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Marine Red-Shirted for Playing in Military-Only Recreational League

United States Marine Steven Rhodes finished his active service in the Marines this summer and called Middle Tennessee State University to ask for a walk-on spot on the school’s football team. The coaches happily agreed, the Daily News Journal reported.

But not long after arriving on campus, Rhodes was told that his participation in a military-only recreational football league in 2012 would hinder his immediate eligibility to play Division I college football, per an NCAA rule.

Despite his age, military service and complete lack of college football experience, Rhodes must take a mandatory redshirt and not play a single game for MTSU this season.

Rhodes was shocked by the news. He knew what that recreational league was. It was not pay-for-play. It was not highly competitive. It was not even well organized.

Rhodes' ineligibility to play this season stems from an obscure NCAA rule, which has been updated over the years. MTSU is seeking relief from the rule.

Published under: Marines