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Investigation finds no racist intent in hand gestures at Army-Navy game

A military investigation has concluded the cadets and midshipmen were playing the 'circle game' and had no racist intent.
Credit: AP
Army cadets salute ahead of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

A military investigation has concluded that hand gestures flashed by West Point cadets and Naval Academy midshipmen during the televised Army-Navy football game were not racist signals. 

A Navy probe of the event found that the students were “participating in a sophomoric game” and had no racist intent.  

"The investigating officer concluded that the cadets were playing a common game, popular among teenagers today, known as the “circle game” and the intent was not associated with ideologies or movements that are contrary to the Army values," the U.S. Military Academy announced

The Navy and Army said officials are, however, disappointed in the immature behavior of the students and “their actions will be appropriately addressed.” 

“We develop leaders of character who serve to defend our nation and the American people, and we expect our cadets to lead and live honorably and demonstrate excellence. Leading and living honorably means to act in a professional manner at all times,” Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams said.

RELATED: Military academies probe possible 'white power' signs before Army-Navy game

There was no immediate information about what types of punishment the students are facing.

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