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Star Army LB will now be able to defer military service, enter NFL draft
By Kate Norum
Published:
Army star linebacker Andre Carter II will now be able to defer his military service for the NFL Draft, after language in a recently passed Congressional bill was revised.
On Tuesday morning, the new language for the bill was filed that will restore the opportunity for Carter and other current academy members the right to defer their military service to pursue professional sports. Members from not just the United States Military Academy at West Point, but also, United States Naval Academy and Air Force Academy will have the opportunity to defer service.
NEWS: The path to the upcoming NFL draft has been cleared for Army’s Andre Carter. Bill language introduced this morning will give he and other upperclassmen the ability to defer military service. A feverish bi-partisan effort led to this coming together in 72 hours. Story coming
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 20, 2022
The altered, revised language has been included within the Omnibus Appropriations Measure, expected to pass this week. Once it officially passes, which could happen as early as Friday. It would allow other current upperclassmen to also be eligible for a waiver that will give them an exception to defer service for pro sports, Per Pete Thamel of ESPN.
Carter, listed at 6-foot-7 260 pounds, is projected to be an early-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
We will stay updated on what happens next for this bill and for Carter moving forward.
Kate Norum covers college football for Saturday Tradition. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.S. in journalism and has always been passionate about sports. Follow Kate on Twitter @katenorum