Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
USA Today
April 29, 2008
Pg. 3C
Readers weigh in what's first: Military or chance at the pros? NFL or Army?
The feel-good moment of the 2008 NFL draft was when the Detroit Lions selected safety Caleb Campbell from Army in the seventh round.
For some it was a moment too long.
Despite West Point changing its rules in 2005 allowing cadets to play their sport while serving as recruiters, not everyone believes cadets should have that option. (Campbell isn't the first cadet with that option; center Pete Bier went to training camp with the Green Bay Packers last year but was released.)
USA TODAY asked readers whether Campbell should play football or join his unit, which would probably be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.
A majority — 52% — thought Campbell should honor his military commitment. Some user comments:
•"Sorry Caleb, a commitment to your country is just that. We gave you and education at one the best schools in the history of modern times. In return, you were made an officer in the United States Army so serve your time. Be proud you were born in the USA." — jamminman
•"Since there is a new rule allowing him to play, this is a (moot) point. Why don't one of you veterans (the rest of you really don't matter here, sorry) who feel he should have to go on active duty now, tell us that if you were in his position, (that) you would skip the NFL? If so, you are either a liar or a fool." — CompMan
•"Cadet Campbell. One word you need to keep in mind, honor. They did teach that to you, right?" — mrides
•"This cadet might be biting off more than he can chew! He is, after all, signed up with Matt Millen of the Detroit Lions. A tour in Iraq or Afghanistan might sound pretty good after dealing with that knucklehead." — BlueLife4
The discussion and voting continue today.
— Reid Cherner
April 29, 2008
Pg. 3C
Readers weigh in what's first: Military or chance at the pros? NFL or Army?
The feel-good moment of the 2008 NFL draft was when the Detroit Lions selected safety Caleb Campbell from Army in the seventh round.
For some it was a moment too long.
Despite West Point changing its rules in 2005 allowing cadets to play their sport while serving as recruiters, not everyone believes cadets should have that option. (Campbell isn't the first cadet with that option; center Pete Bier went to training camp with the Green Bay Packers last year but was released.)
USA TODAY asked readers whether Campbell should play football or join his unit, which would probably be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.
A majority — 52% — thought Campbell should honor his military commitment. Some user comments:
•"Sorry Caleb, a commitment to your country is just that. We gave you and education at one the best schools in the history of modern times. In return, you were made an officer in the United States Army so serve your time. Be proud you were born in the USA." — jamminman
•"Since there is a new rule allowing him to play, this is a (moot) point. Why don't one of you veterans (the rest of you really don't matter here, sorry) who feel he should have to go on active duty now, tell us that if you were in his position, (that) you would skip the NFL? If so, you are either a liar or a fool." — CompMan
•"Cadet Campbell. One word you need to keep in mind, honor. They did teach that to you, right?" — mrides
•"This cadet might be biting off more than he can chew! He is, after all, signed up with Matt Millen of the Detroit Lions. A tour in Iraq or Afghanistan might sound pretty good after dealing with that knucklehead." — BlueLife4
The discussion and voting continue today.
— Reid Cherner