I have never represented my country in the Green & Gold on the sporting field but I have been around elite sport enough to know it must certainly be the greatest honour imaginable to a sportsperson.
Pulling on any National uniform that bares the Coat of Arms, Southern Cross or word Australia should always bring a sense of pride and belonging.
If you're in that uniform it should mean a lot.
But unfortunately, when it comes to modern cricket, many of the games in which those green and gold clad players take the field mean nothing to the rest of us.
Sure The Ashes, or pretty much any Test for that matter, command and receive the respect they deserve. And in the one day arena, or even Twenty20, the World Cup(s) and Champions Trophy are a big deal.
But that's about where it stops these days. Maybe a three-five game series against a touring team is warranted but that's surely it.
Playing a meaningless one day series against India for instance (as is currently taking place) or SEVEN one day matches against England at the end of a three month Tour is really pushing the friendship.
Even the most ardent of cricket fans must agree that it cheapens the experience and lessens the importance of the bigger matches and tournaments when upwards of 25 guys play for Australia each year and what seems like every month our side is playing in a one day series somewhere around the globe.
The reason is obviously revenue delivered by ticket sales and more still, by TV rights, especially in India. I get that.
But should we be playing games that, despite the fact we all want Australia to win, we couldnt really give a rats if they don't?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
LOVETT'S NEW EYES PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE
When the action gets underway in the Jim Beam Surftag Industry Challenge at Sydney’s Curl Curl beach this Friday all those entered will be happy to be out of the office, in the water and doing what they love most – surfing.
Happiest of all will no doubt be former world top ten surfer Richie Lovett - not because Lovett doesn’t enjoy working but because he is able to compete at all.
When the affable northern beaches local paddles out to surf for his team, accessory company FCS, he will be in a competition singlet for the first time since his life was changed forever in December 2005.
That was when he was diagnosed with Clear Cell Chondrosarcoma in his right leg, a malignant type of cancer that if left untreated would prove to be fatal. Several operations and months and months of specialist treatment in the USA followed before Lovett could even return home.
From that point on surfing as he knew it, and his ten year career at the sport’s highest level, was over. But the sport has remained in his blood and just as he had to learn to walk properly again with the almost foot long prosthesis in place of the top half of his femur, Lovett learned to surf again.
“There was a time when the doctors said I’d never surf again,” Lovett recalls.
“Athletically, I know I’ll never be able to compete professionally again but the Jim Beam Surftag Industry Challenge is about getting out there with my mates and putting in.
“As tough as the past four years have been, it’s great because I now see the world through new eyes.”
Puts things in perspective a little bit doesn't it!
Happiest of all will no doubt be former world top ten surfer Richie Lovett - not because Lovett doesn’t enjoy working but because he is able to compete at all.
When the affable northern beaches local paddles out to surf for his team, accessory company FCS, he will be in a competition singlet for the first time since his life was changed forever in December 2005.
That was when he was diagnosed with Clear Cell Chondrosarcoma in his right leg, a malignant type of cancer that if left untreated would prove to be fatal. Several operations and months and months of specialist treatment in the USA followed before Lovett could even return home.
From that point on surfing as he knew it, and his ten year career at the sport’s highest level, was over. But the sport has remained in his blood and just as he had to learn to walk properly again with the almost foot long prosthesis in place of the top half of his femur, Lovett learned to surf again.
“There was a time when the doctors said I’d never surf again,” Lovett recalls.
“Athletically, I know I’ll never be able to compete professionally again but the Jim Beam Surftag Industry Challenge is about getting out there with my mates and putting in.
“As tough as the past four years have been, it’s great because I now see the world through new eyes.”
Puts things in perspective a little bit doesn't it!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Serena redefines arrogance
Much has been said and written about Serena Williams' absolutely disgusting behaviour in her US Open semi final at the weekend.
Her ghetto guttermouth outburst at a line judge, while reprehensible for an athlete of her age and experience, was nothing compared to the arrogant, ignorant and sad show she put on in the hours and days afterwards.
The pathetic debacle that saw her issue a PR statement via a publicist only to 'forget' to do the one thing that might have saved her from a lasting legacy surrounding this mess - apologise - was laughable. The desperate second apology statement was then a very little, a lot late.
Did she really think she could get away with the "I don't remember line"?
Maybe she didn't remember everything that happened in the heat of the battle - we have all been fired up in situations where we later couldn't recall exactly what we've said. But surely she could have thrown in an apology around the amnesia!
"I can't remember exactly what I said but I know it was horribly wrong and I am sincerely sorry" ..... or something to that affect??? Or maybe even suck it up and leave out the "I can't remember".
My friend and fellow blogger at www.sportdownunder.com.au explains it well in his latest post entitled "How Not To Apologise".
This is arrogance to a T.
Or a S for Serena actually and I for one am not surprised that this has happened.
For many years now this brat has talked down to opponents, treating other obviously less talented players with all the humility and grace of...well...of Serena Williams.
Put simply she is a bad sport whose vain attempts to add humour to press conferences often end up with a room full of cringe. And wouldn't it be nice for once in her decorated career if Serena was to commend an opponent when she has been beaten fair and square? No excuses, no disrespect.
Serena now wants us all to learn from this and move on. I bet she does.
Now it's up to the Grand Slam Committee to show her some respect. As in, show her how to respect match officials, her opponents and most of all our intelligence. As in Grand Slam suspension respect.
I for one will be appalled if she shows up back in Australia next January at all, let alone if it's out of shape and full of BS excuses if she gets her sizable booty kicked.
Her ghetto guttermouth outburst at a line judge, while reprehensible for an athlete of her age and experience, was nothing compared to the arrogant, ignorant and sad show she put on in the hours and days afterwards.
The pathetic debacle that saw her issue a PR statement via a publicist only to 'forget' to do the one thing that might have saved her from a lasting legacy surrounding this mess - apologise - was laughable. The desperate second apology statement was then a very little, a lot late.
Did she really think she could get away with the "I don't remember line"?
Maybe she didn't remember everything that happened in the heat of the battle - we have all been fired up in situations where we later couldn't recall exactly what we've said. But surely she could have thrown in an apology around the amnesia!
"I can't remember exactly what I said but I know it was horribly wrong and I am sincerely sorry" ..... or something to that affect??? Or maybe even suck it up and leave out the "I can't remember".
My friend and fellow blogger at www.sportdownunder.com.au explains it well in his latest post entitled "How Not To Apologise".
This is arrogance to a T.
Or a S for Serena actually and I for one am not surprised that this has happened.
For many years now this brat has talked down to opponents, treating other obviously less talented players with all the humility and grace of...well...of Serena Williams.
Put simply she is a bad sport whose vain attempts to add humour to press conferences often end up with a room full of cringe. And wouldn't it be nice for once in her decorated career if Serena was to commend an opponent when she has been beaten fair and square? No excuses, no disrespect.
Serena now wants us all to learn from this and move on. I bet she does.
Now it's up to the Grand Slam Committee to show her some respect. As in, show her how to respect match officials, her opponents and most of all our intelligence. As in Grand Slam suspension respect.
I for one will be appalled if she shows up back in Australia next January at all, let alone if it's out of shape and full of BS excuses if she gets her sizable booty kicked.
I don't care about your kid Kim
I received an email today from my buddy Morgo who had written to a newspaper's letters section about a topic I had considered blogging about.
Now that he has put it so well I am going to (with his permission) just post his thoughts with my full support.
Over to you Morgo:
"Kim Clijsters bringing her daughter onto the court after her remarkable US Open win finally motivated me to put finger to keyboard on this issue. It is becoming increasingly common for sports stars to include their children in post game/match/event celebrations, and I find it abhorrent.
Firstly, I think it is arrogant of the sports-parent to think that the public are interested in seeing their children when they have come to see the sports-parent (and team-mates where relevant) perform, celebrate and be rewarded for their achievements. Secondly, and even more importantly, I believe allowing the children to share in this privileged experience is doing the wrong thing by them, especially when they are permitted to be part of any presentation in front of large crowds. What lesson might this teach the child about hard work and rewards, and how may it impact upon their enjoyment of far lesser achievements as they grow up? If the sports-parent wants to share their success with their children let them do it away from the public eye, for the sake of the spectators and the children.
And if it’s OK for children to be involved where will it stop; what about Mum or Dad, or Grandma or Uncle Joe, or the faithful family dog?"
Couldn't have said it better myself. Or should I start on the Hewitt's bringing the kid they hide from general news media onto the stage at the Logies??
Now that he has put it so well I am going to (with his permission) just post his thoughts with my full support.
Over to you Morgo:
"Kim Clijsters bringing her daughter onto the court after her remarkable US Open win finally motivated me to put finger to keyboard on this issue. It is becoming increasingly common for sports stars to include their children in post game/match/event celebrations, and I find it abhorrent.
Firstly, I think it is arrogant of the sports-parent to think that the public are interested in seeing their children when they have come to see the sports-parent (and team-mates where relevant) perform, celebrate and be rewarded for their achievements. Secondly, and even more importantly, I believe allowing the children to share in this privileged experience is doing the wrong thing by them, especially when they are permitted to be part of any presentation in front of large crowds. What lesson might this teach the child about hard work and rewards, and how may it impact upon their enjoyment of far lesser achievements as they grow up? If the sports-parent wants to share their success with their children let them do it away from the public eye, for the sake of the spectators and the children.
And if it’s OK for children to be involved where will it stop; what about Mum or Dad, or Grandma or Uncle Joe, or the faithful family dog?"
Couldn't have said it better myself. Or should I start on the Hewitt's bringing the kid they hide from general news media onto the stage at the Logies??
Thursday, September 10, 2009
It's a great time to be alive
If you're an Australian sports fan with a love for American sports this time of year is always awesome. It's probably my favourite.
Here at home we have the NRL & AFL finals starting up, the Tri-Nations rugby is still on, the Spring Racing Carnival is not far off and the A-League is gathering some momentum.
Across the Pacific it's even more packed with the US Open Tennis, the start of the College Football season (ouch Oklahoma!!!), NFL, MLB pennant races happening and playoffs approaching, and NBA and NHL on the horizon. How good!!
The only pain in the ass is the time difference, but then again, if the time zones were all the same there wouldn't be enough time to take it all in.
So who is going to win??
That is something I am asked often by my sports loving brethren so I thought I'd have a crack - as much to get your thoughts and as much to see how stupid I might look down the track when everything is decided for another year. Although, I probably don't need to stick my neck out there too look stupid!
So here goes (with personal bias firmly in place):
Tri-Nations - The Springboks (pretty much already lifted the trophy)
NRL - Manly
AFL - Geelong
Cox Plate - Maldivian
Melbourne Cup - Profound Beauty
A-League - Sydney FC
MLB - Yankees
NCAA Football - Florida
NFL - New Orleans
NBA - Cleveland
NHL - Flyers
All this is without bringing into play the end of the various motor racing seasons, the Premier League in the UK and the myriad of exciting European football competitions. Damn work, can't someone just pay me to watch all of this stuff!
Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
So long Mr Magic
Hazem El Masri will play the last NRL regular season home game of his storied career when the Bulldogs play the Warriors at ANZ Stadium this Sunday and all manner of fanfare is being planned for the match.
It has been well documented, this year more than ever, that El Masri has been one of the game's leading off field torch bearers for all that is good in rugby league and indeed the greater community for most of his stellar 14-year NRL career.
To go with that, and what should never be forgotten, is an on-field resume that boasts well over 300 first grade games, a Premiership, all-time NRL point scoring records and City, NSW and Australian jerseys.
Not a bad CV for a Muslim boy born in Lebanon who didn’t even arrive in this country UNTIL he was 12.
The Bulldogs will show their recognition of a club legend, by for the first time ever after a Rugby League match allow fans onto the hallowed ANZ Stadium turf. They will also have 5,500 supporters join together to unveil placards with a special message for Hazem just prior to kick-off.
To top it off there will be free entry for ALL members of ALL NRL clubs. That's not a misprint. The Bulldogs are going to allow members from rival clubs to come along and send off Hazem in style - for free. Kids under 15 get in free too.
So here is a club, much maligned for their off field culture and administration a little over 12 months ago, leading the NRL in 'how to promote the game' stakes by paying tribute to a guy who wrote the modern day book of 'how to promote the game'.
I have never been a fan of the Bulldogs. Actually, I’ve been a Bulldog hater most of my life. But I’ve never hated Hazem. I could even say I’ve liked him a lot.
This week for 80 minutes (or maybe around 100) I am going to be a Bulldogs fan. A fan because of the way CEO Todd Greenberg and his staff have shown all how things can be done off the field because of the way one man has kicked goals both literally and figuratively inside and outside the arena.
All hail Hazem!!
Sunday won't be the end for El Masri – the Bulldogs play the Wests Tigers at the Sydney Football Stadium in the last premiership round and then will be a big contender in the semi-finals.
I can’t say I’ll support the Doggies after this game – but I’ll always have a soft spot for the man they call 'El Magic'.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
International sport bucket list
Last week I wrote about my Australian sport bucket list and I was surprised by how many of my friends and associates discussed their lists with me in the days that followed.
Maybe I shouldn't have been surprised as it is an interesting topic that i think for most people could change on an almost daily basis.
I wish those people had shared their lists with everyone else via this site because it would have made for spirited reading and debate!
Anyway, the Aussie list is done and now it is time for my overseas list.
I will preface this list by admitting i am obsessed with US sport and also that this task was near impossible to narrow to just five so i went for six! Here goes, again in no particular order:
AMERICAN COLLEGE FOOTBALL - Texas v Oklahoma. The Red River Rivalry or Shootout -I don't care what you call it these days. And I think my preference would be to watch this in Austin too. Or maybe Norman?? Something about Longhorn cheerleaders though!
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL FINAL - Give me Man Utd away against just about anyone on the continent. AC Milan, Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid, Galatasaray - I don't mind.
WORLD SERIES GAME 7 - If you know me there are probably no surprises that this would be in the new Yankee Stadium. I don't even care who it is against. And I wouldn't even care if it was in Game 4, 5 or 6 as long as it was a ring clincher. Second best (or maybe even better) would be to see the Yanks knock off the evil Red Sox in the ALCS the week or so before.
THE GRAND NATIONAL - All that pomp and flesh. I mean horseflesh. And I love to punt on things I know little about.
NCAA MEN'S SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS - Some say this is as good as watching the Olympic swimming program. Enormous pressure. As a swim fan I have to see this once.
SUPER BOWL - Preferably in New Orleans but I am not too picky on this one. And I wanna be greedy and be there for the whole week. I'll start with the Maxim and Victoria's Secret parties.
There - that's not asking for much. What do you think? Let us all see your list.
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