Expert: Thom Brooks - 4/12/2010

Question
QUESTION: The three Military Academies all have teams that play in the NCAA. Are the students who play for these schools available to to the NFL draft? If so how do they get out of the service obligation to the Military? Is it possible to buy them out?

ANSWER: Eric, hello!

The graduates of the military academies have a legal contract to serve their military duty after their college time.  If a Pro team wants to draft them, they can but would only be drafting the rights to the person.  The great QB, Robert Staubach, served his Navy time and then joined the NFL, as did another notable, David Washington of the NBA.  If the man is deemed unfit for the military, it would release his contract and allow him to sign with the NFL.  I do not know of a buyout, but the agents and lawyers are probably looking for loopholes.  It's a matter of Honor.  If a man signs the contract for a free education, it seems it would be wrong to ask for a release just so you could go make millions. If you were NFL material, you should have thought about that before signing the military commitment.  I was an Army Officer and would not respect someone who made that kind of decision.  

Go to the website, www.NCAA.com and read the rules of Eligibility.  I am coaching a men's baseball game today but will review those rules this week.  Probably the best source would be to contact any of the schools.  One of my Savannah Bombers baseball players played at Air Force Academy.  I will ask him today if he knows of exceptions.  A friend of mine has his son about to graduate from Navy (Senior baseball player) this year so maybe he will know a legal answer.


Take care,


Thom Brooks













---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I agree with you there. First the Academies are very hard to get into and they teach honor above all. I lost my leg when I was 3 years old so never got to serve my country. I have a great deal of respect for those who do. Freedom isn't free and the cost is not green, it's red!

Answer
Eric, well spoken!

In my baseball game Sunday, I asked the Air Force Academy graduate about your question.  He said you have to complete the commitment but that you can serve out the obligation by joining the Guard or Reserves, if you do not get the normal exemptions afforded by the military, such as Hardship, or medical deferment.  

God Bless you and God Bless the USA!


Thom Brooks