STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Military Investigating White Power Signs Held Up During Army-Navy Football Game

Three cadets were seen throwing up what looked like white power signs during ESPN pregame festivities.

Military officials say they are investigating what appeared to be two cadets making white supremacist hand signals prior to Saturday’s (November 14) Army-Navy football game.

During ESPN’s pregame coverage of the annual academy clash, cadets on both sides of the rivalry, including two from West Point and one from the Naval Academy, made gestures that looked like a white power sign.

At least one of the gestures resembled what the Southern Poverty Law Center describes as "the thumb and forefinger joined together in a circle, the remaining three fingers splayed out behind."

"West Point is looking into it and we do not know the intent of the cadets," Lt. Col. Christopher Ophardt, director of public affairs, wrote to NBC News in an email.

Cmdr. Alana Garas of the Naval Academy said in another email to NBC, "We are aware and will be looking into it."

On the Midshipmen side, a cadet appeared to make what looked like a W and P signal with his hands and continued until someone with gloves tapped him on the hand.

Donald Trump kicked off the game during the coin toss. Navy would end up winning the 120th annual match 31-7.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.