I'm waiting for someone to start the "I don't think West Point should make such a big deal about football" club.....
Far more than religion at USMA, football:
- consumes much more time & resources than other religions
- Is not directly related to USMA or Army mission
- has mandatory (worship) events even if non-believer, including the wearing of ritual clothing, ceremonies (pre-game parades), chanting, and physical acts of devotion & penance (Pushups for plebes??)
- Indicating non-belief, or protesting forced attendence would result in negative repercussions. As would anything but full support
- Members are held in high esteem, and potentially get special treatment, if not privileges
- Much of USMA cadence & structure is centered around football. Certainly accommodates football.
All of this is tongue in cheek.... I'm not anti Army football. I'll be cheering on Saturday!
Just making the point that you can build a case like the protesting cadet on things other than organized religion.