Navy dismisses Curry from the team
The service academies clearly play by a different set of standards when it comes to player discipline. Navy’s head coach Ken Niumatalolo dismissed slotback Marcus Curry from the team for violation of team rules. Though Niumatalolo didn’t provide exact details of Curry’s dismissal, his dismissal was linked to his poor academic history, demerits, and most recently his drug use.
Earlier this year, Curry violated the school’s drug policy when he tested positive for a controlled substance. Though the official report stated Curry’s positive results were from an accidental ingestion, this incident was an impetus for Curry’s dismissal.
Even though Curry was a star running back and the team’s leading receiver last season, the academy stayed true to its tradition. His dismissal from the team is certainly a cause for concern, but the school’s reputation is greater than any one player. This incident is a good reminder that the Midshipmen are soldiers first and football players second. The honor code is serious business at the Naval Academy and all cadets are expected to abide by the code.
