This article was originally published on November 2nd, 2018.
Here is this week's dose of “5-Point Friday”. A weekly round-up of the sports news and stories that I find most interesting and enjoyable.
Sport technology news that interests me -
VICIS, a new-age football helmet startup backed by players like Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) and Jerry Rice (@JerryRice), has just raised $28.5m in Series B funding, as concern mounts over the negative long-term effects of “going long.” The company has also launched the Zero1 Zero1 Zero1 Zero1 Youth, adapted from their flagship adult helmet, the Zero1 and the first-ever football helmet made specifically for kids. VICIS’ helmets (or “head shields” as they describe them) use a softer outer shell, along with several protective layers to prevent concussions and other injuries.
Longest game ever -
Game 3 of the 2018 World Series was the longest game ever by innings and time. Taking the Dodgers and Red Sox 18 innings & 7 hours 20 minutes to finish the game. The Red Sox went on to win the series 4 games to 1.
WADA story that I'm learning about -
A group of leading national anti-doping bodies has called for urgent reform of the World Anti-Doping Agency. After Russia's three-year ban was lifted in September, leaders of 18 anti-doping agencies, held an emergency summit in Paris, this week. Russian IOC and athletes were originally given a three-year ban on competing after state-sponsored doping was uncovered.
Cricket story that is intriguing me -
An independent review into Australian cricket, delivered a scathing report on the governance of the sport, concluding that a "win without counting the cost" culture was the heart of a cheating scandal. Despite taking on board "all bar one of the 42 recommendations from its own independent report," Cricket Australia was accused of "sweeping issues under the rug." While remaining "a fractured organization with a conservative, elitist view of its governance of the game."
Soccer game I attended -
I attended the USL Western Conference semi-final, between Orange County & Reno 1868. The game was a real defensive battle between the two sides. Orange County scoring one of the few opportunities of the night. An interception in the Reno half allowed forward Michael Seaton to play the ball through to Aodhan Quinn (@AodhanQuinn), who was able to angle a shot past the Reno goalkeeper, for the only goal of the night.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Jonathan