The decisions by Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston to remain in their hometowns with family and friends for Thursday's NFL draft instead of attending the event in Chicago was understood by most observers.

Don't count NFL analyst Michael Irvin among those understanding individuals.

The former Dallas Cowboys and Hall of Fame wide receiver criticized Mariota and Winston for skipping the event in Chicago, saying the players are big-timing the events and the league.

"I understand you want to be with your family, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, but you're a quarterback. Nobody profits more from this league than quarterbacks and I do have an issue with them not being there," Irvin told USA TODAY Monday. "This is a family. You're coming into something that is much bigger than you. Don't big-time it, and that's what I feel is being done."

Gee Mike, what's wrong with spending and celebrating one of the most important days of a professional career with family and close friends instead of a bunch of relative unknowns?

-- Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold