I'm sure everyone has one or two stories of a time when your parents allowed you to commit to a special request when you asked them. A super-hyped birthday party at McDonalds for some kid in your 2nd grade class, or maybe you get to stay out till 11pm with your friends for the first time because you did so well on your SAT's... WITH the car. All awesome moments of freedom, right? Well, guess what? Dad just ripped up your invitation to the party and told you that you get to help him pick rocks in the backyard. Or in Caleb Campbell's case, Uncle Sam just told him that the NFL is no place for committed soldiers, despite their initial release of him to be drafted by the Detroit Lions this offseason. He was to report to Lions training camp this Friday, July 25th.
After devoting 4 years for the Army football team at West Point, Campbell was a recognized safety on the Knight's defense and drew plenty of attention based on his physical skills and knack of getting to the ball anywhere on the field. The U.S. Department of Defense however, changed their "Alternative Service Option" on July 8th to include all professional athletes who served that "a soldier must complete two years of active service before requesting a release. " Bottom line, Mr. Campbell isn't eligable for anything until 2010 now.
There are so many angles to glance from in this discussion. Should someone who commits to the military be allowed to leave early for a professional sport? Is the Army right for allowing him to be drafted and then retracting his release on a whim? Also, if the policy went into affect on the 8th, why did Campbell receive his notice of service on July 23rd? I'm sure we're all on a need to know basis but according to the Lions head coach Rod Marinelli, "He was issued a helmet, ready to go." If you read the AP article, you can hear the disappointment in Campbell's voice when he was asked on the matter. However, his final statement of "It’s my job in the United States Army. This is how I’m serving my country.” was delivered like a true soldier is told.
I think my biggest gripe comes with how this isn't the first time the U.S. Army has made some terrible headlines, crossing with the NFL. If you can remember, former Arizona Cardinals' safety Pat Tillman left his life on the gridiron and millions of dollars in salary to become an Army Ranger to serve with his brother in Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, he was killed on April 22, 2004 overseas. Sounds dignified, right? Well, what the Army didn't release to the public and Tillman's family was that he died of friendly fire, at the hands of one of his fellow soldiers. To perserve the honor and valor that came with his all-american, apple pie story brought to the Army, the government didn't speak up for months until long after his news became old; truly until Tillman had nothing left to give the Army.
I can only hope that Campbell does his two years of active duty and not only survives his tour, but is able to have his dream of playing professional football back. Both of these men committed to the the Army, so, there was no draft or gun put to their head to make them give up their athletic passion. I guess for someone like myself who can only be a fan of either the NFL or the Armed Forces, you have to believe that both professions are an honor in their own right. Regardless of what Campbell wants, spokesperson Lt. Col. Anne Edgecomb let everyone know how the Army feels on the matter:
"What he’s accomplished on a football field has been outstanding, but what he’ll accomplish as a soldier will be even greater.”
I wonder if Tillman and Campbell feel the same way.
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