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Joined December 2011
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Born in the USA, grew up in Australia, came back to the USA in 1988.
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Some of what Melanie writes is true, but there is much more to it than that. Having grown up in Australia during the golden period of Rugby League, 1965-1973, I have a deep appreciation for both sports, as well as a little disgust. It was the NFL with it’s 4 downs to advance the ball 10 yards that prompted Australian Rugby League to switch from the old bash and barge to the 4 tackle rule, later expanded to 6 tackles.
Part of my disgust with the NFL, but don’t get me wrong, I love the game, is that I find it hard to take a game which has a net playing time of 60 minutes, takes a little over 3 hours to complete. The truth is, TV rules sport, and all sports sold out to the dollar. I absolutely loathe the showboating by NFL players with their mini dance after scoring a touchdown, especially when their team is trailing by 20 or 30 points….big whoop!!
All the protective gear they wear while in place to reduce injuries is justified by the NFL fan here, saying the speed of the game and the hits require it. Hang on a minute, Rugby League has a net playing time of 80 minutes and games back in the golden era were over in about 1 hour and a half. And those blokes took hits as well. In fact, I remember guys playing Test football on Saturday and then playing for their clubs on Sunday. Those were men.
Four reasons you probably hate the NFL (and why I love it)
A huge loss to Australia and Australian sport. I fondly remember half a game Artie as he was affectionately known early in his career, his penchant for meat pies, but his ability to get the ball away while held was uncanny and unsurpassed. Although a Dragons fan, I could not help liking the lovable big guy, even as he trotted around the SCG with the shield, after the thrashing of Saints in the 1975 Grand Final. A true warrior, definitely an Immortal, Artie will be missed. RIP
Artie Beetson dead: Rugby league loses a legend