Army FB Mike Viti's Signing Sparks Political Debate

wide right · May 4, 2008

Army FB Mike Viti's Signing Sparks Debate
Source: Jay Skurski, Niagara Gazette

Mike Viti does possess one strength that made him appealing to the Buffalo Bills. And that is, well ... his strength. The 242-pound rock of a fullback benched 470 pounds at Army, an Academy record.

That explains why the Bills offered a two-year contract, which was accepted, shortly after last weekends NFL Draft concluded. But Vitis story is different than that of other undrafted free agents chasing down NFL dreams. Because if he doesnt land a roster spot in Buffalo, the next stop could be Baghdad.

Implemented in 2005, the Armys Alternative Service Option allows athletes a chance to play professionally and serve their two years of active service working as recruiters. If Vitis on the team in the fall, hell work on Tuesdays the Bills off day at a local recruiting office. If he stays on the team for two years, his remaining three years of active duty can be exchanged for six years of reserves time. If not, he could be sent to combat.

I have to serve the United States Army and I have to serve the Buffalo Bills, Viti said Friday as the team opened rookie minicamp. And I think being cognizant of that going into it is being fair to myself and the organization.

Vitis signing and the drafting of Army safety Caleb Campbell by the Detroit Lions has sparked a national debate this week about the merits of the program. The Army hopes the pair provide positive press. Instead of getting two good officers, the hope is 200 more become interested in military academies after learning about Campbell, Viti and those who follow them.

Theres also the notion that serving as a recruiter is different, and somewhat less important, than serving overseas.

Thats an issue Viti took exception to in an interview with the Associated Press this week.

I think a lot of people have the misconception that if youre not getting bullets slung by your head, that youre not serving your nation in a time of war, he said. There are service support branches in the Army for a reason. Combat arms is what I decided to do, but that doesnt mean my service is going to be any less, because when you start to split hairs on it, you start to demean some of the other branches of the U.S. Army.
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I think the Army's new policy is good. It can encourage enrollment. The 2 year wait I'm sure turned off some prospective recruits. David Robinson in the NBA is probably the most famous case of having to first fulfill your military obligations. If a player accepts the buyout they still have to do 6 years in the reserves which is hardly a cake walk. Especially after retiring from playing a professional sport. I hope the dude makes the team. Sounds like a beast of a FB.

Dougerrrr · May 4, 2008

Wasn't he talked to on ESPN during the draft too? He didn't rule out the possibility of serving after his NFL career was over also. He wants to do his duty also. Tough place to be in because many parents won't agree when their kids are over seas serving.

nastynate184 · May 4, 2008

good luck to both those guys. i like the system maybe it will get better athletes out to the academies

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Army FB Mike Viti's Signing Sparks Political Debate

wide right Grumpy Old Man

Dougerrrr Laus Deo

nastynate184 Fuck Michigan

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Army FB Mike Viti's Signing Sparks Political Debate

wide right Grumpy Old Man

Dougerrrr Laus Deo

nastynate184 Fuck Michigan

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