Naval Academy graduates Phil McConkey of the New York Giants and Eddie Meyers of the Atlanta Falcons disagree with a Navy directive that has delayed the pro careers of Napoleon McCallum and David Robinson.
McCallum of the Los Angeles Raiders and Robinson, who was drafted by the NBA`s San Antonio Spurs, were sidetracked when the Navy required them to complete their military obligations.
”There should be some exceptions,” said Meyers, a rookie running back who spent five years in the Marine Corps after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy.
”There were many times I got down during that five-year stretch,” he said. ”I think I should have been allowed a chance to play. I`m at a disadvantage now because other ballplayers are coming off a season, and I haven`t played in five years.”
McConkey, a wide receiver and a 1979 Academy graduate, was a Navy officer for five years before entering the NFL.
”I think there are other options that would meet the approval of the taxpayer,” he said. ”And by doing that, you are getting the kind of publicity you just can`t buy.
”Maybe some kid growing up in Iowa has never heard of the Naval Academy. But along comes someone like Napolean McCallum or a world scientist, and that kid will hear of them. Maybe he`ll come to the Navy and one day help protect this country.”
