[matthewb0051]

The thread about fast car, alcohol, and death got me thinking (again) about the Service Academies and them having football programs in the FBS.

Up front, I want to say that I don't propose eliminating the football programs at AFA, West Point University, and Naval Academy. This is also not meant as a slight to anyone on this forum either, just some thoughts.

I do believe that with the nature of FBS in the Power 5 conferences that the Academies should move down to a league/conference such as Ivy or whatever JMU plays in. Sure some years they are competitive but so are Vandy and Wake.

The main goal/focus for cadets is to become commissioned officers and not professional athletes. The heyday for Army and Navy really competing at the top level has long since passed, like in the 1920's and 30's. I could possibly extend that out to include Roger Staubach. FBS has gotten to this semi-pro level that just doesn't seem to fit with the Academies and their mission. Plus, it would be cool for one of them to win a Nat Champ at a lower, very competitive level.

Currently in FBS, offensive and defensive lineman are in the 6'4" range and weigh 300lbs or more. All services branches have height weight standards that must be adhered to or administrative separation could force members out. For example, my height at 6'0" only allowed me to be 208lbs or less. I have good friend that is 6'8" and he told me that his height doesn't give him that much greater of a weight allowance. Although I believe there is a waiver for dudes currently playing, it isn't reasonable to expect that a giant can be recruited for football and magically they will drop down to the weight standards after graduation.

Another area for discussion is the money paid to football coaches. Navy HC is $2m per year, Army $1m, AF $1.5. That is waaaaaay more than POTUS or members of Congress or for that matter the Sergeant on the front line getting shot at.

Several years ago I had to help out a Lt that was in a bit of a bind at WP. He had graduated from WP but after commissioning had been assigned there to be a grad assistant for an athletic team. I was blown away. Right in the middle of a two front war, we allowed a new 2LT to stay at WP to be an athletic coach and not go on to his branch training to learn his new job and get to work doing the job he was hired for (and for which the taxpayer paid his education for).

Curious what other think. I doubt anything will ever change. Too many people have a stake in those schools and I don't believe they would be in favor.