Ahmad Bradshaw unexpectedly leaves Army

On Tuesday, the Army Black Knights' quarterback competition was settled by default as junior Ahmad Bradshaw left the program.

According to Sal Interdonato of the Times Herald-Record, Bradshaw's decision to leave came after Army held their annual Affirmation Ceremony on Sunday. The Affirmation Ceremony is held for juniors to take the oath to complete their last two years at West Point and commit to five years of active duty after graduation.

Furthermore, the ceremony is also a precursor to the beginning of classes. It was reported that Bradshaw did not attend the first day of classes on Monday and was not at practice on Tuesday.

All signs pointed to Bradshaw being the team's starting quarterback after he led the first-team offense in a scrimmage last Saturday.

Last Thursday at Army's Media Day, Black Knights' head coach Jeff Monken expressed his trust in both Bradshaw and sophomore Chris Carter to lead the team.

"I think both [Ahmad] and [Chris] are capable of leading this team," said Monken. "I think [Army] will be a better team this season, more improved than last [season]."

On Tuesday, Monken spoke at length about Bradshaw not attending practice.

"He has some administrative stuff for something on campus," Monken said after practice. "There’s things, especially with the start of school, just stuff you can’t control."

Last season Bradshaw rushed for 486 yards and two touchdowns while passing for 429 yards and five touchdowns in seven starts.

Consequently, without Bradshaw the Black Knights will be leaning on Carter, who started in the final two games last season.

Army kicks off the season on Sept. 2 against the Temple Owls.