David Pa'aluhi received his release from Oregon State to play for UH

KOHD = KOHD News
OR = The Oregonian

KOHD Note: "February 25th, Mike Riley announced starting linebacker David Pa'aluhi had withdrawn from school to join the United States Armed Forces, but Monday Riley confirmed Pa'aluhi had asked for his release from Oregon State to play for Hawai'i."

About granting Pa'aluhi's release from his Oregon State scholarship so that he can join the Warriors, Oregon State head coach Mike Riley said:
"In order to do that, he had to ask for a release from us. That's why we know about it. We were kind of surprised by that, but after talking to his father, we agreed to allow him that release." (KOHD)

KOHD Note: "Pa'aluhi started all 13 games at middle linebacker in 2009, was second on the Beavers in total tackles with 77, and earned Pac-10 Honorable Mention. Pa'aluhi would not be able to play for Hawai'i until the 2011 season. Oregon State is scheduled to play at Hawa'i that season."

OR Note: "Pa'aluhi left school in February, telling Riley it was because of personal issues and his desire to join the military."

About Pa'aluhi's decision to leave Oregon State to join the military, Oregon State OLB Keith Pankey said:
"it was like losing a brother.'' (OR)

Pankey said that if Pa'aluhi played against Oregon State:
"I would take that personally." (OR)

OR Note: "Apparently, playing closer to home- he is from Waianae, Hawaii – will allow Pa'aluhi to better handle a situation where he has a girlfriend and child but still wants to continue with football and make progress towards his political science degree. Riley said after several conversations with Pa'aluhi's father, who did not want his son to join the Army, he decided to grant Pa'aluhi his release to play for Hawaii."

About his disappointment in the situation, Riley said:
"With his immediate family situation pretty much overwhelming for him (in Corvallis) maybe it's best this way with more family around to help with the baby. You want to ask him, 'why couldn't we have researched this earlier, and tried to make it work here' but I eventually said OK (to the release)." (OR)

About Pa'aluhi's possible transfer to UH, Pankey said:
"He's my friend until the day I die, but he does play (again) I wish he was playing for us. As long as he's happy and doing better, it's hard to have malice for your friend even though he's not doing what you want him to do." (OR)

OR Note: "OSU teammates thought Pa'aluhi was giving up football to be in the military. Pankey said he corresponded with Pa'aluhi, "a few days ago'' and Pa'aluhi didn't mention plans to play for Hawaii."

About giving Pa'aluhi a call, Pankey said:
"I'll probably call him tonight to see what's going on." (OR)

OR Note: "Pa'aluhi was a wrestler at Kamehameha High School in Honolulu who kickboxed on the side and dabbled in mixed martial arts when his dad suggested he give football a try at Waianae High. Pa'aluhi, then a senior, fell in love with football, and hit the OSU campus like a force of nature, taking over the middle linebacker position last season. The player everyone at OSU called "Bubba'' has the kind of ability that translates to the next level."

About how Pa'aluhi could make it to the NFL, Pankey said:
"Let's put it this way. Our of anybody on our defense last year – besides Stephen Paea – I don't think there's anybody that had NFL written on their back like he does. He's got speed, he's got quickness, he's smart. He's a beast." (OR)

About how it isn't sure that Pa'aluhi will join UH, his father David Pa'aluhi Sr. said:
"He doesn't know what he's going to do right now, but I want him to finish school, somehow, somewhere." (OR)

http://kohd.com/page/170614

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindbeaversbeat/2010/04/oregon_state_football_at_least.html