Caleb Campbell -- No longer allowed to play.

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.

Very well put JoeRedskin...wish I could say the same about the response to your post

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 .

My army buddies & I used to laugh at guys like you, the kind that were so gung ho and into the military but yet couldnt find the time or balls to serve. Maybe next time you should think before you paint with a broad brush.

Let me be clear on one thing - I tried to serve on three separate occasions but was rejected for health issues. In my first attempt, I lied about my condition (which has since required three surgeries and the removal of internal organs to correct) but records disclosed the condition.

And, by the way - My "broad brush" was intended only for you and for your initial comment unlike your original comment which seemed to me to be disrespectful to both the young men who serve and the veteran officers who command them.

Let me be clear on one thing - I tried to serve on three separate occasions but was rejected for health issues. In my first attempt, I lied about my condition (which has since required three surgeries and the removal of internal organs to correct) but records disclosed the condition.

And, by the way - My "broad brush" was intended only for you and for your initial comment unlike your original comment which seemed to me to be disrespectful to both the young men who serve and the veteran officers who command them.

Joe Redskin - your comments were spot on and I wouldn't waste any more of your time responding to that idiot "Irish". He doesn't speak for the majority of us who have served and it appears he's just trying to provoke you. Just ignore his ignorant ass.

Last time I checked contracts were two way streets and CC was ready (and still is) ready to hold up his end, unfortunately the Army didnt live up to their end of the bargain when they told him he could play.

As far as I know, the policy of allowing guys like CC to play ball in lieu of serving in an active military unit was not part of any contract. Rather, it was a policy adopted by the military which they opted to discontinue. So, the military didn't break any contractual provisions with CC, it simply opted to exercise its right not to confer special treatment to individuals with unique talents.

On a related note, I find it funny that CNN.com has an article about CC in which they say he was a first round pick (http://http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/25/academy.athletes/index.html). So much for accuracy.

They should of not even considered to let him play in the NFL for 2 years. It was an insult to many of who have been in the military academies. Did David Robinson go straight to the NBA after he was done playing in college? Did Roger Staubach go straight to the NFL? No to both. He had no business to even think he could go play in the NFL until 2 years.

1. If Campbell had been playing in the NFL, part of his deal with the Army was that he had to make compensation for part of the costs of his West Point education. I read somewhere that it would be a $120K payment; I read somewhere else that it would be a $140K payment. Whatever. Had he played, the taxpayers would have gotten part of their money back.


2. The West Point motto is "Duty Honor Country". Not a lot of "Honor" shown here by the Army brass for reversing themselves at the last minute. Yes, they have the right and the authority to do that - - but they sorta "gave their word" that there was a different deal in place here. PUlling the rug out at the last minute isn't all that "Honorable".


3. Caleb Campbell is a class act. Notice he is not suing the Army or threatening to sue them or seeking a court injunction to prevent them from changing the rules at the last minute. He was trained as an Army officer and he is behaving like an Army officer. Even thou he has to be disappointed to the max, he is not acting out. This is what you call a "player with character" - - whether or not he would have been a good NFL player is stil yet to be seen...


4. I suspect that the NFL will quietly approve an exceptional rule that will keep him as a Lion draftee when he gets out of the service and that no other team will object to that - - nor will the players' association.

1. If Campbell had been playing in the NFL, part of his deal with the Army was that he had to make compensation for part of the costs of his West Point education. I read somewhere that it would be a $120K payment; I read somewhere else that it would be a $140K payment. Whatever. Had he played, the taxpayers would have gotten part of their money back.


2. The West Point motto is "Duty Honor Country". Not a lot of "Honor" shown here by the Army brass for reversing themselves at the last minute. Yes, they have the right and the authority to do that - - but they sorta "gave their word" that there was a different deal in place here. PUlling the rug out at the last minute isn't all that "Honorable".


3. Caleb Campbell is a class act. Notice he is not suing the Army or threatening to sue them or seeking a court injunction to prevent them from changing the rules at the last minute. He was trained as an Army officer and he is behaving like an Army officer. Even thou he has to be disappointed to the max, he is not acting out. This is what you call a "player with character" - - whether or not he would have been a good NFL player is stil yet to be seen...


4. I suspect that the NFL will quietly approve an exceptional rule that will keep him as a Lion draftee when he gets out of the service and that no other team will object to that - - nor will the players' association.

Well put.

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.

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...