What was the first thought that came to your mind when University of Southern California quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart stepped to the podium and announced he was staying in school for his fifth year?

For the record, mine was that this shouldn’t have been a newsworthy event. Since it was considered one, I thought I’d announce my intentions to return to Eastern Illinois University for my senior year.

Kidding aside, Leinart said he wanted to stay and proved it by actually enrolling for classes this spring semester. But shouldn’t that be the norm?

Was Leinart going to be the top pick in next April’s draft? Yes.

Was he going to be an instant millionaire? Yes, but it’s important to know he still will be.

Most significantly, it is refreshing to see somebody who’s wired a little differently in this world dictated by the almighty dollar.

ESPN National Football Leaque Draft expert Mel Kiper stated that Leinart was irresponsible for making this decision because without anything left to prove in college, he should’ve realized the opportunity he had in the NFL. It’s statements like this that make me think the hair gel and Quaker State combination that Kiper is using might be seeping into his brain.

It’s these types of rash statements made on television that contribute to the poor decisions made by young men who are not ready for the pros.

What Kiper doesn’t realize is that Leinart will appreciate being a senior at Southern California more than the starting quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers.

“I think college football and this whole atmosphere that I have had for four years is ultimately more satisfying and will make me happier than any amount of money,” Leinart said at the press conference.

How could this be true? To everyone who thought his decision was a no-brainer, Leinart agreed.

Not more than a decade ago, he was a fat, cross-eyed geek that had to have self-confidence, otherwise nobody else would’ve. For all of you wondering what the pros of his current decision could be. Allow me:

It’s a sunny 77 degrees in Los Angeles today. Getting paid to go to class in situations like that must be excruciating.

“I get $950 a month now. The money is not important to me.” Leinart said. It’s not a matter of if but when Leinart will get millions, but while in school he’ll be paid $12,350 while at USC. Not exactly chump change.”

I’m willing to bet that former cross-eyed geek isn’t actually hurting for dates in the City of Angels. When you throw for 3,322 yards and 33 touchdowns your pickup line can be left at home.

Leinart gets to play for the best team in the country. When he throws a touchdown, the best band in the land plays the Trojan War Chant and the most beautiful cheerleaders in the world get 70,000-plus people in the stands to their feet.

Cons anyone?

Leinart is living the college experience to the fullest and God bless him for it.

“(Leinart) is very clear about it, he never wavered from the fact that he wanted to come back,” Carroll said.

Kiper should’ve commended Leinart’s parents because obviously they taught him the integrity of making a responsible life decision and sticking to it.