The Sporting Day: Some Sporting Observations

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Some Sporting Observations

8. There is no such thing as a certainty on the racetrack. Big Brown, the horse who was seemingly fated to win the Triple Crown, was sent out $1.04 to win the Belmont Stakes and thus the Triple Crown. He ran dead last, pulled out on the turn when he showed none of the zip he had exhibited in winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Yet another Triple Crown hopeful who failed at the final hurdle. Despite suffering an interrupted lead-up, Big Brown was thought unstoppable. He was stopped. Despite not suffering an injury, Big Brown went around like Ears Ronny and was never a hope. The wait for the first Triple Crown champion since 1978 continues.

7. The Lakers may have lost the first two games of their NBA finals series with the Boston Celtics but they are far from finished. Boston won the first two games in Boston but were lucky to get away with game two after the Lakers were absolutely hammered by the officials who sent Boston to the line thirty-eight times. The Lakers, conversely, only went to the charity stripe ten times. And still the Lakers fought, rallying from a twenty-four point fourth quarter deficit to get the margin to two before finishing six down. Back in L.A, the Lakers will get a much fairer throw. Expect them to win the next three at home and when they get to Boston, they have the talent to steal one of the final two matches.

6. The Chicago Bears released recidivist running back Cedric Benson and the former first round draft pick has little to complain about. Only weeks after being arrested for driving a boat under the influence, Benson was caught driving a car under the influence. When you have produced as little as Benson has in his professional career, you can’t expect to get away with such unlawful behaviour. Benson has been put on waivers but with the added emphasis on off-field behaviour in recent times, it could be a while before Benson suits up in the NFL.

5. Rafael Nadal was absolutely amazing in marching through the 2008 French Open draw, advancing with little trouble to his fourth consecutive French Open title. In the final, he treated world number one Roger Federer, one of the all-time greats, with utter contempt, allowing the Swiss Ace only four games. Rafael Nadal is simply unstoppable on clay and looks a very good hope of being rated the greatest clay courter ever.

4. Earlier this season Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews labeled Swans star Adam Goodes “a protected species.” It would appear he is spot on the money after Goodes once again avoided the wrath of the tribunal, this time escaping with only a reprimand for a head-high bump on Eagle Adam Selwood. It was a decision that left most scratching their heads as much less has resulted in suspension for other players this season. His streak of 203 consecutive games will continue but not without the pale of favouritsm hanging over the game’s judicial process.

3. Both Wigan and former Parramatta halfback Tim Smith are playing a very dangerous game in joining forces for the next two years. Smith fled rugby league earlier this season after being involved in yet another alcohol related incident. Parramatta released the troubled halfback after Smith said he wished to return home to the Gold Coast. Less than three months later, Smith is in England. If he has overcome his problems, congratulations go out to him. But the likelihood is that he thinks by fleeing to England he will escape his problems. This will not be the case with the British rugby league press and British rugby league fans just as tough as their Australian counterparts.

2. Joel Monaghan can consider himself extremely unlucky. The talented Raiders centre was bought into the New South Wales Origin team to cover for injured centre Mark Gasnier. Gasnier has since been declared fit. Winger Jarryd Hayne, however, was suspended for three matches. Rather than put Monaghan on the wing, Craig Bellamy bought in his Storm winger Steve Turner. Turner lacks size and has been playing well below his best of late. Monaghan should have been Hayne’s replacement. It may prove a decision that the Blues camp regrets.

1. The NRL must revise its current draw structure for next season or face a bigger backlash than they are currently. Momentum has picked up for State of Origin games to be given stand alone weekends with many fans, players and coaches calling for the change. At the very least the NRL must put bye rounds prior to Origin week when teams like Melbourne and Brisbane suffer. The 2008 draw has been the most unfair draw of recent times and must be scrapped for next season.

Upper of the Week: Ken Griffey Junior’s 600th home run. Junior became only the sixth player in the history of Major League Baseball to hit long balls. He joins Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Sammy Sosa in one of baseball’s most exclusive clubs. Throughout his time at Seattle and Cincinnati, Junior has been a tribute to the sport. Had he have not been ravaged by injury, he would be the leading home run hitter of all time. Few men are as respected as Griffey in professional sports.

Downer of the Week: Sean Hampstead’s game-changing blunder in not referring a probable Andrew Ryan try to the video referee. Hampstead ruled that Jarrod Mullen had grounded a loose ball when the video clearly showed that Mullen had knocked the ball back with Andrew Ryan grounding the ball for what should have been a try. Nearly every try decision is referred to the video referee. It was an absurd display of arrogance from Hampstead. He should be dropped immediately.