR Rashod Bateman is opting out again to prepare for the NFL Draft. One of the best to ever wear maroon and gold.
I'm excited to see how the draft process plays out for him. Teams will love his route running, contested catch skills, and YAC ability. https://t.co/Ypc5f1n9DP
— Daniel House (@DanielHouseMN) November 25, 2020
#Gophers top WR Rashod Bateman- a projected first round draft pick- is opting out of the season https://t.co/S5dZWXKbEx
— Nick Couzin (@NCouz) November 25, 2020
rashod bateman leaving the gophs hurts more the second time
— maya 🏠 (@mayawest1225) November 25, 2020
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.