What does Masoli’s future look like if he (or would have, hoax?) suits up for the Ems?

UPDATE: We have been victims of a taken-too-far April Fool’s Day prank. Floating a rumor is one thing, but writing a press release is beyond ethical. Masoli is not going to pitch for the Ems, as local news stations are saying the rumor is officially false.

Jeremiah Masoli is going to pitch for the Eugene Emeralds this season. Say what? Huh? April Fools?

Curious timing, certainly. But alas, we’re 12 hours into the famed prank day and all three local TV stations are still sticking with the story (although KEZI9 just pulled the story from it’s website).

Who knows, maybe Masoli is the next Walter Johnson?

This may sound like a cute way for Masoli to entertain himself during a redshirt year without football games, but I think the would-be Heisman contender is making a huge mistake.

First of all, Masoli has no professional future in baseball. He has very little baseball experience, not having played since his freshman year at Serra High School in San Mateo, California.

Second of all, why risk what minor chance he has in the NFL, or slightly larger in Canada?

The most important thing I read into this is that, if true, Chip Kelly is ok with it. More specifically, he isn’t too worried about Masoli’s arm for the 2011 season.

The redshirt junior’s choice to stay still makes me feel a little weird. Sure, he’s a great college quarterback (and please don’t trash his abilities now just because he betrayed us), but after sitting for an entire season during a year where the stars seem aligned (well they did 2 months ago), it would be beyond awkward to put Masoli back on the field.

Especially if the talented sophomore Darron Thomas wins the job and lives up to the hype.

What would Chip do, bench his now-star junior quarterback in favor of a senior who hasn’t played in game for over a year?

I just can’t see it.

If Masoli really wants to play professional football, and I’m guessing he does and wants to stick at quarterback, then he shouldn’t be fooling around on the baseball diamond.

He should focus on fixing his image, straightening himself out (ya know, in case this football thing doesn’t work out), and then dedicate himself to being the best quarterback he can be.

He could make a decent living playing north of the border, and with some luck, could give Tim Tebow a run for his money as the next dual-threat QB in the NFL.

Please Jeremiah, I know baseball might sound fun and be a good way to get some attention, (as well as help sell tickets for the Ems, who happen to play in P.K. Park. Athletic Department: Cha Ching), but think about your future.

Although I guess Chip Kelly has too, and he doesn’t see Masoli in it.