Some Random Thoughts on the NFL Draft: Part 1

• If you listened to the Draft on the radio in the Baltimore area, you probably heard it from AM 1300 The Jock (Strap) and the Sports Guys or Idiot or whatever the hell they call themselves. These guys are horrible, and provided no meanignful commentary outside of the Ravens. Furthermore they're just obnoxious, and admittedly dumb.
• Reggie Bush not going #1 was a shocker to everyone, but mostly to the ESPN draft "experts." For all the things going on with Bush, you have to admit he's a well spoken young man (much more then Vince Young) and an outstanding talent. I hope he comes clean about the House Issue, but I also wish him NFL success.
• Did I mention Vince Young is dumb?
• Since I'm a Bills fan, I'll detail my thoughts on their day. Not trading the #8 pick made very little sense. This is not a knock against Donte Whitner but rather just a questioning of the mindset of Marv Levy. I'm all for Conservativism, but by all accounts Whitner would have been available in the mid 1st round had the Bills chosen to trade with say, Denver. The fact that Matt Lienart was (amazingly) still on the board should have been incentive enough for other teams to trade up, and the cardinal got the best QB in the Draft at 10 for a steal. That being said, Whitner was probably the second best safety in the Draft, and I'm excited about his football mindset. I also loved the 3rd round pick for Ashton Youboty, who was to many a 1st rounder. The trade for John McCargo was interesting, but I'll hold off comment on that because I have never seen him play.

Ashton Youboty joins a growing list of Bills corners drafted out of THE Ohio State University

Accross the Internet today, the calls of a Bills Draft faliure and as "losers" continued. I had this to say on SI.com about the situation:

"The Bills, while playing a bit too conservativly, did not "bomb" the draft as some have suggested. By stealing Youboty in the #3rd round (Mel Kiper Jr. had him as a first rounder) they redeemed the early pick of Whitner. They didn't lose at all, they just missed a chance of being a "winner."
As for the real losers, look no further then the experts as ESPN. I think people are beginning to understand how dumb the "expert" opinions can be, and understanding that the draft is, in effect, a "crapshoot" in the words of Marv Levy."

This is Crap

No offense to the people who actually read this blog (all 5 of you) but most of the people who visit this site still come from searches about Lamar Owens and his rape case. This is a NAVY FOOTBALL/NCAA FOOTBALL blog. I'm not going to write about his legal issues. I think it's a shame people are obviously overlooking the turn-around of this program and it's exciting football style and focus on the unfortunate incedent regarding Lamar.

Just needed to say that, back to more football observations...

Why I Like George Bush

Navy Football Visits the White House

Memorable Quotes:

"I appreciate the fact that the Navy offense led the nation in rushing. And second place to the Navy rushing record was the mighty Texas Longhorn team"

-Georgie

I thank the members of the Naval Academy coaching staff who are here, particularly the head coach who seems to have done a pretty good job, might deserve a little pay raise if I might make a suggestion, you know what I'm saying? I don't know if you agree with that or not, Coach? Yes.

-Georgie

For Video, please Visit WJZ.com's Archieve

How Good Are We?

CollegeFootballNews.com has posted a decent preview on the 2006 Navy Football team. While most of it is stuff we have already heard, there are some notables to look further into.

• According to the article, the time for Navy is now, and they have the ability to win at least 10 games. While I agree the bar is high, at this moment I can't help but believe this team will come away with *only* 8 or 9 wins.
• The Schedule. Again and again I have heard of how woeful our schedule is. However, looking at it more in-depth may show it's not as bad as some may imagine. Notre Dame, as predicted by the top folks, will likely be a Top 5 team. Rutgers is coming off of a stellar campaign and believe it or not could be the second-best team in the Big East, and likely will go to another Bowl this year. Stanford was 1:16 seconds away from topping Notre Dame last year and going to a Bowl in it's own right, and nearly pulled off several HUGE upsets in the Pac-10. Connecticut also went 5-6 last year, one win away from Bowling, as they did two seasons ago. Last year's team was young and inexperienced, and look for a possibly revitalized offense that could lead them to challenge Rutgers and Pitt near the top of the conference. East Carolina went 5-6 last year and nearly toppled West Virginia, and this years program in thinking Bowl all the way. And what about Tulsa? This team went 9-4 last year with a huge win over Fresno State in the Liberty Bowl. Qb Paul Smith, as only a sophomore, threw for nearly 3000 yards with 20 TDs and only 6 Ints. Finally, I need not remind the Navy fans how Army has improved, and while they probably will not win more then 5 games, they have certainly moved out of their bottom-status. And last but certainly not least, Air Force presents it's usual challenge. While a tough schedule will keep the Falcons out of a Bowl game, this team is good and very hungry to reclaim it's place atop the SA's. Conclusion: Navy doesn't play a bunch of cupcakes. We play decent and average Mid -major schools that provide for great entertainment and most importantly, reasonable chances to win.
• Key Game: Rutgers? Our key game is still against Air Force, but I would also submit Stanford as one of the more important games. Hell who are we kidding, every game is important.
• No Reggie Campbell on the "Ten Best players"? Are you kidding? Something tells me the author only tuned in for Army and Notre Dame last year.
• Adam Ballard is listed as our best player overall. Many people may disagree, but for now I'm only going to say that he has the Best Potential of anyone on this team. Anyone who saw him rush in those final games last year can see he clearly has the power and better-then-Eckel speed. It's all about his technique from here.

There are also a very good Offensive breakdown and Defensive breakdown, as well as a well-researched Further Analysis. All in all, a very good read that should keep you busy for a while.

ABC's of What I've Learned About Blogging

I've officially been blogging for about 3 month's now, and In such time have managed to account for roughly 1/2 of all hits on this site, earn 9 cents in google ads, and waste good portions of every day searching the College Football Blog scene for something worthwhile enough to talk about. In light of all this, I've managed to actually keep up posts for this thing, and have solidified this site as the first and only Navy Football Blog on the internet. So, in honor of my accomplishment, I'd like to share what I've learned in my blogging time in a format accessible to our elementary-minded piers.

ABC's of What I've Learned About Blogging

"A" is for Asshole. Which is a commonly used term to denote a bloger who's ideas are not in step with one's own.
"B" is for Be Original. There are about a million CF Blogs out there, what makes this one special?
"C" is for Cash. Blogs make major cash. I think our Earnings Report shows just how much positive cash flow goes through this site. By subscribing to Google AdSense I've made a full $0.09. After all, who wants to buy a playbook over the internet?
"D" is for Don't Post Personal Stuff. That's for Myspace.
"E" is for Every Day Should be Saturday. The guys with the jean shorts combine the perfect mix of humor and actual NCAA content. Now if they would only include us as a link...
"F" is for Fans. They are the one's who read the blog, so they're the people wcaterer our coverage for. Yea, not really.
"G" is for God. It just is.
"H" is for Hot Girl. If your post sucks and you don't think anyone will read it, post a picture of a hot girl.

That got you attention, didn't It?

"I" is for I Hate USC.
"J" is for Jarrod Bryant. I just wanted an excuse to post this:

"K" is for Kidding, I guess we bloggers a do a lot of that. I wasn't kidding about USC.
"L" is for Lingo. Learn It, Use It, be Cool. "L" is also for Link, as in click those google Links at the top of the page, Link this damn blog to you own, and have a link.
"M" is for Make a good post. This was the last letter I filled in.
"N" is for Notre Dame, who rules the world of CF Blogs. Mad respect for The House Rock Built for actually linking us. Mad Respect also for the Mad Respect shown to Navy every year.
"O" is for Outstanding, as In my football team is outstanding. In other words, keep the content of the blog optimistictic about your team as much as possible.
"P" is for Plural. I am only one guy writing this blog, yet doesn't it sound more enticing to take the opinion of a "we" or and "our"?
"Q" is for Quinn, Brady Quinn. Next year's Hiesman favorite and poster-child for love 'em or hate 'em Notre Dame (love 'em, just not against the Midshipmen mind you), his sister is also the subject of considerable debate in the "Hot Gircategoryory. (I personally stand on the "Not" side.)
"R" is for Ron Mexico and New Mexico (Hank Bosnia), who provide living proof that Virginia Tech has sent some real dumb football players through its halls.
"S" is for Stream of Conscience, a literary technique pioneered by James Joyce. If I took the time to write a full story actually about football, it would be boring. Plus, I don't think I could physically do that. Instead I write down whatever comes to my mind, wherever my thoughts take me.
"T" is for Twelve, the age used by readers to denote the maturity of certain bloggers.
"U" is for University, a reminder that the opinions and views expressed inevitably reflect upon the Naval Academy. I'll try not to embaress my country too much.
"V" is for Victory, as In winning, as in beating the other team, as in vanquishing the bad guys!

It's all about the V, Baby

"W" is for We Must ignite this Coach, which is just to nice of a spoof of the idiotic Maryland-based (WV Rival) Under-Armor Commercials.
"X" is for X's and O's, and not the kissy/huggy crap mind you. No I'm talking the real blueprints behind every play we cheer or jeer for on televisionsi or in our respected stadiums. As a blog, we really don't deal with any of that, unless on the off-chance we want to flaunt our knowledge of how a Postfeminist critic taught us about the 4-3.
"Y" is for YouTube, which allows us bloggers to keep you at our site while you watch stuff like this:

"Z" is for Zebra, like my man Ed-Hoc.

'Roid Free Since '83

Yes, I did have to sing the song to get all the letters in order, most peopleople do. I will be gone to Arizona until next week, and will miss the Spring Game on Friday Night. If anyone wants to send pics, video, writeup, whatever about it, don't hesitate to get in touch with me. Actually, don't hesitate to get in touch with me at all. One thing I've learned about this blog thing is A) get a partner and B) get feedback. Ok, that's two things, whatever though. Hit me up with any comments.

East Carolina Fans laying Down the Smack

In an unprecedented move, the tough talking fans of East Carolina have already predicted a rout of Navy, a full 4 1/2 month's before the season starts. Oh, It's On.

One fan predicted that ECU would triumph 56-21, stating proudly that "ECU has a answer for your triple option." Ah yes, so did Colorado State. Another fan pointed out that "three brand new JUCO LB's will have some say so there". One proud Pirate Fan (arg) exclaimed "I hate to break the news to you but your talent sucks, " to a Navy message board poster. Something tells me Coach Johnson will have something to say to that.

Now, I'm not going to go out on a limb this early in the season (hell this early in the PREASEASON), but can somebody tell me when ECU became a football powerhouse? ECU is an average, Mid Major program which nevertheless should present a challenge for the Mids. In all likelihood it will be a close game, but to say ECU will blow us out of the water (no pun intended) seems completely absurd. I hope the ECU fans do some research.

That being said I need to do some research. ECU went 5-6 last year and played some quality opponents tight (W. Virginia). They are lead by a number of veterans, and of course coach Skip Holtz. They however, are not of the Top 25 talent pool. I did manage to find a video of their "talent." It ain't watching game film with Coach PJ and the boy's, but its the best I could manage on youtube.com:


Notice how half the video is still images...

I realize it's April, and we are still several month's away until any of this talks actually means anything, but sometimes it's fun just to check in and see what some of our opponent's fans have to say about our program. Nevertheless, we're going gonna destroy these squashbuckler's. Keep in mind we are returning almost all of the pieces of the Nation's Number 1 Rushing Offense, averaging 432 yards a game total. Last year, your team has the Number 112 Rushing Defense! On defense, a veteran group is emerging behind the efforts of Rob Caldwell, the nation's second best returning tackler. But don't take my word for it, read for yourself.

The world hasn't seen such a disproportional naval engagement since the New York sunk the Love Boat.

Oh, by the way, nothing against ECU. I have several friends who attend the University, and haven't heard a bad word yet, just from friendly preseason smack. If your an ECU fan, hit my comment box, let's enlighten each other.

Best. Website. Ever. (At least for today)

It's been a boring week. News on the Navy front has been slow moving, and the general onset of spring break, allergies, and thunderstorms has taken it's toll. Somewhere between all of this, I have taken to watching a new host of daytime television, not limited too, but including this lively British he said/she said domestic comedy.

Richard: Would fit in lovely with the College Football Blogsphere

To pass these long, boring spring days I have also taken to doing some endless scouting throughout the internet. Scouring the portals of blogs, message boards, and even the general "shit" of the sports world, I came upon an amazing website the other day while looking through the scout.com army message board.

Then College Football Chain Linker does for us what years of endless internet babble could never hope to achieve. It finally settles the questions of "my team is better then yours" when their was no Head-to-Head matchup of said two teams. case in point, let's use our beloved Midshipmen and a personally hated rival of mine: Cal.

Navy beat Air Force

who beat Washington

who beat Arizona

who beat Oregon St

who beat California

Hence, Navy beats Cal. Great stuff isn't it? Be sure to check out the site which In 2003 had a chain for an NAIA school to beat Co-National champs Southern Cal.

California...You Suck

Now, back to more daytime WB...

No, No, we watch for the Hot one

Mid-Week Roundup

A transcript of PJ's comments after the scrimmage Saturday morning has been released, and for a change the defense seems to have risen to the occasion. The comments are preety self-explanitory, and the only thing really to note is that it looks like Super-K is moving closer to solidifying the #2 QB job. Of course, we could be totally wrong on that, but for now just keep your eye's out for the young man come April 21st.

The scrimmage on Saturday took place in heavy rain, which may very well have contributed the frequency of fumbles and botched Qb-Center exchanges. Defensively, David Mahoney seems to be playing like possible Defensive Captain for next year, adding seven tackles. Outside linebacker Keith Lisante and inside linebacker Clint Sovie stepped up as well. It will be interesting to see where Lisante ends up come East Carolina. A soon-to-be Junior who was fairly highly recruited out of high school (Louisville scholorship), we havn't seen him too much his first two seasons. Just one of those guy's to keep your eye on come April 21st.

The Capitol has published a great article on backup QB Jarrod Bryant and his father, who has cancer. This is a very good read, and just shows the kind of young men are football team is filled with.

The Sun, Baltimore's premier left-wing "mainstream" newspaper, has written a fine article on Brian Hampton. Nothing we havn't seen before, but worthy enough to check out nontheless.

Lastly, you can read a detailed Scrimmage report over at gomids.com.

Mid-Week Roundup

Apparently sophomore CB Greg Thrasher broke his leg Monday during Practice, and is reporting on his Myspace that he will be out 3-6 month's. Gerg is right now our projected nickelback, and with the timeframe should be available In time for East Carolina Opening Day. Last I heard he is still among the fastest players on the team. Heres hoping to a speedy recovery on his part.



Paul Johnson had another round of comments on practice from last week. Among them were more praise for sophomore QB Super-K. "He can make some plays. He makes guys miss him. He's hard to tackle. I thought Kaipo did some things today. He has some speed. He is clearly a little better runner than some of the other guys," said Johnson. Kaipo was able to work with the first team and clearly impressed, although Johnson still had platen of criticism for the other guys. Still, it looks as though Kaipo may make a run for the backup QB role behind Bryant and Goss. Word on the street (actually from PJ) is that Trey Hines "is back physically."
Combined with Campbell, Whittiker, Ballard, and Hampton, we should see a major improvement in terms of speed out of the backfield.

There is the distinct possibility Navy may play Eastern Michigan at Ford Field. Hopefully some of that Lions magic will rub off on EMU.

Lastly, there is a great report online about some comments PJ made at the Academy in terms of the team. I don't want to steal this guy's thunder, but I definitely recommend checking the report out.

Damnit We Suck

"We're not very good right now."
-Paul Johnson

Man I love that guys pessimism. The offense scored under Brian Hampton on its first three possessions, and even Super-K lead the offense to a score, and PJ is dowright pissed. Why?

"That's because the other side isn't very good"

Ah the defense. Yea, we got some work to do in that category. Coach Green, your response?

"Obviously, they were pretty good and we weren't very good. It was across the board - the As, the Bs and the Cs. We've got to play better, that's the bottom line."

Sounds good to me. Let's not forget what this defense is set out to do. When the team is designed around an offense which routinely puts up more then 30 points, Coach Green has been assigned with putting together a defense that "bends" but doesn't "break." Of course you don't want to bend at all, and that's the goal this year, but inevitably we have to fall back on the offense. Remember last year? For the first couple games their was almost zero pass-rush. Hopefully the experience of Chan and Tattersall will help to improve the push. Our linebackers have shown some good athleticism, but when put into space (which is required in Coach Green's zone) they fairly to move quickly enough to stop the better WRs and RBs. It will be interesting to see how the Defense takes shape. Of course, this could be a sign our offense is just incredible, but we all know Coach PJ wouldn't think so positively in April. But hey, when you got a football program like this with these people in place a lot is expected, and hopefully are defense can right itself in the next 6 month's for ECU.


Some more notable PJ quotes:

"We have a chance to be decent, but right now we're not very good."

"Kaipo [Super-K] helped himself some today in my eyes. He's clearly a better runner than the other guys there. He's got some speed"

Paul Johnson Comment: Predictable is Just Fine

Navy Head Coach Paul Johnson had some usually predictable things to say again yesterday. That's alright though, predictable is great when you really think about it. Predictable, my friends, is what keeps millions of Americans tuned into TV every night. Predictable is the steady stream of Sienfeld syndication over the past 8 years. Predictable is why we tune into this botched piece of National Security representation every week. Not because we like, not because it's realistic, and not because we think we have any chance of being In Delta Force someday (cue the EDSBS SEAL complex), but because in the end, we know were going to see the Allstate Man (aka Wayne Palmer President of the United States) shoot some bad guys. And when the rest of TV is clogged with lawyers, doctors, "real people", fake boobage (not complaining), and shows that make you spend your whole weak theorizing about like some wiereded out trekkie (thank you very much), seeing the bad guys getting taken down every week is a nice reminder this country rocks.

President Palmer (aka Allstate guy) unpredictable? Fine be me

Oh yea, what PJ actually said. Team worked hard, needs to prove itself, Captains will be voted on in coming weeks. Read the full thing.

Spring Football: "Oh God thank you"

While I was busy coughing my lungs out from some undetermined virus, the Navy football team got busy on Monday with its first day of Spring Practice. Lots of happenings to report.

• Super-K (Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada) is back at QB. You may remember he threw one pass against Stanford last year. It's ok, I don't remember either. Why this is the first bullet point, I have no idea.
• Brian Hampton should start next season. Of course you already knew that. Here's a good article about him from the Capitol. Jarrod Bryant is listed as the backup, of course most remembered for this.

• The 2006 Spring Prospectus has been released in PDF. Good show, check it out, learn some names for next year.
• The preliminary Spring Depth Chart has been released. New starters on offense include: Josh Meek (RT), Tyree Barnes (WR), Trey Hines (SB), Brian Hampton (QB), Andrew Tattersall (LE), Joe Cylc (ILB).
• Ketric Buffin moves to Rover and Keenan Little to Right corner. GThrash will remain at nickel, where we project he still won't be able to tackle anybody. Sike, we kid because we care
• Trey Hines is back at Slot back, and is apparently still the fastest guy on the team.
• Head Hancho (is that how you spell it?) Paul Johnson has just conducted his first press interview about spring practices. Surprisingly ESPN thought it more suitable to cover the Women's NIT, which according to the Nielson ratings, approximately .0000000002 % of the population tuned in for. The talk of course, was completely on the QB. I'm sensing a pattern with this in our offseason.

In addition, it's worthy to mention that '03 grad and USMC 1st Lt. Brian M. Stann was awarded the Silver Star on March 10th for his actions during Operation Matador in Iraq last year. Lt. Stann is a former Linebacker for the Navy Football team. Outsanding.

that's all for now, more fun stuff later.

Right Spirit Baby

"Hey Look, The Sun Wrote about us..."

The Baltimore Sun, Maryland's premiere left-wing and of course "mainstream" newspaper, recently did an artcile on Navy's expectations this spring. Half of the article is of course devouted to Lamar Owens. Way to look forward, Baltimore. Read Here

2006 Recruit List Website

So, being seriously taken aback by boredom about a week ago, I discovered this lovely piece of web craftsmanship while lurking in on the situation over at www.gomids.com. This is obviously the best website/list of the Navy 2006 Recruits. While not covering every recruit, it certainly hits the most talked about and most hyped. This is a must see to prepare yourself for the 2006 Season.

Rob Caldwell: "So Hot Right Now"

Returning Linebacker Rob Caldwell (St John, IND) has been raking up some serious accolades this offseason. As the second leading returning tackler in the country (11.67), Caldwell has been nominated for the Lott trophy. Named after NFL great Ronnie Lott, the trophy is awarded to the Defensive player who exhibits the greatest deal of Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, or IMPACT (sorry, just had to do it).

In addition, Rob has been named a finalist (ok watch list, but "finalist" has a nice ring) for the Lombardi Award. The award is presented at the end of the 2006 season to the nation's top defensive player. While Rob probably has no realistic shot going up against the 6-8, 250 lb "linebackers" of the SEC or ACC, at least he didn't score a 700 on his SAT.





Nice Job Rob.

Test

Jack Idema is at it Again

Self proclaimed Super Patriot John "Jack" Keith whatever his name is Idema is apparently single handedly defeating the Taliban forces who rioted in his prison in Afghanistan as we speak. I could bust out a Chuck Norris joke here, but that would just be gay. Mr. Idema is by all accounts a joke, a fake, and frankly an idiot. But the idea of a rogue vigilante fighting against the bad guys is to cool to resist, so for the time being, I'm going to follow the situation.

Apparently, this is actual footage

Navy Recruiting Spotlight: Luke Lagera

This is the first part of an installment which will look at some of the key recruits Navy will bring in for the 2006 Football Season. Today we will take a look at Luke Lagera, a burner at running back who missed all of 2005 with an injury. At 5-9, 170, Luke looks to fit our mold in our backfield. His reported 4.4 40 speed is just under Sonic the Hedgehawgs time at last years combine. Actually, we hear at Pitch Right weren't sure if a white guy could really run a 4.4, but from the looks of This lovely Work of cinematic genius, it looks like it could be only marginally inflated. All that while he was a sophomore and Junior. From the looks of the video, Luke has some terrific vision and nifty little moves. If he can return from the injury, it looks like Mr. Lagera can be a major addition to an already potent backfield.

Lamar Owens: Say It Ain't So

As many of you know, Navy Quarterback Lamar Owens has been charged with Rape. A full artile can be found Here.

For additional Coverage I'd suggest checking out EDSBS, where I will be chiming in, and the GoMidshipmen.com forum.

In addition, an email has been sent out regarding the situation to the USNA Alumni Association Board of Trustees, USNA Foundation Board of Directors, A&SP Executive Committee, Class and Chapter Presidents, and Parents' Club Presidents. The text is as follows:

Lawrence Heyworth IIIVice President, CommunicationsU. S. Naval Academy Alumni
AssociationDear Alumni and Parents, The mission of the Naval Academy focuses
on
developing midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to become officers
of the
highest character to lead our Sailors and Marines in combat. In
everything we do
we endeavor to develop a professional culture at the
Academy that fosters
dignity and respect, while also encouraging personal
responsibility and
accountability. The policy is very clear: The Navy does
not tolerate sexual
harassment, misconduct or assault; these issues are
taken seriously, all
allegations are thoroughly investigated, people are
held accountable for their
actions and due process is ensured. Accused are
always presumed innocent until
proven otherwise. We anticipate news media
will soon report that the Academy has
charged a First Class Midshipman with
several violations of the Uniform Code of
Military Justice, ranging from
rape to conduct unbecoming an officer. The
charges are based upon a
preliminary investigation conducted by the Academy and
the Naval Criminal
Investigative Service. Please remember that currently these
charges are
accusations only. The accused midshipman is presumed innocent until
proven
guilty. The Academy has assigned the sexual assault victim a personal
advocate and is doing everything possible to protect the victim, as well as
offer support and counseling. We have also taken steps to prevent contact
between the accused and victim to protect both parties. The victim's name
and
personal information are being withheld to protect her privacy. Upon
learning of
the allegations from the victim, the Naval Academy and the Naval
Criminal
Investigative Service conducted an immediate investigation. The
results of that
investigation were provided to the Superintendent, who then
made the decision to
formally charge the accused and to refer the matter for
further investigation
under Article 32 of the UCMJ.The Academy has referred
the matter to an Article
32 hearing. The pretrial investigation will be
conducted by a military officer.
The Superintendent will use the information
obtained in this hearing, and the
recommendation of the investigating
officer, to make a decision regarding the
disposition of allegations made in
this case. Our policy is clear: we do not
tolerate sexual harassment or
assault; these actions have no place in the Navy
and Marine Corps. Anytime
an alleged event like this occurs, it is detrimental
to the Brigade, the
entire Academy family, and is contrary to all we are hoping
to achieve. The
Midshipman charged in this case is Midshipman First Class Lamar
S. Owens,
last season's Football Team Captain and Quarterback. The accused
midshipman
remains assigned to the Naval Academy and will continue attending
class and
performing other duties assigned midshipmen pending the outcome of
this
investigation. The Naval Academy has taken the unusual step in releasing
the
name of the accused midshipman, given the circumstances of the case, as well
as the public prominence of the accused and his leadership position in the
Brigade. Our decision to release personal information is always balanced
with
maintaining the privacy of the victim and protecting the rights of the
accused.
In this case we wanted to be as upfront as possible in providing
information,
especially realizing the name of the accused would become
generally known. Our
goal is to preclude innuendo and rumor, provide for
accurate reporting and
prevent re-victimization.Last Friday night, we
celebrated a great football
season at our annual football banquet. Actually,
our third great winning season:
4-0 versus Army, 3-0 versus Air Force, three
Commander-in-Chief trophies, three
bowl games (including a 51-30 win over
Colorado State last December in the San
Diego). By any measure, the Navy
football program has performed beyond
expectations on the athletic field.
Members of the football team, as well as the
coaching staff, however would
be the first to tell you that sexual harassment
and sexual assault are
unacceptable and do not reflect the high standards,
performance and
expectations of the team, the Brigade of Midshipmen or the
Academy.
Standards are clear: Conduct, character and honor are more important
than
football. We need your help to avoid rumors or speculation. Respect the
privacy of those involved. And keep in perspective that while this latest
incident may receive widespread media attention, the vast majority of
midshipmen
meet our exacting standards of character and conduct. The
American people expect
the very best of all our midshipmen. We continually
strive to meet those
expectations. As future leaders of Sailors and Marines,
we hold our midshipmen
to the highest of standards. As prospective Navy or
Marine Corps officers,
midshipmen must set the example and must not conduct
themselves in such a way
that indicates questionable personal morals, or is
not consistent with the
Navy's core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.
These high standards apply
equally to each and every midshipman in the
Brigade. Contact our Public Affairs
Office at 410-293-2292, or pao@usna.edu
should you have any
questions.Respectfully,CAPT Helen DunnChief of Staff