Cameron Kinley had planned to try his hand in the NFL and realize his dream, but the Navy had other ideas when they rejected it. Now, a U.S. Senator from the state where Kinley wants to play wants the Commander-in-Chief to override the order.
TheHill.com has reported that Marco Rubio has sent a letter to President Biden requesting a waiver that would allow Kinley to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“In years past, the U.S. Department of Defense has issued many waivers to allow athletes to temporarily delay their service to our nation to pursue their professional sports dreams,” Rubio wrote. “Unfortunately, Mr. Kinley seems to be the exception, and without reason.”
Rubio also noted that Kinley participated in Navy’s pro day for the NFL draft and attended rookie minicamp for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had signed Kinley as an undrafted free agent.
“Mr. Kinley is not seeking to terminate his commitment to the Navy. Far from it. He wishes to promote service to our great nation from one of the country’s largest stages. I implore you to right this wrong,” Rubio said.
“Grant Mr. Kinley’s waiver to play in the NFL, and send a message to future academy graduates that the United States is a country where Americans can follow their dreams and be true to their commitment,” Rubio added.
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Last year, Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry had his commission delayed so he could sign and play for the Dolphins as a seventh-round draft pick (as a receiver).
“It’s kind of a catch-22,” Bucs coach Bruce Arians told reporters recently. “I know he wants to attempt to be a professional football player, but he obviously means a ton to the Navy. So I’ll leave that up to them. Would love to have him, because I thought he showed promising signs when he was here.”
