West Point Military Academy has finished their investigation into the “OK” hand symbol used at the Army Navy game last weekend that some were saying was a symbol for white power and caused leftists on social media to meltdown.
Just wanted to enjoy the #ArmyNavy. Didn’t expect or want to see the White Power symbol thrown up by cadets on national television. pic.twitter.com/GwQ27QDEGk
— Fella (@BruthaManTho) December 14, 2019
Well it turns out that the cadets were just playing a silly “circle” game and not using it as a symbol for ‘white power’:
#BREAKING #WestPoint and #Annapolis have cleared their cadets & midshipmen of racist intent after some were seen before the Army-Navy game flashing an "A-Ok" sign on camera. The hand gesture was part of an innocent "circle game" & not a white power gesture as some have charged.
— Mike Glenn (@mrglenn) December 20, 2019
Here’s more from West Point’s official announcement:
The U.S. Military Academy announced today it has concluded an internal investigation of the cadets who displayed hand gestures during a broadcast of ESPN College GameDay at the Army-Navy game Dec. 14
— U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) December 20, 2019
The investigating officer concluded that the cadets were playing a common game, popular among teenagers today, known as the “circle game” and the intent was not associated with ideologies or movements that are contrary to the Army values.
— U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) December 20, 2019
“We investigated this matter thoroughly,” said Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, 60th superintendent, #USMA. “Last Saturday we had reason to believe these actions were an innocent game and not linked to extremism, but we must take allegations such as these very seriously."
— U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) December 20, 2019
"We are disappointed by the immature behavior of the cadets," said Williams.
— U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) December 20, 2019
The cadets who were playing the game on TV will be disciplined as their actions did not meet the high standard of professionalism West Point demands:
The investigator found that the game was being played in the stands before the ESPN host moved into the crowd. Based on the results of the investigation, those cadets involved will receive appropriate administrative and/or disciplinary actions.
— U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) December 20, 2019
“We develop leaders of character who serve to defend our nation and the American people, and we expect our cadets to lead and live honorably and demonstrate excellence. Leading and living honorably means to act in a professional manner at all times,” Williams said.
— U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) December 20, 2019
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point's mission remains constant—to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country.
— U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) December 20, 2019