No it's not abandoning the team or the coaches. Non-playoff bowl games are basically exhibitions that only really impact final records and coaching bonuses. Sure the conferences and fans and media "care" but the games don't actually matter.

So if a banged up guy who has a shot at getting drafted and making good NFL money decides to skip the bowl game then that's cool by me. I wish them all the best. Because college is about learning skills for your career. If skipping a bowl helps their NFL career then they should do it. Coaches will care because it will impact their ability to win, but I'm sure the teammates will understand and support the players who do this.