The U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Naval Academy said the hand gestures flashed by some cadets and midshipmen on television were part of the "circle game" and were not "white power" symbols.
Both academies launched investigations into the use of the hand gestures following the Army-Navy game on Dec. 14. Several students flashed the hand gesture on ESPN's pregame show while standing around broadcaster Rece Davis.
"We are confident the hand gestures used were not intended to be racist in any way. However, we are disappointed by the immature behavior of the two Fourth Class Midshipmen, and their actions will be appropriately addressed," Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm.