Senator pushes for new rules letting academy athletes play pro sports
By Leo Shane III
Thursday, Mar 27, 2025
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.”
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/03/27/senator-pushes-for-new-rules-letting-academy-athletes-play-pro-sports/
