Female Navy SEALs? Special Forces Chief 'Ready to Go Down That Road' <br/><a href=" US News</a> | <a href=" Business News</a> Copy The top commander of U.S. special operations says he thinks it's time for women to go into combat as Navy SEALS. A Navy SEAL himself, Admiral Eric T. Olson said at the opening session of the 2011 Aspen Security Forum that he would like to see female SEALs in combat roles. "As soon as policy permits it, we'll be ready to go down that road," said Olson. He added that being a SEAL is not just about physical strength. While women serve in the U.S. special forces community as information specialists and civil affairs specialists, there are currently no female SEALs, Green Berets, Rangers or Marine special operators as a result of the 1994 combat exclusion policy that precludes women from being assigned to ground combat units. "We don't have nearly enough," said Olson, "and we're too late bringing them into what it is we have them doing." Click Here for the Blotter Homepage.
Report: Jets vs. Cowboys for Nnamdi Getty Images Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has yet to pick a new team. But another team has opted out of the chase. Michael Lombardi of NFL Network reports that it’s down to Ryan vs. Cowboys versus Jets. Rex Ryan, as anyone who follows football knows, coaches the Jets. Per Lombardi, the 49ers have bailed out. We caught wind last night of talk that the Cowboys may jump into this thing. Either way, it looks like Asomugha will be on NBC in primetime on Sunday night, September 11.
W&M, ODU Athletic Departments Announce Optima Health Challenge - William & Mary- Athletics at William & Mary Williamsburg, Va. - In an exciting new initiative, the athletics departments from the College of William and Mary and Old Dominion University will partner with title sponsor, Optima Health, to launch the Optima Health Challenge for the coming athletics year. The Optima Health Challenge will be a running score of all the direct competitions between the two Colonial Athletic Association schools, with a champion being named at the end of the athletic season and receiving the Optima Health Trophy. Additionally, the teams' football game this November will be known as the "Battle for the Silver Mace", with the winner being presented with a replica of the historical Norfolk Mace currently on display in the Chrysler Museum of Art. "The Optima Health Challenge will add an exciting new chapter to a long and competitive rivalry between two great schools and athletics programs," said William and Mary Athletics Director, Terry Driscoll.
Eagles land Cullen Jenkins Getty Images Another day, another big free agent signing for the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense. The Eagles have announced that former Packers defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins has reached an agreement with the team. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that it’s a five year, $25 million deal. Jenkins played 11 games for the Packers last season, starting eight and recording seven sacks. The 30-year-old had played his entire seven-year career in Green Bay. The signing comes less than 24 hours after the Eagles made a huge splash in free agency by signing cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. UPDATE: Michael Lombardi of NFL Network reports that Jenkins’ contract could essentially turn into a one-year, $4 million deal if the Eagles decide to let him go after the 2011 season.
W&M heads into CAA football season as projected league winner William and Mary returns 15 starters, comes off back-to-back FCS playoff appearances, shared the 2010 CAA Football championship and features versatile senior running back Jonathan Grimes. But those notables, according to University of Richmond coach Latrell Scott, form just a slice of why coaches and sports information personnel picked the Tribe as No. 1 in the CAA in a poll released Wednesday at the league's media day at M&T Bank Stadium. "They've got Jimmye Laycock," Scott said of W&M's coach in his 32nd season. "I tell people all the time that I don't really get into the business of admiring coaches I compete against. But coach Laycock is one of the best that's ever done it." Scott guessed that W&M assistant coach David Corley, a Tribe quarterback from 1999-2002, could stick his head in one of the Tribe's huddles this season and call a play with the same terminology that he used a decade ago. The Spiders were picked sixth in the 11-team league.