News comes to light of the unrequited cricketing passion of Adolf Hitler. While recuperating from wounds in World War I, the dictator put together an XI to play a team of British PoWs. No word on the result, but he apparently thought players should not wear pads, which were "unmanly and un-German".
He does protest
Real Madrid's Guti has done his bit to rid European soccer of homophobia. The midfielder interrupted a television debate on why homosexuality is taboo in football to kiss host Adriana Abenia: "With beauties like you around it's totally impossible to be a gay," he declared. "If I was gay, hell I'd say so."
Sledgers on the outer
These are grim days for sledging. Witness Michael Clarke shrugging off the crowd's few barbs at the Basin Reserve to belt a century. Over in Colombia, things are even worse. Local soccer bosses have permitted midfielder Javier Fl rez to return to action for his club just nine months after he shot dead a fan who heckled him. "I was drunk and angry when it happened. He really upset me. I just hope people know what I have suffered." Well, that's all right then.
Randy, not Rusty
With no more sniggering over Sportspeople With Grubby Names, we duly note a correction. One reader informs us that the real name of Rusty Kuntz was actually Randy Kuntz. No need to alert the Herald's corrections office (they've stopped returning SuperShorts' calls), we're happy to raise our hand to this one though we note that it's perhaps understandable that randy ones become rusty.
YouTube clip of the week
Type "Kuggs Cricket Tickets" into the search engine for tips on getting into cricket grounds to watch test matches.
In the blood
Buck Shelford, who famously put his nuts on the line for the All Blacks, is contributing more bodily matter in the interests of the nation's health. New Zealand Blood Service is running a blood donation competition with North Harbour rugby clubs over the coming season. Buck's at the forefront of the campaign and the clubs which give the most at season's end win a bunch of prizes, so get giving to see your team winning.
FREE STUFF!!!
Call yourself a fan? The good peopleat adidas have got a Super 14 jerseyto give away to one lucky SuperShorts reader. To go in the draw, putyour name, address and phonenumber in an email to supersport@nzherald.co.nz. Also put your size and the name of the New Zealand team whose jersey you'd like to win and in the subject line put "Anyone but the Highlanders".
When you've done that, see what other prizes you can win at www.callyourselfafan.co.nz.
Good week for...
South London Bling
P-Diddy wants to put the Cristal into Crystal Palace. The rap star's publicist has confirmed interest in buying the beleaguered South London club, who are fourth from bottom in the Championship and broke.
Bad week for...
Jerry Vyse
The Mancunian was happily working away at his part-time job, selling food in a kiosk at Old Trafford, when he got the sack for wearing the green-and-gold scarf of the anti-Glazer campaign. Boo! Hiss!
The number
$18,000
Payout to golfer Hong Kee Siong, who six years ago was bitten on the leg by a crocodile on Malaysia's A'Famosa golf course. He stepped on the critter thinking it was a log and got 38 stitches.
<i>SuperShorts</i>: The Hitler XI
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