U.S. Navy graduate Cameron Kinley was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buccaneers in May.
The U.S. Navy has denied recent graduate Cameron Kinley a waiver that would have delayed his commission and allowed the cornerback a chance to compete for a spot with the Super Bowl-winning Buccaneers.
After serving as Navy team captain and class president in his senior year, Kinley went undrafted in April's NFL Draft. The Bucs signed the defensive back as a free agent. Kinley was in Tampa for rookie minicamp but was not present for two weeks of voluntary OTA workouts while waiting for a decision on the waiver.
The request is generally granted for service academy graduates vying for a spot on an NFL roster and goes against recent precedent that has seen Army linebacker Jon Rhattigan (Seahawks) and Air Force graduates Nolan Laufenberg (Broncos) and George Silvanic (Rams) granted waivers, according to Kinley's agent, Ryan Williams-Jenkins.
"As a Naval Academy graduate, football player, and decorated combat veteran I understand Cameron's commitment," Williams-Jenkins, said in a statement. "I also understand there are ways he can fulfill his commitment while representing the Navy and playing professional sports.
"... If there is a directive and precedent allowing other service academy athletes to pursue this opportunity, what makes Cameron different? It is important to note that this could have a long-term impact on his mental health going forward. He wants to fulfill both of his childhood dreams, playing in the NFL and honorably serving his country."
Kinley recently made headlines for giving a commencement speech at the Naval Academy's graduation ceremony at the end of May, where he also introduced U.S. vice president Kamala Harris. He is expected to be commissioned into the Navy’s information warfare department, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Kinley also received interest from the Chiefs after going undrafted. The cornerback said he chose the Bucs due to a family connection to coaches in the organization. His father was a college teammate of Bucs linebackers coach Mike Caldwell at Middle Tennessee State while Kinley’s older brother, Jonathan Brown, played under Bucs head coach Bruce Arians with the Cardinals.
However, Kinley's agent confirmed that the U.S Navy has denied the chance to appeal the decision.
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