Marcus Curry leaving Academy

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>I stand by what I originally posted replacing “most” with “many.” Today’s Navy eschews bad behavior seen at Tailhook, flying under gondola cables, and the hijinks John McCain described in his book, Faith of My Father. Anyone familiar with USNA knows that the “rogue” mids typically don’t make the Supe’s/Dant’s lists, or earn leadership positions, therefore ending up with limited choices at commissioning, if they make it that far. </p>

<p>The bottom line is that Marcus Curry may be a gifted football player, but he never had the attributes of a Navy or Marine Corps officer, and that’s been clear from the get-go because I personally know the firstie he was assigned to as a plebe for remediation! It’s unfortunate that he was allowed to suck up air, weed, and food at taxpayers’ expense in Annapolis for so long. Most of all, keeping this fool sends the wrong message to the Brigade of Midshipmen and greatly lowers morale. Let’s not forget that ADM Fowler was in charge of recruiting for USN before arriving at USNA. BTW, many graduate without any demerits…</p>

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This crew was railroaded. Had they not destroyed the video tape, the USMC would have had nothing to charge them with.</p>

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LOL. Are you familiar with USNA? It doesn’t sound like it. Careers begin at commissioning. They don’t end there. Anyone familiar with the Navy knows this.</p>

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<p>^^^ Those who make it to Commissioning with unlimited service selection choices, their careers do begin at Commissioning. That being said, 09mom is correct that some never have any choices given their conduct and honor record. Numerous members of my class have had their service selections taken away/changed this year due to conduct and honor violations that occurred this past semester.</p>

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<p>Ditto to CurrentMid re: 09mom’s observations. It’s tempting to use what might have been to project what might be. Generally, not anecdotally, the best predictor of future behavior and productivity …is past behavior and productivity. And both USNA and USN know that. </p>

<p>Anecdotal tales of rogueish misbehavior make for captivating story-telling but generally, most often, the inverse illustrations are superior models leading to future success in the Navy and elsewhere. The notion of discovering latent potential in bad-behaving boys lends hope to parents and perpetrators. But the odds of picking a winner are far superior in advancing those who’ve commited to remaining squared away. That’s why 1st round draft picks are paid and retained, while free agents have to struggle just to make the roster.</p>

<p>The Navy’s no different.</p>

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<p>I don’t even know where to begin with this post…class rank, peer ranking, leadership positions, ECs, varsity sports, OOM, summer training, major…</p>

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When Ens Door reports to his first command, how many of these things do you think his Commanding Officer, who will write his fitness reports, is aware of? Or cares about?</p>

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<p>Of course, Song’s implication is … Suddenly, when on board ship, Ens Door’s behavior is going to be “transformed.” </p>

<p>And in some aberrant cases, as we all know, that becomes true.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, most often past patterns of behavior and performance or lack there of, are rarely changed so conveniently. </p>

<p>Were his premise so? USNA’s OOM and the many USN reviews preceding that Academy event that moves Midshipmen toward commissioned officers in the various professional communities would have been dumped long ago. No, there is a reason the “better”, more highly ranked guys and gals are picked ahead of those who may have shown less giftedness, proclivity, inclination and/or motivation as trainees. And the same holds true for specific assignments.</p>

<p>So we can debate and offer our opinions all we want. But the Navy has spoken loudly and clearly about its preferred behaviors as learners and potential officers. </p>

<p>And let’s use the current Curry example to illumine Song’s allegation about that 1st command that might have been with just some modified, better behavior by that misbehaving Mid, now ex-Mid. Who in their right mind would believe that his past antics would not require his going above and beyond the call were that to happen? You can bet your last buck that his CO would be hawk-watching him. And you can bet your next to last buck that IF that mythical scenario were real …Curry’s poor behavior would be perpetuated. Only now he’s pur the lives of others, not just his own, at stake.</p>

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<p>Rather, let’s go back to the non-sequitor example.
'09 states that one ends up with “limited choices at commissioning, if they make it that far.” A true statement.</p>

<p>Song retorts that after Ens "reports to his first command . . . " which, may be true but of course, has NOTHING TO DO with Mid’s “limited choices at commissioning.”</p>

<p>Capt. Queeg–incidentally a 1936 USNA graduate–, in fact, probably does not care of his newest Ens.'s NA accomplishments [or lack thereof] because he is too busy stewing about being on the receiving end of the tail-end of the NA stick, having had to accept his last three ENS from the lower quintile of the graduating class.
BUT, that has nothing to do with the limited choices at commissioning that ENS Pulver had upon his graduation.</p>

<p>NOW, could ENS Pulver grow to become a hero? Absolutely. BUT, he still had limited choices at commissioning because of his behavior at the NA.</p>

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<p>First off, OOM is predominantly academic. What is it, 80% or so? Are you attempting to make a correlation between academic success and demerits?</p>

<p>Secondly, don’t about 90% of graduates get either their first choice or their second choice? And aren’t the majority of those who got their second choice, those who did not have submarines listed as their first choice and did so well academically that they were ‘drafted’ to their second choice, submarines? And aren’t the majority of those 10% who don’t get their first or second choice, those who request aviation and either are in the very bottom of the class or do not pass the physical?</p>

<p>Are you implying that there is a career field where all those with ‘excessive’ demerits are forced to go?</p>

<p>Basically, beyond submarine selection, the only thing OOM selects is platforms and class commencement dates. Not a big deal. Most do not really research the platform anyway and class dates are more due to personal schedules and desires.</p>

<p>It would really have been nice had JustAnotherMid not been run off with all the pratterings about “some” and “most” and hidden agendas. He may have had something pertinent to say about the subject.</p>

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<p>It’s so sad that this Western culture values football, physical and athletic prowess over intellectual wit and creativity. Rather barbaric in nature. It’s not any different that the gladiators back in ancient Rome. </p>

<p>People like Curry, or Eckel, or even NFL stars like Ray Lewis get away with anything.</p>

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<p>Ray Lewis? :confused: Ray Lewis didn’t “get away” with anything.</p>

<p>Ray Lewis obstructed justice, and Ray Lewis was convicted of obstructing justice.</p>

<p>He was convicted for the crime he committed, convicted for exactly what he did.</p>

<p>Nothing more, nothing less.</p>

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<ol>
<li><p>Myth, it maybe published by the powers to be but in reality it is just that a myth. Many have been given the writing on the wall well before putting in their selection so they already know what will not be.</p></li>
<li><p>Know of some who got drafted to subs that it was not their second choice but appeared somewhere on the selection list submitted in August. The reality is that most are told that subs have to be somewhere on the list. We ranked ten selections.</p></li>
<li><p>Physicals are done second class year - fail the flight physical and Aviation is not going to be anywhere on your list - you don’t qualify.</p></li>
<li><p>Do poorly at leatherneck, get a poor review and you are not going to be putting MC as a top choice but in reality it was your top choice or you wouldn’t have gone to leatherneck.</p></li>
<li><p>Poor conduct and honor offenses during first class year will lead to service assignments being changed (if you will taken away)</p></li>
</ol>

<p>After all is said and done, I suppose that the majority get their top or second “selection” but it may not be anywhere near their top or second “choice” There is a huge difference!</p>

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In the real world, this is what is known as reality. If you are 20 lbs overweight and out of shape, don’t think about SEALs; if you are blind as a bat beyond the wonders of eye surgery, forget aviation; why list subs if you are in the bottom of your class; and if you cannot act gung-ho, forget the USMC.</p>

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<p>Current Mid …said superbly, clearly, concisely. </p>

<p>Lou, you ARE kidding about Ray Lewis, let’s hope? :eek: Were you his lawyer? You and his mom are the lone 2 on the planet who actually believe he was not guilty of literal murder. Were you his lawyer??? :confused:</p>

<p>After cutting a deal to testify against his 2 pals AND then receiving the largest fine in NFL history …yea, he was innocent of murder, just told a little fib in the early going. This dude is a thug and unconvicted murderer. But he’ll not escape in the end.</p>

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<p>I apologize for my absence as exams and some leave were the order of the day. It appears that my earlier comment was misconstrued to be a defense of Marcus Curry’s behavior. Nothing could be further from the truth. He should have been gone a long time ago. Good riddance.</p>

<p>Just to clear up an earlier question I am a “he”, a varsity athlete (not football), and I am not in the lower percentile of the Brigade.</p>

<p>About demerits: you can receive them for the most minor things (especially during plebe year when most seem to be earned); i.e. an untied shoe lace, a corner that is improperly squared, some minor or perceived transgression - it largely depends on the culture of your Company, your upperclassmen, and, sometimes just plain bad luck. “Bad Luck” you ask? What do you call it when you launch a snowball at a fellow Mid, your target takes evasive action, and your projectile acquires a new target while in flight (the new target just happened to be a Lt. who was having a VERY bad day)? That’s bad luck any way you slice it. When I spoke of demerits earlier I did not intend to imply that MC’s behavior was in any way tolerable as his actions go way beyond mere demerits.</p>

<p>Now, before you Moms and Dads start lecturing me about OOM, service selections, etc. (and I use the term “lecturing” in the nicest possible way since I get them on a regular basis from my own sainted Mom and take them in the spirit they are given), here is something to consider. We are all different here but we are united in a common purpose. Being different means we all have different strengths and weaknesses. I struggle on occasion with academics and Tecumseh may have gotten tired of hearing my appeals. Many of my fellow Mids who have been gifted academically have lent a hand to pull me through. On the other hand, my physical prowess is outstanding and I have had the opportunity to help many of those who struggle in this area. That is as it should be and it is something that happens here daily. Am I a “rogue Midshipman”? Some might see it that way because I sometimes bristle and speak up when I see other Mids abusing their authority (a minority but not as rare as it should be) or when I disagree with those who insist on what I perceive as “feel good” social engineering crap at the expense of operational readiness. Am I a “rogue Mid” because I don’t always follow established procedures, because I have hopped the wall with some buddies when we got back to the Yard a little later than planned, because I’ve mixed it up with some locals who had some nasty things to say about my country, my service, or one of my brothers? Maybe. In my defense I am an ardent student of military history. I come from a family, both nuclear and extended, where almost every man has served or is serving. It is what we believe and who we are. Every morning when I put on my uniform I know that I am wearing my country’s flag and I will never do anything to dishonor it. The memory of all those who have gone before is with me, I have nothing but respect for those who are serving around the world right now, and I have dedicated myself to a career in service to this country that has given me so much. I’m not anything special, like my screen name I’m just another Mid. But know this – my integrity is intact, I can look any man in the eye without shame, and more importantly I can look myself in the eye every morning. When the time comes to lead I will lead. Rogue or not, I will do my Duty and not fail.</p>

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<p>JustAnmotherMid…said superbly, clearly, concisely.</p>

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<p>Thanks Song, we do what we can. One point I forgot to throw my two cents in on was the earlier post in this thread from vvyh2844 that I’ve quoted below.</p>

<p>vvyh2844 said “It’s so sad that this Western culture values football, physical and athletic prowess over intellectual wit and creativity. Rather barbaric in nature. It’s not any different that the gladiators back in ancient Rome.”</p>

<p>Dude, I know things didn’t work out for you here and you voluntarily seperated. I hope things are working out for you now. With that being said I can’t read your post without wondering why in the hell you ever wanted to come here in the first place? You can decry “Western Culture” as barbaric all you like but we don’t use kids with Down Syndrome as unwitting suicide bombers, we don’t target civilians in markets, we don’t hide behind innocents in schools,hospitals, and churches, and we don’t throw acid in the faces of little girls because they want to go to school. What do you think the purpose of the Navy is? The purpose of the Marine Corps? You prefer “intellectual wit and creativity” over physical prowess and athleticism. Ok if that’s your world view, but we aren’t going to be hurling witticisms, sonatas, or modern art at the enemy… and weak-ass “creatively intellectual types” are going to have a mighty hard time surviving the battlefield.</p>

<p>At the end of the day you are free to follow your intellectual and creative pursuits because some young Sailor or Marine keeps you free to do so. You don’t have to say thanks to them but you don’t have to be a condescending ass either. Enjoy sunny Cali.</p>

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<p>Ex-football player Curry resigns from academy</p>

<p>[Navy</a> Times](<a href=“http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/05/navy_curry_academy_resign_051910w/]Navy”>http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/05/navy_curry_academy_resign_051910w/)
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 20, 2010 10:15:54 EDT</p>

<p>A controversial former Naval Academy football player, who was kept on the team and in school despite having tested positive for smoking marijuana, resigned and left the Yard on Monday, Navy Times has learned.</p>

<p>Midshipman 3rd Class Marcus Curry, the star slotback who was finally dismissed from the football team in early May when he allegedly ran afoul of one rule too many, had told commanders he’d planned to quit after it was clear he couldn’t play anymore, Naval Academy sources said.</p>

<p>Academy spokeswoman Deb Goode confirmed Curry was no longer a midshipman, but she said that privacy regulations meant she “could not discuss the details of any administrative cases.” Goode said Curry was fully, formally out of the Navy.</p>

<p>Asked for comment, Curry sent this response to Navy Times in an online message: “All I have to say is, I left on my own will and was not kicked out nor forced out.”</p>

<p>Curry said he plans to play football this fall for Texas State University, in San Marcos, Texas, home of the Bobcats. The Bobcats play in the Southland Conference of the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly known as Division I-AA. NCAA rules state that players transferring from Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) schools to FCS schools are eligible to play immediately.</p>

<p>:cool:</p>

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<p>“You can decry “Western Culture” as barbaric all you like but we don’t use kids with Down Syndrome as unwitting suicide bombers, we don’t target civilians in markets, we don’t hide behind innocents in schools,hospitals, and churches, and we don’t throw acid in the faces of little girls because they want to go to school.”</p>

<p>Nope, but we have backed up death squads in central America to overthrow a sovereign government that have led to the execution of innocent civilians. We have exploited and imperialized other nations for national and material gain. This country took 100 years to figure out slavery was a bad thing. This country took another 100 years after that to figure out people of different skin colors and genders should have rights. </p>

<p>“What do you think the purpose of the Navy is? The purpose of the Marine Corps? You prefer “intellectual wit and creativity” over physical prowess and athleticism. Ok if that’s your world view, but we aren’t going to be hurling witticisms, sonatas, or modern art at the enemy… and weak-ass “creatively intellectual types” are going to have a mighty hard time surviving the battlefield.”</p>

<p>How do you know they are your enemy if you never even met them? Because your government told you so? Isn’t that a little bit narrowminded? Didn’t these founding fathers want us to question the government? Let me ask you something, do you know the difference between the Taliban and Al-qaeda? I know a lot of Mids have a hard time trying to locate Iraq or Afghanistan on an blank map, so I suppose this might be a harder question. You can go fight for the war if you want, if that’s your choice. </p>

<p>“At the end of the day you are free to follow your intellectual and creative pursuits because some young Sailor or Marine keeps you free to do so. You don’t have to say thanks to them but you don’t have to be a condescending ass either. Enjoy sunny Cali.”</p>

<p>Hey, do you realize more Americans die every year due to the hand of ANOTHER American than these “terrorists” you are so gung-ho about? Homicides, manslaughter, accidents. If you’re a religious person, you can count abortion too, if you want. If you were preventing these homicidal maniacs, then maybe you would have a point. You would also have another point if there wasn’t other countries on the globe that have the SAME freedoms we have (if not more, pretty sure I can smoke dope in some others) but aren’t involved in propaganda, warfare, and indoctrination. </p>

<p>Just remember that the Nazi’s tried emulating the US, because of our mindless nationalism and patriotism. The United States is the only country since Nazi Germany to still do this “Pledge of Allegiance” indoctrination. You ever wonder where the origin is of the famous “Nazi Salute”? Look up the Socialist who created the Pledge of Allegiance-Francis Bellamy. Do some reading on the comparisons between Nazi Germany and the US.</p>

<p>No other country on the globe has this indoctrination of allegiance and oath to government that gets repeated over and over again at the beginning of class. </p>

<p>“Naturally the common people don’t want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, IT IS THE LEADERS of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is TELL THEM THEY ARE BEING ATTACKED, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. IT WORKS THE SAME IN ANY COUNTRY.”</p>

<p>–Hermann Goering at the Nuremberg Trials</p>

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<p>vvyhwhatever:</p>

<p>Your towering intellect is too great for this lowly, common, indoctrinated, unenlightened fool to attempt to debate you. Actually, your moral equivalence and blame America first mentality deserve nothing more than scorn, contempt, and defiance. </p>

<p>You throw an irrelevant quote out from Goering as if it makes your argument. I’ll leave you with a more apt quote, one I’ve heard cited by men I admire, men of courage and conviction - men in whose company you do not belong.</p>

<p>War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. - John Stuart Mill</p>

<p>You sir, are a miserable creature.</p>