“Tommy Tuberville Shuts Down Military Holds – Freedom for All!

On Monday, Tommy Tuberville, head coach at Auburn University, announced plans to end the blanket military holds placed on student athletes. Under the new policy, military hold athletes will be allowed to practice and compete with the team, as long as they maintain academic eligibility during their absence. The policy change was applauded by members of the military community, who see it as a step forward to improving the quality of life for student athletes in the military. During military hold athletes’ absence, the university had refused to allow them to practice or compete, while other student athletes were allowed to do so. Tuberville noted that he has a personal connection to the military, as he served in the Navy ROTC program at Auburn in the late 1970s. At the announcement, Tuberville said, “It’s important that Auburn provide an opportunity for our military members to further their education while making a commitment to serve our country.” The policy change has drawn praise from veterans organizations, who view the move as a positive sign of support for military personnel and their families. “We are thrilled to see this strong support for members of the military,” said John Korschuk, president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At Auburn, the policy change will affect only a handful of student athletes. Still, Tuberville hopes that other universities and sports leagues will follow Auburn’s lead in recognizing the unique commitment that members of the military make. As Tuberville said, “We hope that other universities and sports organizations will recognize the sacrifices that are made on a daily basis, and do their part to offer opportunities to serve.” The policy change at Auburn will certainly be a benefit to both student athletes and the military community. It serves as a reminder of the important role that universities and colleges can play in recognizing and supporting members of the military. On Monday, Tommy Tuberville, head coach at Auburn University, announced plans to end the blanket military holds placed on student athletes. Under the new policy, military hold athletes will be allowed to practice and compete with the team, as long as they maintain academic eligibility during their absence. The policy change was applauded by members of the military community, who see it as a step forward to improving the quality of life for student athletes in the military. During military hold athletes’ absence, the university had refused to allow them to practice or compete, while other student athletes were allowed to do so. Tuberville noted that he has a personal connection to the military, as he served in the Navy ROTC program at Auburn in the late 1970s. At the announcement, Tuberville said, “It’s important that Auburn provide an opportunity for our military members to further their education while making a commitment to serve our country.” The policy change has drawn praise from veterans organizations, who view the move as a positive sign of support for military personnel and their families. “We are thrilled to see this strong support for members of the military,” said John Korschuk, president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At Auburn, the policy change will affect only a handful of student athletes. Still, Tuberville hopes that other universities and sports leagues will follow Auburn’s lead in recognizing the unique commitment that members of the military make. As Tuberville said, “We hope that other universities and sports organizations will recognize the sacrifices that are made on a daily basis, and do their part to offer opportunities to serve.” The policy change at Auburn will certainly be a benefit to both student athletes and the military community. It serves as a reminder of the important role that universities and colleges can play in recognizing and supporting members of the military.