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The Bucs signed undrafted free agent cornerback Cameron Kinley shortly after the draft, hoping that the Navy would approve his request to delay service. But on Monday, a day before the start of Tampa Bay’s three-day mandatory mini-camp, Kinley’s request was denied.
US Navy denied undrafted free-agent CB Cameron Kinley’s request to delay his commission to play in the NFL. Kinley is being required to commission into the U.S. Navy as an Ensign.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 7, 2021
That story went viral on Monday, and on Tuesday, head coach Bruce Arians offered his reaction to the news.
Former Navy CB Cameron Kinley – Photo by: USA Today
“Well, obviously he’s very, very important to the Navy,” Arians said. “That’s kind of a catch-22. I know he wants to attempt to be a professional football player, but he obviously means a ton to the Navy. I’ll leave that up to them. We’d love to have him because I thought he showed promise and signs when he was here.”
Arians said that if the Navy has a change of heart and allows Kinley to go to training camp with the Bucs that he would have a place on the roster.
“If he can get free by training camp we’d love to have him back,” Arians said. “He’ll miss a lot, but he’s a very bright young man.
On Monday Kinley issued his own statement about the Navy’s decision to deny his opportunity to join the Buccaneers.
My personal statement regarding the Navy's denial of my request to delay my service: pic.twitter.com/AsNLEPdF1Z
— Cameron Kinley (@ck3thethrill) June 7, 2021
