HOW WAS YOUR WEEKEND?

And then there were 8 teams left!

It was one of the most dramatic wildcard weekends in quite some time. A few coaches will be struggling to understand how their teams lost still. A few players will be baffled how their hands became so slippery at such ill-opportune times and one kicker will be working on his resume for the Canadian Football League.

Kansas City were definitely the top Chief in their massacre. Ah Houston, we have a problem. Houston, we have a massive problem. The problem is Houston were in the playoffs and had no right to be. They were simply disgraceful. Brian Hoyer is one of the best quarterbacks in the world. In fact, he’s ranked in the top 32 in the world. He has a job at one of the biggest franchises in not just North America, but the world. I think that says more about the lack of quarterbacks on this planet. Any kids reading this, put down your cricket bat and bench your Steeden for a pig skin. There’s a lot of money to be made from mediocre quarterbacks.

I hate seeing people fail in life and when they are sportspeople completely in the spotlight, it’s even worse. Brian Hoyer will be ridiculed for a long time for one of the worst performances ever seen in Playoff Football.

The Chiefs are on a double digit winning streak. They came and went in Houston. Their Jewell of the Nile, Knile Davis returned the kick off for a touchdown and this set the tone of the game.

The Packers came to life and learnt to run, throw and catch again. Three elements which are important in the NFL. The Redskins on the other hand forgot how to do this. Washington weren’t a good team and in a division which noone wanted to win, they got a home playoff. They had their chances and will feel disappointed they let an opportunity slip by.

And now onto two of the strangest games of football I’ve seen!

Let’s start with the Bengals, who were chasing their first play off win in 26 years V the Steelers. Pittsburgh were up when their quart back got injured. Enter Landry Jones ; the backup. The Steelers were held scoreless allowing Cincinnati to hit the lead with very little time on the clock. As I had the Bengals in a multi I was riding them! They hit the lead with under 2 min to go! I was counting my pennies. When the Steelers back up QB was intercepted, I started spending my earnings. Enter Jeremy Hill from the Bengals. He fumbled the ball, somehow, giving Pittsburgh one last chance. Big Ben came back on and battled through his injury. And then the most I’ll discipline I’ve ever seen on a sporting field occurred. Firstly a Steelers coach pulled the hair of a Bengals player! Yes, you read that correctly. And then a Bengals player tried to take off the head of star Steelers player, Antonio Brown. This coupled with a complete tantrum from another Bengals player gave the Steelers a 30 yard penalty and then kicked an easy  field goal to adadvance.

But field goal are never easy. Poor Blair Walsh from the Vikings will agree with this. With 26 secs to go he had the chance to kick Minnesota into the next round and send the Seahawks back to Seattle. He’d been clutch all game as exhibited by the below tweet from this twit!

He’d been one of the best kickers all year and in – 25 degree temperatures had been nailing them from all parts of the field.

But, with the game on his boot and simple chip kick coming up,  he drilled his field goal kick so far left it ended up in a new post code.

I’m not going to show the missed kick or the Bengals disaster, as I don’t want to get in the habit of showing sports peoples mistakes.

It was a truly wild weekend of Wildcard football!

Who knows what will happen this weekend…

GET SET FOR A WILD WEEKEND

Finally it’s here. Playoff time for the NFL. It’s the greatest time of the calendar year.

32 teams have been whittled down to 12. My Chargers are not one of these 12 teams and they are still celebrating Mad Monday (possibly in LA).

Teams have been divided into conferences now- the AFC and the NFC. The winner of each of these conferences will ultimately play in the Super Bowl.

The AFC teams are the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots (current champions), Cincinnati Bengals, JJ Watt Texans (otherwise known as the Houston Texans), Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers.

The NFC is made up of the Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks.

The two top seeds have the weekend off, but for everyone else this is the Wildcard Weekend!

The Carolina Panthers have barely put a foot wrong this year and have been Super. Cam Newton has certainly solved gravity and worked out that balls he throws up, come down- in the end zone with his wide receivers. The Panthers have only lost one game throughout the regular season and deserve their favouritism tag.

The Cardinals have been steadily building for two years and enter this years playoffs with a complete roster and no injuries. Don’t be surprised to see these birds fly during January.

The Patriots have limped into January losing 4 of their last 6 games. The week off is so needed and they’ll be back with a healthy roster shortly to cause damage. The Broncos are welcoming back Peyton Manning. Remember him? He’ll start for them in two weeks and this will be his swan song. I hope he goes out like the champion he is. The Broncos will definitely be in the hunt, but I’m not sure Manning will get his fairy tale.

The poor old Vikings. They finally win their division, wrestling the honours off the Packers and they now face the red hot Seattle Seahawks who demolished them recently. The conditions are likely to be arctic but if Adrian Peterson runs hot they may have a chance. If he doesn’t they and Teddy Bridgewater might have to build a bridge and get set for next season. My prediction is the Seahawks who have finally hit their straps in the last four weeks. 24-17.

This might be the last year the Washington Redskins are called that, as many of their brothers, sisters and cousins have asked for a name change. Kirk Cousins has steered this team into the finals- basically they were the only NFC East team who kind of wanted to actually be in the playoffs. They aren’t here to make up the numbers and won’t want to look like a Griffin, but I don’t think they’ll have the firepower to beat the Green Bay Packers. The Packers haven’t set the world on fire, but when you have Aaron Rodgers, you have enough. Packers to win 19-17.

The first game of the playoffs sees a match up no-one expected at the start of the year, when the Chiefs were 1-5 and Andrew Luck was playing. The Chiefs recovered and their defense has been the backbone of this team. The Houston Texans have started four quarterbacks this year and surprisingly they’ve each won a game. The Texans have the best defensive player in the comp, JJ Watt and if is in playing they are always a chance. I think the Chiefs will get the job done here. It won’t be pretty, but they’ll advance. 16-15.

The Bengals v Steelers game is the pick of the games. The Bengals are regulars in the playoffs, but haven’t won a game with Andy Dalton at the helm. He’s injured though. The Steelers have lost their two running back stars which evens things out. I believe the Bengals will advance here and do it in style. 28-14.

My guess for Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, is the Bengals v Seahawks.

Enjoy the games!

THE YEAR IN REVIEW OF AUSTRALIAN SPORT

What a cracking year for Australian Sport! In team sports it was the Aussies V NZ in three codes and we took home the bickies twice!

Australia rode the Hayne plane as he soared into San Francisco and then we were all aboard the Payne plane as Michelle Payne became the first female jockey to ever win the Melbourne Cup.

The Aussie cricketers stormed to victory in the One Day version and the Netballers were dominant to secure our second victory over the Kiwis in a World Championship for 2015.

The Wallabies surprised us all and possibly themselves by getting into the World Cup final and as we sipped our hot chocolate in the wee hours of the morning they came within 20 mins of a stunning victory.

Hawthorn are just a freak football team. Four grand finals in a row and this year they made the three peat in commanding fashion. They are already being called Fourthawn for next year! And then there was the NRL grand final. I loved Michael Jackson’s ‘thriller’ but I loved one of the greatest thrillers in Rugby League history even more. After the Broncos couldn’t lose… they somehow lost by a wobbly field goal by the great Jonathan Thurston in Golden Point, to hand the Cowboys their maiden title. They are now one clear of the Sharks in overall Premierships.

It certainly was Jason’s Day at the PGA Championship as he finally triumphed and got his paws on a Major title. He blubbered on national TV and a tear certainly slid down my face as he drained his last putt.

We all fell in love with Mick Fanning after his horrifying shark attack and he came within 90 seconds of making the final at Pipeline, just after his brother passed away. Finishing second is absolutely no disgrace, following on from a horrible year.

Australia all cheered as Nick Kyrgios… Actually that’s a phrase which was never used this year.

My top 5 Australian highlights for the year are:

1. Michelle Payne winning the Melbourne Cup

2. Haynemania

3. North Queensland Cowboys victory

4. Jason Day winning his first major

5. Australian Netball World Cup Champions

I can’t wait for 2016 already and farewelling Lleyton Hewitt at the Australian Open will be a great way to start the year.

Remember, whatever I predict, bet the opposite way and your wallet will become so fat it will have to go on the Biggest Loser.

Merry Christmas sports fans!

MATE V MATE. NOT STATE V STATE

It’s often said playing up against your mates is one of the hardest things in sport. It’s also one of the most enjoyable.

Believe it or not and contrary to what normally comes out of my mouth at about the 10 schooner stage, I have never represented my State. As a result I haven’t played for the Blues against the Maroons in anything.

I’ve actually never even played against my friends in a serious competition (although some will argue the Sooty Tour, golf, which I named after myself, was one of the most influential sporting events of the early noughties). As a result, what is happening today takes on a greater significance.

I am refereeing my former touch football team, in last year’s grand final replay. I was a very proud founder and captain of the all conquering Ratpack, but after 10 years, salary cap restrictions forced me into retirement. I didn’t want to be like many captains, who play one season too long and I wanted to walk rather than be pushed.

Today I have the opportunity to referee this motley group of people! It really will be mate against mate. Let’s not lie, I have premeditated metaphors for when they back chat and I would dearly love to put someone in the bin…but of course I’ll just blow the pea, according to what I see.

Stay onside Ratpack!

Is this the Olympics or the Hunger Games?

The Rio Olympics really isn’t looking great! Sad and a bit scary!

kazblah

There’s flesh-eating bacteria in the water and alligators hanging out on the golf course.

A fatal horse disease that’s been used as a biological weapon was discovered near the Equestrian Centre.

Public security has been described as a ‘total improvisation’. And there’s no guarantee there’ll be any power.

So is this the Olympics or is Rio hosting the Hunger Games?

It’s not unusual at this stage of Olympic proceedings to hear about construction delays, budget overruns and bureaucratic stuff-ups.

But the stories coming out of Rio suggest next year’s Olympics may be more about survival of the fittest than faster, higher, stronger. Even the logo looks like a slingshot.

Most of the coverage has concerned the putrid waters of Guanabara Bay, which will host the sailing, rowing, canoeing and the swimming that’s not done in the pool.

Testing by Associated Press found athletes would basically be competing in an open…

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THE WESTERN SYDNEY WHINGERS

The Wanderers Fan’s boycott isn’t far away. This is such a great boycott. The fans don’t go to the game and don’t get to watch their team play. The players lose their fans so there is no atmosphere in the stadium.

 

Yep- this sounds like a great idea from these so called passionate Western Sydney Wanderers fans.

 

I’ve been to sports events all over the world. I’ll be candid – I’ve had far too much to drink at many many events (when it’s less than 0 degrees, what are you meant to do? And when it’s 30 degrees you need to stay hydrated). My behaviour has bordered on what can only be described as baboon like. I’ve been a happy baboon, but I’ve woken up in the morning with a sore head and a lot of embarrassment.

 

What’s my point… I’ve never been kicked out of a sporting event. I’ve never been banned from a sporting event. It’s very very hard to get kicked out of a stadium. I’ve managed to get security guards to turn off an x-ray machine, so I could pose for a photo at the Athens Olympics and I didn’t get banned.

 

Let’s be honest, being inside an x-ray machine was one of the most ‘appropriate’ things I did at the Athens Olympics. Somehow I got on the track, under the track, went to every event for free and ate and drank for free…and I didn’t get banned. (Infact, I made money from this exercise, but you’ll be able to read about this in the upcoming book).

 

The 198 soccer fans who were named and shamed recently must have done something very bad. I’m sure they weren’t ‘bubbling’, but it had to be shocking to receive a ban.

 

It’s embarrassing for these people and I don’t think it was the correct thing to do, as people make mistakes and it doesn’t mean they need to be vilified for it. They’ve got a ban. They already know they’ve made a mistake. But, it also serves as a reminder to other fans. Enjoy yourself at sport but don’t be a twat!

 

I completely support David Gallop’s comments telling the fans to focus their energy on being fans. That’s what they are. They aren’t bigger than the game. If the fans don’t go to a game the games will still continue. There is something called broadcast deals and sponsorship deals, just to name two, which will ensure fans boycotting games won’t really affect anything.

 

The A-League is growing and getting stronger. Let’s hope the fans don’t ruin the game because they think they are more important than they are. The game needs fans. The fans need the game.

 

Here are my top tips for baboon fans :

1. Don’t swear. There are kids around. One day these kids could be yours.
2. Drink, but don’t spill your beer over people. It’s just a waste of good beer.
3. If you’re going to streak, make sure you’ve at least been going to the gym beforehand. Don’t do it on a chilly night either as that will make it extra embarrassing.
4. Don’t use a flair. When you leave the house and you check for your phone, keys and wallet, leave the flairs off this checklist. They stop you seeing the game and make it harder for the players.

 

BASEBALL’S ABSURD ‘ball in the bushes’ RULE

Sport has many quirks. The Sharks never winning is an example which springs to mind.

I’ve been to a lot of live sport all over the world. I’ve watched literally every type of sport and hopped on a bandwagon to support one team at the pointy end of the season too.

I’ve witnessed the most bizarre, incredible, dumb and ridiculous things on a sports field. I’ve seen Paul Cariage single handedly ruin Parramatta’s chance of making the Grand Final in 1998. That was just down right horrible. I’ve seen a golfer miss a two foot putt to win the US Masters and then Nick Faldo drain a 20 footer to wear the jacket. That was cringe worthy.

I was there when ‘Leapin’ Leo Barry took ‘that mark’ in 2005, which allowed the Swans to become Premiers and end a 72 year drought! Spectacular!

But on Wednesday I witnessed something I’ve never seen before. It was the most amateur thing I’ve ever seen…from a billion dollar company.

In game 3 of the NCLS (National League Championship Series), which is one game before the World Series (Grand Final equivalent), the New York Mets were playing against the infamous Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field (Chicago).

The Mets player hit a ball into the outfield and it went into the bushes and the game was stopped.

You read that correctly, but I’ll write it again. The ball went into the bushes and the game was stopped!

The outfield of Wrigley Field is a wall made of ivy. The local ground rule is, if the ball goes into the ivy and you can’t reach it, the game is stopped.

I’m sorry, it’s not backyard cricket! We’ve all played this rule since we could hold a bat. Six and out over the fence. Hits the sprinkler is four runs. Under the table is two runs. Into mum’s rose garden or under the car is no run and the game is stopped.

Those rules are fine for 10 year olds, but in this day and age it’s not good enough in Major League Baseball, no less!

The Mets were denied a run and the coach was up in arms, naturally. But it’s just the rule!

Other individual and strange ground rules in baseball are:

• Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox) – A fly ball that strikes the top of the ladder on the Green Monster and then bounces out of play is two (2) bases.
• Minute Maid Park (Houston Astros) – A batted ball striking the flagpole in center field and bouncing onto the field is in play; a ball striking the flagpole while in flight and leaving the playing field is a home run.
• Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays) – A batted ball that hits either of the two lower catwalks (C Ring and D Ring) between the yellow foul poles is ruled a home run. The two upper catwalks (the A Ring and B Ring) are considered in play; a ball that touches either can drop for a hit or be caught for an out.
• Citi Field (New York Mets) – Any fair ball in flight hitting the overhanging Pepsi Porch is ruled an automatic home run.

Traditions are great in sport and it’s what makes sport, but surely on game day, Chicago can put a clear plastic wall up in front of the ivy, so the ball bounces back and is kept in play. I’m sure if one day it affected them from winning a World Series, the ivy would be cut down faster than Steve Bartman was escorted out of the ground in 2003!

 

HOW 20.06 SECS RUINED THIS AUSSIE SPRINTERS LIFE

This is an incredible article and more than likely something most Australians don’t know about it.

Here is the link to this remarkable story. http://griotmag.com/en/white-man-in-that-photo/

The link shows powerful images and I felt this was the best way to acknowledge this authors work.

This article shows a really poor side of Australian sport.

MASTER THE NFL RULES IN TIME TO WATCH JARRYD HAYNE PLAY LIVE

Have you been caught up in Hayneamania? Do you know his yards per carry and have been arguing his ability to pick up the blitz? Or did you think a tight-end was as a result of doing your squats each day and really have no clue about the rules of NFL? An in-depth knowledge of the game is not mandatory to enjoy the intensity watching Jarryd Hayne play his first game of NFL in Levi’s Stadium.

RedZoneExperience.com has put together a once in a lifetime sports travel package for Australian’s to travel with like-minded fans to San Francisco to allow many of them to watch their first live game NFL as Jarryd Hayne and the San Francisco 49’ers take on the Minnesota Vikings.

“A lot of people coming away with us loved Jarryd Hayne and League but are fairly new converts to The NFL. The rulebook of American Football is long and complex but an in-depth knowledge is not a requirement of loving this game. Many people simply want to be a part of his incredible journey and celebrate Hayne’s achievement to date”, said Nic McRae, Founder, The Red Zone Experience.

There are still places available on the tour, leaving on Saturday 12^th September, 2015, but if you just want to know the rules for when you watch it on TV, here is a basic summary to step up your water cooler conversation game!

TIMING: Games are divided into four, 15 minute quarters. At the end of the first and third quarters, the team with the ball retains possession heading into the following quarter. That is not the case before halftime. The second half starts with a kickoff in the same way as Rugby League or Union.

HOW IT WORKS:
Each team essentially has 4 tackles (downs) to try and make 10 yards (just over 9m). If a team manages 10 yards (or longer) they are then given the opportunity to try and make another 10 yards within 4 downs.

If a team is 2nd and 8, this means that the offensive team is on its 2nd down and they still need to make a further 8 yards to receive their next set of 4 downs.

On the 4th down, if the offensive team is too far away to kick a field goal, they will punt the ball for field position, like in League on the 5th tackle. This is where Jarryd will be receiving the ball, as a punt receiver; like his customary fullback position.

The main difference between Australian codes of football and NFL is, that after the ball is kicked, the kicking team isn’t allowed to re-gather the ball.

Play begins at what is called the line of scrimmage. The offensive team is allowed to only throw the ball forward, once per down, behind this line of scrimmage. However each team may pass the ball backwards as many times as they like (which is termed ‘a lateral’).

THE TACKLE:
A player is tackled when one or both of his knees touch the ground. The play is then over (even if the ball comes loose).

SCORING:
A touchdown (which is the comparable to a try) is worth 6 points. To score a touchdown as a player carrying the ball, the ball simply needs to cross the plane of the goal line (it doesn’t have to be grounded over the goal line). If someone is catching the ball in the ‘end zone’ (in goal area), the person catching the ball needs to have two feet in bounds at some point in time.

After a touchdown is scored, the offensive team tries to convert the touchdown for one point. This kicking conversion attempt is taken from the 15 yard line directly in front of the goal posts.

Teams can also attempt a 2 point conversion, which is where they will try and score another touchdown from the opponent’s 2 yard line.

Like in Rugby, field goals are worth 3 points and can be attempted from any position on the field.

OVERTIME:
In order to win the game, the team who wins the coin toss must score a touchdown on their first possession.
If they only score a field goal, the opposing team then gets a chance to score. If they kick a field goal, the game continues. If they score a touchdown, the game ends. If the game is tied after both teams have had a possession, then the next score wins.

To interview Joe Hughes on the rules of NFL, please contact me on joe@nowcommunications.net or 0455 494 409.

-ENDS-

Additional Information: www.redzoneexperience.com

FAN PACKAGE (September 12- September 15): From $5,599 (Inc GST)

• Return economy flights ex Sydney
• Return Airport transfers
• Three nights, 3 star twin share accommodation in downtown San Francisco
• Welcome drinks at Sports Bar
• Jarryd Hayne jersey
• Game day transfers with food and drinks on board
• Game day tailgate package which starts three hours prior to kick off
• 400 level tickets

PREMIUM PACKAGE (September 12- September 15): From $7,299 (inc GST)

• Return economy flights ex Sydney
• Return Airport transfers
• Three nights, 4-5* star twin share accommodation in downtown San Francisco
• Welcome drinks at Sports Bar
• Merch pack including 49ers hat, bag, Jarryd Hayne jersey, Levis swag and more
• Luxury limo-bus game day transfers with premium food and drinks on board
• Entry to the members-only Michael Mina Tailgate which starts three hours prior to kick off
• Entry to NRG Sky Suite Experience to watch the game. A red carpet VIP hospitality experience for just 25 guests.
• Spend time with a 49’ers legend

The stinky business of the Rio Olympics

Who wants to go to Rio for the Olympics…to compete?!

kazblah

Remember that Seinfeld episode where Kramer swims in the East River and an onlooker mistakes him for a dead body on the grounds that no one would be stupid enough to swim in such fetid waters?

That’s next year’s Olympics.

Not to put too fine a point on it but nearly 1,400 sailors, rowers, kayakers, windsurfers, triathletes and marathon swimmers will be competing in a toilet.

The state of Rio’s waterways is no secret. Around 70 per cent of the crap people flush down their loos ends up in the water.

But even then, no one knew quite how bad the problem was till Associated Press did some viral testing. Not the International Olympic Committee or the International Sailing Federation, out of concern for their athletes’ health, but Associated Press.

The tests found waterborne viruses in concentrations similar to that found in raw sewage. Athletes in these events will literally…

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