Yeah, but Trump approved a policy to do exactly what this guy wants to do.
The decision will mean the Military Academys have now lost a major recruiting benefit they can offer Cadets/Midshipmen. Also, those Cadets/Midshipmen who have pro potential will be more likely to resign and go to a school where they can pursue their degree and athletic goals.
This decision is a no-win situation for the military. And really, are there any other Cadets/Midshipmen who aren’t happy for the guy; especially knowing he is going to fulfill his active duty after his professional career is over.
My dad was stationed at a Navy base in the Pensacola at the time Roger Staubach was spending his last two years in the Navy. Staubach spent much of his active duty time their working out and playing QB for the base football team that played a very respectable schedule of what now would be D-1A schools.
Service academies do not exist for sports recruiting. If this means fewer athletes so be it. If those who think they can beat the odds and make it as a pro want to leave let em. The Navy doesn’t need them.
This guy entered the Academy at a time when you had to do your service time, and everyone knows that those kind of policies can, and do, change. And he made his decision to stay even before that second Trump policy was announced anyway.
If some potential applicant decides "I'm not going to go to the Naval Academy because I want to play in the NFL and they won't let me", well...isn't it actually good that the slot goes to someone whose priority is military service rather than professional sports?