If Naval Academy alum and future NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson had the chance to turn pro immediately after graduation, he would have.
“I would have gone straight into the NBA,” said Robinson, a 1987 graduate. “[Serving two years] had its benefits. I could grow up a bit and work the 9-5 and got to do some fun things on a personal level. On a pro level, the good I feel like I could [have] been doing in the NBA far outreached me negotiating a contract as a civil engineer on a street light in southern Georgia.”
The 7-foot-1, 250-pound center was selected first overall in the 1987 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but due to academy regulations, he was required to fulfill his five-year military service obligation. The Navy, though, allowed Robinson to serve just two years at a submarine base in Kingsville, Ga., where he was stationed as a civil engineer. The remaining three years of his tour were deferred so the icon known as “The Admiral” could bring attention and positive public relations to the academy in the NBA, beginning in 1989.
Recently, the rules that prevented Robinson from jumping to the NBA as soon as he received his diploma have been interpreted differently by Army. Army, which cites an Aril 2005 memorandum from the secretary of the Army obtained by The Examiner, is allowing Caleb Campbell, drafted by the NFL?s Detroit Lions, and classmates Mike Viti and Owen Tolson, who signed as undrafted free agents with the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, respectively, to get out of leading troops in a time of war because of their “unique talents.”
The memorandum states: “Personnel who believe they may benefit the Department of the Army by using their unique talents outside the Army may submit a request for release from active duty.” Campbell, Tolson and Viti, however, must first honor at least 24 months of their active duty service obligation.
But Army is allowing the threesome to serve their two-year minimum as recruiters in the area of their pro teams, using them as a marketing tool ?but only if they make their team?s final, 53-player roster. If Campbell, Tolson or Viti is released by his team, each will have to report for a different assignment.
Army?s interpretation has drawn outrage from many, including Naval Academy officials who claim letting student-athletes play professional sports immediately after graduation has created an uneven playing field. Robinson, though, sees merit in Army?s philosophy.
“On the surface ? I don?t know all the details ? but it sounds like a fantastic idea. How many guys are going to come out every year and go pro?” Robinson said. “Those guys who do something on the pro level will generate a tremendously positive [image] of guys for Army and West Point. It is a brilliant move.”
Robinson, who won two Olympic gold medals two NBA titles and an NBA MVP award during his 15-year career, pointed to former Navy running back Napoleon McCallum, who had to serve his full five years before rejoining the NFL?s Los Angeles Raiders. McCallum could have thrust the Academy into a positive light had he been given the same opportunity cadets get today.
Navy?s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Roger Staubach, delayed his Hall of Fame career in the NFL for five years to serve his country in Vietnam. Joe Bellino, who won the 1960 Heisman Trophy as a running back at Navy, fulfilled four years of service before joining the Boston Patriots of the American Football League in 1965.
“I understand people can disagree with the politics and have philosophical issues,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty, a U.S. Military Academy spokesman. “But they cannot say it?s not effective.”
