Naval Academy Admissions

[erpowers]

Does anyone think the Naval Academy should either rework its admissions process or raise its admissions standards, especially for the student athletes? I just read about the story of Kyle Eckel who plays for the New England Patriots and graduated from the Naval Academy. Eckel was separated from the Navy after graduating from the Naval Academy. I do not know the reason for the separation, but it does not seem to be one of those that are given so graduates can play professional sports. The Navy did not want to give specifics as to why Eckel was dismissed, but would only say it was an involuntary "administrative separation". According to Wikipedia Eckel told the Miami Herald that he "was given the opportunity to submit a letter of resignation, which was accepted."

Eckel is not the only case of people who have been accepted to the Naval Academy either being kicked out of the Academy or being kicked out of the military after graduation. I have heard a number of stories about Naval Academy football players getting in trouble while they are in college. In terms of getting into trouble I am not talking about kids being kids, I am talking about assault issues. In addition, Eckel might be called into court for a case dealing with another Naval Academy student who is charged with sexual assault.

So, is the Naval Academy doing enough to ensure that it is getting the best people to attend it university? Do they need to do more to make sure the school is represented better?