Navy SEALs deny training with Tiger

Tiger Woods never trained with the Navy SEALs and there was never any indication he planned to quit golf to join the elite team, a Navy SEALs spokeman said yesterday.

SEALs spokesman Capt. William Fenick told foxsports.com that Woods had visited the Naval Special Warfare Center on Coronado Island, Calif. "on a couple of occasions."

Fenick characterized Woods visit to the camp as a "walk and talk."

This is in stark contrast to Woods' former coach Hank Haney's assertion in his upcoming book, "The Big Miss," that the golfer was obsessed with becoming a SEAL and undertook "a program that approximated the training for a Navy SEAL candidate."

"The purpose was sort of a dry run to determine whether he could physically and mentally handle the demands," writes Haney.

No wonder Woods got so testy at that press conference yesterday when he was asked about the book— due to hit stores March 27, right before the Masters.




Fenick added that Woods did come to the camp but visits by celebrities are not uncommon and the SEALS are more obliged to accommodate requests from people of high visibility.

"We did give him the opportunity to shoot a couple of guns at out range but as for reports that he was doing SEALs training, he didn't do that with us," said Fenick.

In his book, Haney goes on to write: "To my knowledge, he [Tiger Woods] did train in parachuting, self-defense, urban-warfare simulations and shooting."

The portrait of Tiger being painted by Haney sounds a lot grander than Fenick's.

The Navy captain depicted Woods' visit to the base as ordinary in the sense that other persons— including CEOs and actors— have made similar trips to the SEALs base in order to get a better understanding of what the elite special forces group does.

Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, claims Haney has twisted the legendary golfer's words into what he called "something negative."

Loyal Dog May Lead Iowa Football Team Onto Field During Veteran's Day Tribute

The heartbreaking photo of a slain Navy Seal's pet dog resting next to his flag-draped casket inspired a Twitter campaign to have the loyal dog play a part in the University of Iowa's salute to his owner and all U.S. veterans.

Jon Tumilson, the 35 year-old native of Rockford, Iowa and life-long Iowa Hawkeyes fan, was one of 30 American soldiers killed on Aug. 6. after a helicopter they were in was shot down over Afghanistan.

Tumilson's sacrifice for his country became even more well known when his pet Labrador retriever, "Hawkeye," lay next to his casket during most of Tumilson's funeral service.

A photo of the touching scene was seen by millions and brought the finality of war into U.S. homes.

The University of Iowa will salute all the men and women who have fallen during service to their country-- including U.S. Navy Seal Tumilson-- at one of the Iowa football team's two home games in November.

Veteran's Day is on Nov. 11.  The Hawkeyes play home games on Nov. 5 and Nov. 12.

What part "Hawkeye" will play in the tribute is still being discussed.  There is concern that he could be overwhelmed by the attention.

He is currently being cared for by friends of Tumilson in Texas.

"Hawkeye was a great pet.  He's being taken care of by some wonderful people," said Tumilson's mom Kathleen.  "But I just feel bad that so much of the focus is on the dog.  These guys left a lot of loved ones and there are so many people that have sacrificed their "lives" in the fight for freedom."

University officials are taking great care in respecting the fallen veterans.

"Jon's death is a tragedy that reminds us of the great personal sacrifice made by many who serve our country, our state, and our community, said Gary Barta the UI's director of athletics.  "We are pleased that Jon's family has agreed to allow us to honor Jon and all citizens lost while serving others later this fall."

Barta mentioned that the decision to not do something at this Saturday's first home game was deliberate.

"We wanted to be respectful of Jon's family and friends and others who are still grieving.  Also, as a fan of the Hawkeyes and the UI football program, I'm certain Jon would expect a solid game plan, one that is thoughtful and respectful, and well-executed on game day," he said.

The university will work with the Tumilson family to determine exactly what role "Hawkeye"may play in commemorating his owner on game day.