Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski is upset with media reports that he told Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee that he roots for the Oakland Athletics' season to end quickly every year.
According to the Times-Union, Janikowski allegedly told Scobee that he can't wait for the A's to be finished annually so that their infield dirt can be covered up, making it easier for the massive kicker to do his job.
Janikowski rarely talks with the media, but made an exception in this case to clear up where his allegiances lie. When asked about his reaction to the report Janikowski was strong in his denial.
"I was pissed off," said Janikowski. "That's why I'm talking to you guys. I wanted to get that straight. "Stupid, ridiculous. I root for the A's. We've got an advantage here. I root for the A's. Don't get me wrong; I go to the games. But whatever (Scobee) says, it just blows my mind."
"When Jason (Giambi) was with the A's, I was going to games. Now, with two kids, not so much. But they make the postseason? I'm in. I've kicked 14 years on it (the dirt). It really doesn't bother me."
To hammer the point home, Janikowski even claimed the dirt is an advantage for the Raiders. Oakland is currently the only team in the NFL sharing a stadium with a pro baseball team; that makes the dirt situation one that is unique to the o.Co Coliseum.
"I think it's an advantage for us," Janikowski said." Guys come in and they think about it so much: 'Do I have to plant my foot differently? Or whatever. I'm not going to tell them what to do."
The war of words between kickers figures to spice up a Raiders vs. Jaguars game this weekend that doesn't figure to generate much excitement otherwise. Both teams were predicted to finish in the cellars of their respective divisions, and both sides enter Sunday with 0-1 records.
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