By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Pew PatriotsPew PatriotsPew Patriots
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Reading: Senator pushes for new rules letting academy athletes play pro sports
Share
Font ResizerAa
Pew PatriotsPew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Senator pushes for new rules letting academy athletes play pro sports
Tactical

Senator pushes for new rules letting academy athletes play pro sports

Jimmie Dempsey
Last updated: March 27, 2025 3:14 pm
Jimmie Dempsey Published March 27, 2025
Share
SHARE

Former college football coach Sen. Tommy Tuberville said this week he plans to push for new rules in this year’s defense authorization bill debate allowing elite military academy athletes to pursue professional sports careers after graduation, calling it an invaluable recruiting tool for the services.

The proposal, discussed at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday focused on oversight of the academies, drew initial support from military leadership at the schools. Tuberville, R-Ala., has not released a formal proposal but said he intends to push the issue in coming weeks.

“When appropriate, these cadets and midshipmen should graduate and commission with their classes, then defer their service obligation until their professional sports playing careers are complete,” he said.

“These would be commissioned officers of our armed services subject to the same rules and regulations as their peers, while at the same time providing valuable exposure and increased visibility to the academies while they play sports at the highest level.”

In the past, academy athletes drafted by professional sports leagues or signed to free-agent contracts by major league teams had been able to apply for waivers to defer their service commitment until after a professional playing career.

But in 2022, lawmakers rescinded that policy, mandating that those service members complete at least two years of active duty service before being eligible for a waiver. That rule goes into effect for athletes graduating this year.

RELATED

Critics of Tuberville’s idea — which include several members of Congress — have argued that academy graduates benefit from a significant investment of taxpayer dollars and resources, and they should be required to serve in the ranks after school to justify those costs.

But President Donald Trump has been a supporter of more relaxed rules for elite academy athletes, pushing lawmakers to allow for deferred service or a reserve service role while individuals pursue a professional sports career.

Tuberville, who serves as chairman of the committee’s personnel panel but is well known for his nine years as head coach of the Auburn football team, joked with the service academy superintendents that he had lost several potential recruits to their schools over the years. He added, “it never bothered me,” because of their commitment to serve the country.

He said he hopes to work with school officials to find a permanent solution to the athletics issue, avoiding the periodic — and disruptive — changes that have been enacted in recent years.

Debate on the annual defense authorization bill is expected to heat up in coming weeks, with the Senate Armed Services Committee expected to release its draft proposal in June.

The legislation contains hundreds of budgetary guidelines and policy reforms each year and has been approved annually by Congress for more than six consecutive decades.

Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.

Read the full article here

You Might Also Like

Trump’s military deployments to LA raise legal, political concerns

Okinawan bone digger searches for remains from WWII battle

These 5 Guns Will Not Jam Even If You Want Them To – Insane Reliability!

Outgoing DOD family official: ‘Don’t forget who you’re working for’

My 3 Best 2011 Pistols For 2025 From Cheapest To The Crazy Expensive

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We Recommend
Pietta King Trio Single Action | Multi-caliber: .38 Super / .357 Magnum / .38 Special / 9mm
NewsVideos

Pietta King Trio Single Action | Multi-caliber: .38 Super / .357 Magnum / .38 Special / 9mm

hickok45 hickok45 June 24, 2025
Bills’ Josh Allen downplays MVP accolade, says winning a championship remains ‘the only goal’
Chick-fil-A shoots down customer complaints about rumored straw change
USS Tripoli arrives in Japan for new Indo-Pacific duties
Fifth Person Dies of Bird Flu in Cambodia
UFC legend yearns for Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon after years of waiting
Iran remains security threat even after airstrikes, CENTCOM warns
Tactical

Iran remains security threat even after airstrikes, CENTCOM warns

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey June 24, 2025
Henry’s Homesteader 9mm Semi-Auto Carbine: Review
TacticalVideos

Henry’s Homesteader 9mm Semi-Auto Carbine: Review

Line45 Line45 June 24, 2025
Hepatitis A outbreak infects thousands of travelers at popular destinations
News

Hepatitis A outbreak infects thousands of travelers at popular destinations

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey June 24, 2025
Pew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
  • Guns and Gear
2024 © Pew Patriots. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?