Contrary to a published report in Florida, Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski roots for the Oakland Athletics.
Janikowski, left, on Sept. 12 refuted comments attributed to Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee. According to a blog on jacksonville.com posted Sept. 11, Scobee said that Janikowski told him he roots every year for the A's to miss the playoffs so the infield dirt at O.co Coliseum is replaced sooner with sod.
The visiting Jaguars play at the Raiders on Sept. 15.
"I root for the A’s, I want them to do well,” Janikowski told Bay Area media Aug. 12. “I’ve been to several A’s games. Whatever (Scobee) said, it just blows my mind. The conversation never happened.
“If they make the postseason, I’m excited for them.”
The Raiders have been sharing the Coliseum with the Athletics since 1995. The Coliseum playing surface remains in the baseball configuration until the Athletics season ends.
Janikowski has been kicking off the Coliseum dirt since his rookie season with the Raiders in 2000.
Janikowski made a 57-yard field goal off the dirt in overtime to beat the New York Jets during the 2008 season, the longest field goal in overtime in NFL history. He also has nailed two 57-yarders in Oakland during exhibition games.
What is not to like?
“It really doesn’t bother me,” Janikowski told reporters Sept. 12. “I think it’s an advantage for us. Guys (opposing kickers) come in and they think about it so much. And I’m not going to tell them what to do.”
