After the 120th Army-Navy game where Navy came out on top 31-7, an investigation was launched into the conduct of cadets from both academies around hand signs that were flashed during the broadcast. The signs were that of the “OK” sign, perceived by some as a white supremacist symbol.
Separate military investigations were conducted by the military academies and it was deemed that the hand gestures were not racist.
The Naval Academy determined that their freshman were participating in a “circle game”, where someone flashes the OK sign downward and punches anyone who looks.
Naval Academy Superintendent Vice. Adm. Sean Buck said, “We are confident the hand gestures used were not intended to be racist in any way. However, we are disappointed by the immature behavior of the two Fourth Class Midshipmen, and their actions will be appropriately addressed.”
West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams said of his academy that, “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. We are disappointed by the immature behavior of the cadets.”
The circle game has existed for decades and was featured on the sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle”.
The “OK” sign, according to the Anti-Defamation League, has been linked to white supremacy groups, including Neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan.
Chief of naval operations Adm. Mike Gilday said of the Naval Academy, “To be clear, the Navy does not tolerate racism in any form. And while the investigation determined there was no racist intent behind these actions, our behavior must be professional at all time and not give cause for others to question our core values of honor, courage and commitment.”
“The American people trust our Soldiers to do the right things the right way”, said chief of staff of the Army Gen. James McConville. “We must be mindful of behavior which brings that trust into question and ensure our actions meet the high ethical and professional standards our nation expects the American Solider to uphold.”
