Intelligence From Down Under

Even though I've given up on the Sporting News based on the content some of their writers produce, an article was brought to my attention from Australia's version of the site.

Blake Austin is a professional rugby player in Australia.  Back in August, as he was playing for the Canberra Raiders, a fan decided to spit in the direction of a referee, which caused the fan to be ejected and receive a 12-month ban from the stadium.  Austin went on record denouncing the act.

"I think everyone needs to respect the referees a little more.  We can't have games of footy without them.  But that act is certainly not on and that's someone's father and someone's son.  I certainly wouldn't want anyone spitting on me as I'm coming off the field.  As a club we don't support that at all."

Now, translate that to every sport, and think about how most sports cannot exist without officials.

That Blake Austin is a smart dude.