In a shocking turn of events, new rules set by the Associated Press have deemed Sam Darnold ineligible for the highly coveted Comeback Player of the Year award. This news comes as a surprise to many, especially considering Darnold’s impressive performance thus far in the season.
Earlier this offseason, the Associated Press made it crystal clear that the criteria for the Comeback Player of the Year Award have been “clarified.” This move was made in an effort to avoid any potential controversies, such as the one that now excludes Darnold from contention.
“That sort of thing probably wasn’t a great look, so they decided to change the criteria to make sure that it wouldn’t happen again,” said a source close to the situation. While this adjustment may align more closely with the true spirit of the award, it unfortunately works to Darnold’s disadvantage in his quest for recognition.
Despite this setback, all hope is not lost for Darnold. If he can maintain his current level of play, there is a strong possibility that he could still be named Offensive Player of the Year or even the Most Valuable Player. However, the Comeback Player of the Year Award will forever remain out of reach for Darnold, regardless of his on-field performance.
Fans and analysts alike are left to wonder what could have been for Darnold, had the rules not been altered. Nevertheless, Darnold remains determined to prove his worth and continue to excel on the field, even in the face of adversity. Only time will tell if Darnold’s undeniable talent will be enough to secure him the accolades he so rightfully deserves.