Football Player Penalized for ‘High-Fiving’ Troops

• • Marcellous Hawkins Jr. received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for high-fiving Corps of Cadets members.


• • Coach James Franklin criticized the officials, calling the penalty un-American.


• • The penalty stemmed from the celebration and the player retaining the football.

Context
The incident occurred during a Virginia Tech victory over VMI. College football rules prohibit excessive or prolonged celebrations that draw attention.

Christian Perspective
Respect for authority and the military is a core value rooted in the natural order. Penalizing a gesture of camaraderie toward soldiers undermines the respect due to those who defend the nation.

Implications
This incident reflects a shift toward prioritizing bureaucratic rules over traditional displays of respect and community. It signals a move away from honoring the institutions that maintain social stability.

Broader Trends
The penalty is an example of the growing trend of using arbitrary regulations to sanitize human interaction. This reflects a broader cultural push toward sterile, controlled environments that lack authentic spirit.

Takeaway
Defend the traditions that honor our warriors and our heritage. Do not allow administrative overreach to replace the natural respect owed to those in service. Stand firm against the erosion of American customs.