Let’s face it, controversies are never far away from sport. Always have been, always will be.
It’s why we dedicated multiple awards to some of the most turbulent moments of 2022, unpacked in greater detail on the podcast‘s season finale.
The Only Sports Show | LISTEN TO OUR FULL AWARDS EPISODE:
NOMINATIONS for 2022’s Most Controversial Sacking
BRETT RATTEN
JUSTIN LANGER
DES HASLER
EDDIE JONES
Ratten‘s shock departure at St Kilda was just too hard to beat, despite all of Langer, Hasler and Jones‘ exits sending publishers around the country into a tailspin.
England Rugby’s recent decision to end Eddie‘s reign was widely seen as a little baffling.
Langer‘s conclusion as coach of Cricket Australia caused all kinds of debate earlier this year.
And Hasler‘s ending at Brookvale was unceremonious to say the least, after a season of unwanted headlines.
WINNER: Brett Ratten
NOMINATIONS for Head-scratcher of the Year
TAYLAN MAY
MANLY SEA EAGLES
WIMBLEDON
AUSTRALIA’S RUGBY LEAGUE JERSEY NUMBERS
GLENN MAXWELL
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v WESTS TIGERS
Taylan May faced court for an assault charge on the eve of finals, prompting the NRL to suspend him… next year.
The Manly Sea Eagles caused arguably the s**t storm of the Rugby League season, announcing it would wear a rainbow Pride jersey for its Round 20 clash with the Roosters. Eight players pulled out and as the details emerged, one thing was clear: the club hadn’t properly thought it all through.
The All England Lawn Club, Wimbledon, made the baffling decision to punish all Russian and Belarusian athletes for simply being citizens of countries run by complete egotistical head cases; something they’ve got absolutely no control over. Tennis players from those nations were not able to compete in the Grand Slam; while the ATP and WTA removed all ranking points from the event.
Glenn Maxwell broke his his leg at a 50th birthday party and it made our weird injury Hall of Fame.
And who can forget when the Wests Tigers were robbed in Townsville?
Also, Patrick Cripps had his suspension overturned in wild circumstances, sending fans into a frenzy. He would go on to win the Brownlow Medal, causing conspiracy theorists everywhere to surface.
WINNER: Wimbledon
RELATED: Votes are in – Here’s our pick for Moment of the Year in sport
RELATED: The most exceptional team & athlete of 2022 decided
NOMINATIONS for 2022’s Biggest Blow-up
DRAYMOND GREEN
KEN DORSEY
DANE GAGAI & MATT BURTON
LITERALLY EVERY NRL FAN, EVER
THOMAS TUCHEL & ANTONIO CONTE
In the NBA pre-season, Draymond Green assaulted (allegedly) Jordan Poole at training.
Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey completely lost it at the end of an early season game in Miami.
The Manly pride jumper saga caused mass outrage, beyond belief.
The Premier League also dished up some juicy sideline passion – ahem – drama.
WINNER: Draymond Green
Make sure to keep clicking back to onlysports.com.au for more content celebrating our sporting stars and the events that will define the summer holidays.
