Caleb Campbell -- No longer allowed to play.

[724Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

That is beyond insulting to those that serve our country and protect your whiny ass at the risk of their own lives.

I cannot begin to express how angry this comment makes me.

It's okay, JR. The concept of "Service Before Self" is alien to some people.

[irish]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

That is beyond insulting to those that serve our country and protect your whiny ass at the risk of their own lives.

I cannot begin to express how angry this comment makes me.

I think 8 years in the Army gives me the right to whine. I used my ROTC scolarship to pay for college and the Army used me to pay it back. All I can say is one of the happiest days of my life was when I bid the Army farewell after fulfilling my contract and being honorably discharged.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by irish

I think 8 years in the Army gives me the right to whine. I used my ROTC scolarship to pay for college and the Army used me to pay it back. All I can say is one of the happiest days of my life was when I bid the Army farewell after fulfilling my contract and being honorably discharged.

I was unaware of your military experience and agree that it provides you with a different insight. Because the military is, in part, a bureaucratic nightmare, I am also aware that many leave the services feeling frustrated, angry and bitter. The feelings and experiences of individuals like yourself, however, does not nullify or discredit the real sacrifices made by those who chose to remain in the service.

As someone who has not served, I have the utmost respect for those who have done so. My father was career military and served in two wars (Korea and Vietnam) both as an enlisted man (Korea) and officer (Vietnam). He, like many young men, initially joined as a way out of their particular circumstances but remained out of a sense of duty and self-sacrifice. During his time in Vietnam, I still remember waking up and regularly wondering if my father was alive (I was 5-6). I remember my friend when he found out his father would not be coming home. During my youth, most of my friends were military brats whose parents were lifers. All of these adults, without exception – both enlisted and commissioned, demonstrated a sense of self sacrifice and duty to others that made a deep impression on me.

To me, your initial comment seemed insulting to these people and to their choices. On its face, it still seems that way to me. You paint your disrespect with a broad brush and it appeared to cover many people for whom I have a deep and abiding respect.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by irish

The only way the military is able to function is by getting kids to buy into ideas that no sane adult would even consider.

I'm ashamed to share an Irish heritage with an ignorant ass like you. (unless you're just some Notre Dame fan)

You are either grossly uninformed about the military or just immature.

[BleedBurgundy]

Not sure if this has been said, but it's worth pointing out: He's not going to Iraq or Afghanistan, he's going back to West Point to coach football. I have a hard time getting too worked up over this when more "anonymous" servicmembers are being killed every day.

[Miller101]

Whether you like this or not. You can't deny that Campbell got shafted! One day before camp!?!?!? ONE FREAKIN DAY BEFORE CAMP!!!!

DAYUM!!! The army could at least use some freakin lubrication as they're shafting him!!!

[jdlea]

What I would like to know is what happened to the minor league pitcher who took advantage of this rule before Caleb Campbell?

During the E:60 piece about Campbell an Army officer referenced the baseball player who I believe pitched in the Mariners system. He said that there was a great write up about him in some newspaper and the officer said, "You can't buy that kind of publicity" and something to the effect of "That does a lot more for the Army than another soldier would." So, it's not like the rule was made for Campbell. The officer stated that the same offer extended to people who had a shot at American Idol, as well.

Also, Campbell would have served as a recruiter for the Army while he was in the NFL, so it's not like he was going to totally blow off his duty to this country. This doesn't that look that great for the Army and will prevent any player with NFL dreams from attending West Point.

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by jdlea

What I would like to know is what happened to the minor league pitcher who took advantage of this rule before Caleb Campbell?

During the E:60 piece about Campbell an Army officer referenced the baseball player who I believe pitched in the Mariners system. He said that there was a great write up about him in some newspaper and the officer said, "You can't buy that kind of publicity" and something to the effect of "That does a lot more for the Army than another soldier would." So, it's not like the rule was made for Campbell. The officer stated that the same offer extended to people who had a shot at American Idol, as well.

Also, Campbell would have served as a recruiter for the Army while he was in the NFL, so it's not like he was going to totally blow off his duty to this country. This doesn't that look that great for the Army and will prevent any player with NFL dreams from attending West Point.

Most people that go to West Point do not have aspirations of playing professional sports in the 1st place. Obviously playing sports was at least at one time secondary to his aspirations of serving his country.

[jdlea]

Originally Posted by Angry

Most people that go to West Point do not have aspirations of playing professional sports in the 1st place. Obviously playing sports was at least at one time secondary to his aspirations of serving his country.

I'm aware of that, but I'm just saying, that's going to make guys shy away.

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by jdlea

I'm aware of that, but I'm just saying, that's going to make guys shy away.

They were shying away well before this. This does make thing worse though.

[budw38]

Irish " used " the Army for college ,,, then the Army " used " him . Sounds like you wanted a ride through college and are just pissed because they wanted you to earn it .Nobody forced you to enlist , that was your choice .

[724Skinsfan]

Most of what sc said was well put. I disagree with point number 2 though. If they had allowed Caleb to enter the draft knowing full well that they were going to screw him then, of course, that would be "not honorable". Someone was getting a lot of crap for allowing him to participate in the draft. I'm sure the thought of him not even being drafted crossed a few minds (he was drafted in the 7th round). So a decision was reversed. Caleb and at least one other guy (St Louis pitcher?) are in the unfortunate position of being caught in a decision reversal. Bottom line, and Caleb has already acknowledged this with his actions or rather inaction, is that sh*t happens, get over it and do your job.

[sportscurmudgeon]

Quick Question:

If Caleb Campbell were allowed to play for the Lions he would probably live in Detroit.

If Caleb Campbell serves in the Army, he might be sent to Afghanistan.

Under which set of circumstances is Caleb Campbell in more danger of being shot?

Just asking...

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by sportscurmudgeon

Quick Question:

If Caleb Campbell were allowed to play for the Lions he would probably live in Detroit.

If Caleb Campbell serves in the Army, he might be sent to Afghanistan.

Under which set of circumstances is Caleb Campbell in more danger of being shot?

Just asking...

Actually he will be living in New York while in the Army. Your chances of survival are greater in the Desert (Iraq or Afghanistan) than in any U.S. city (Detroit and New York included). The difference is will you die in a car wreck, by bullet wound, or will your limbs be blown off?