FORT WORTH, Texas — Cal officials confirmed Sunday night star wide receiver DeSean Jackson is one of three players being penalized for a violation of team rules prior to the Bears’ arrival in Fort Worth for the Armed Forces Bowl.
The three players will not start today, but will play.
Senior wide receiver Robert Jordan and senior safety Thomas DeCoud are the other players being penalized. The Bears (6-6) meet Air Force (9-3) in the bowl game.
At the finish line.
Air Force players are relishing the Falcons’ first bowl game in five years, but there are some things they’re glad to see come to an end.
The 32 seniors listed on the season’s initial roster went through their last AFA practice Sunday.
Senior quarterback Shaun Carney, a four-year starter, took a brief moment to celebrate.
“I threw my practice helmet on the ground and stomped on it a couple of times,” Carney said. “Other than that, it was another day at the office. It was tough to make it the last one, but it always comes to that.”
Air Force players are enjoying their gifts from the bowl sponsors. Each player received a Slingbox, a watch, travel bags, a running suit, a jacket and shorts and shirts.
Special salute.
Bowl officials, including executive director Tom Starr, emphasized the game’s connection to the U.S. armed forces Sunday during a news conference. The game’s name was changed to the Armed Forces Bowl last year.
Lt. Gen. John F. Regni, superintendent of the Air Force Academy, thanked ESPN for making the telecast and radio broadcasts of the game available to military personnel around the world through the Armed Forces Network.
Cal coach Jeff Tedford said his team is dedicating today’s game to U.S. military personnel throughout the world.
