In today’s top sports headlines, the AFL has made a decision on Cam Rayner, an AFLW fixture change for round 2, fan launches legal action against Nick Kyrgios and Usain Bolt has filed an application to trademark his iconic celebration.
Rayner’s failed appeal a big blow for finals-bound Lions
The Brisbane Lions have been dealt a massive blow ahead of their elimination final against Richmond, after young midfielder-forward Cam Rayner’s one-match suspension was upheld at the tribunal last night.
Rayner, coming off arguably a career-best game just two weeks ago, was reported for a strong tackle on Melbourne key forward Ben Brown in the opening quarter of Friday night’s game at the Gabba.
After 40 minutes of deliberation, the tribunal found that Rayner contributed significantly to the momentum of the tackle, even though Brown is more than 10kgs heavier than him.
Rayner’s absence is one of two forced changed for the do-or-die clash, after defender Noah Answerth accepted a one-match suspension for striking Melbourne’s Alex Neal-Bullen.
AFLW announce fixture change for round 2
The AFLW have announced that the round 2 match between North Melbourne and Melbourne will be moved to the MCG as a curtain-raiser for the Melbourne and Sydney Qualifying Final.
The fixture change has divided AFLW fans, as it means to get a ticket for the AFLW match starting at 5pm, fans must purchase a highly sought after, and expensive ticket for the 7:50pm Qualifying Final.
the double header pricing for AFLW fans makes me want to scream into a pillow
— Marnie Vinall (@marnievinall) August 23, 2022
Originally scheduled to be played at ETU Stadium (North Port Oval), the match was moved to the MCG to allow for AFLW teams to gain more exposure at bigger stadiums.
“We’re focused on ensuring our AFLW teams can play large stadiums wherever logistically possible,” AFL executive general manager of clubs, finance and broadcasting Travis Auld said.
Fan launches legal action against Nick Kyrgios
Polish Lawyer and tennis fan, Anna Palus is taking legal action against Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios after he accused her of looking “like she’s had about 700 drinks”.
Palus said the Wimbledon finalist had defamed her by making “a reckless and entirely baseless allegation against me”.
“I hope that Mr Kyrgios will reflect on the harm he has caused me and my family and offer a prompt resolution to this matter,” Ms Palus said.
Palus later said she was trying to support Kyrgios, but was removed from the crowd after distracting him from serving.
She was allowed back into the crowd 15 minutes later to have some water.
Usain Bolt files application to trademark iconic celebration
Jamaican sprinting legend and eight-time Olympic gold medallist, Usain Bolt, has filed an application to trademark his well-renowned celebration pose as a logo.
The logo, which illustrates bolt pointing upwards in silhouette was filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office last week.
Bolt’s celebration became synonymous with his feats on the track, in which he would extend one arm and pull the other back to imitate the shape of a lightning bolt.
A tweet from trademark attorney, Josh Gerben said that Bolt aims to use the logo in association with sunglasses, jewellery, bags, clothing, sporting goods, restaurants and sports bars.
Usain Bolt has filed a trademark application for his victory pose.
The filing, made on August 17th, indicates that @usainbolt plans to use the logo in connection with:
1. Sunglasses
2. Jewelry
3. Bags
4. Clothing
5. Sporting goods
6. Restaurants and sports bars#UsainBolt pic.twitter.com/dxuUfPJbE1— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) August 22, 2022
PHOTO: Person swimming on body of water by Guduru Ajay Bhargav is available HERE and used under a creative commons attribution. The image has not been modified.
