SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of the opening kick-off between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Stanford Cardinal at Notre Dame Stadium on September 25, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Stanford defeated Notre Dame 37-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)A Notre Dame football player who transferred into the program from Navy has received an anonymous letter from some military veterans.
Alohi Gilman, a rising senior safety for the Fighting Irish, received a critical letter from some military veterans who are upset with his decision to transfer out of Navy. The defensive back played at Navy in 2016 before transferring to Notre Dame.
The Hawaii native posted a picture of the letter he received on Snapchat.
“This the type of energy we all don’t need in 2019. Miss me with all that nonsense,” he captioned his post.
The letter was then posted on Twitter:
“We must express utter contempt for you and your educational and career decisions over the past couple of years,” the letter reads.
“You were honored with the highest appointment possible to the United States Naval Academy and were given a one year prep school scholarship because of your questionable academic record. And how do you thank our great country for giving you a chance to serve? You spit on the flag and transfer because you believe you can make the NFL quicker.”
Amazes me how some adults actually take the time to send their negativity out to young players who just tryna ball & be successful. Sending prayers to these 6 veterans who are just tryna find peace by hating on others🙏🏽 @alohigilman get yours!! pic.twitter.com/7FS2BPYvng
— Aisina Farley (@aisinnaaa) January 16, 2019
Gilman started at Navy as a freshman in 2016 and then transferred out of the program in the spring of 2017, when players were allowed to delay military service to pursue a career in the NFL.
The defensive back felt his chances of making the NFL were better at Notre Dame. He also admitted he wasn’t as passionate for the military as he thought he would be.
“I wasn’t as passionate in the military,” Gilman told the IndyStar. “I have so much respect for the military. I learned so many things, but I wasn’t as passionate (about) fulfilling that service commitment. They changed the rule, so ultimately that tipped me over to transferring.”
Gilman has become one of the top defensive backs in the country since arriving at Notre Dame. He had a standout performance in the College Football Playoff, recording 18 total tackles and defending two passes.
Notre Dame is expected to contend for another College Football Playoff run in 2019, as the Fighting Irish are bringing back a lot of talent.
