Not everyone can play professional football for the team they grew up cheering for, but as of yesterday Brian White '95 can add a spot on the roster of National Football League's New England Patriots to his list of athletic accomplishments.
When White officially signed Tuesday afternoon he forfeited his eligibility to play lacrosse for the College. The NCAA allows athletes to become professionals in one sport and maintain eligibility in others but the Ivy League does not.
"Ivy League regulations regarding professionalism [state] ... once you've signed a professional contract in any sport, your amateur status is relinquished in all sports," said JoAnn Nester, compliance officer for the athletic department.
There are two weeks left of regular-season play for the men's lacrosse team and post-season play is still a possibility. "[The Athletic Department] has advised Brian to make sure he has looked at all the alternatives but not to jeopardize a professional opportunity if that is his goal. It is his decision," Nester said. "All our athletes are aware of this Ivy rule and sign forms in the beginning of each season."
Safety and Security found White Sunday evening when he could not be reached by phone. After calling home he was given a phone number to call but no explanation as to why there was such a commotion. He discovered the number was the drafting headquarters for the Patriots and was offered a contract.
"[The contract] is a two-year deal, that I am very pleased with," White said.
Retiring as defensive back for Dartmouth, White will look to play free safety for the Patriots and hopefully earn some spots on special teams next fall.
A mini camp orientation for rookies begins at Foxborough Stadium this weekend. White would have chosen to miss the first two days if he had been eligible to play with the lacrosse team at Princeton on Saturday.
"You never want to turn your back on your teammates. Especially not now with four games left when we're in on the playoff hunt, " White said. "I had to go ahead and sign [the contract]. The lacrosse team is like family ... However, it is a business decision that has to be made in the interest of my future."
In football, White was an honorable mention All-Ivy pick his junior year and first team All-Ivy his senior year. This fall, he was an ECAC Defensive player of the week, a first team All-New England pick and was invited to play in the Epson Ivy Bowl All-Star Game in Osaka, Japan.
White has also been a two time Ivy League rookie of the week, and earned Ivy honor roll recognition once as a junior and once this season in lacrosse.
White will attend Patriots' Rookie Camp in June and then report in July for the official Patriots' preseason camp.
White said, "I never expected [to hear from the Patriots] but my fingers were crossed." The Browns and Broncos also expressed interest in White. "I went to Patriots' games as a kid," White said. "I am happy to be returning to Massachusetts and will be near my family next year."
White hopes to study law and maybe broadcasting while playing professional football. "I plan to take football as far as I can but you never know when your career will end," White said. "My mother has always encouraged me to pursue my education, my dad has influenced my athletics."
White is the son of Jo Jo White, a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics from 1969-1980 and the Golden State Warriors from 1980-1984. Athletics have been a major part of White's life, but it was also academics that brought him to Dartmouth.
It took 10 recruiting trips for White to decide he wanted a small school with good academics where he could play both football and lacrosse.
White is a government major.He spends time doing community service projects such as working with the Special Olympics and is a member of the Dartmouth Dance Ensemble.
