Aussie cops vicious sideline spray from NFL coach

by Admin
December 9, 2024

Australian punter Matthew Hayball copped a sideline spray from New Orleans Saints coach Darren Rizzi during his side’s win over the New York Giants.

The 27-year-old joined the Saints this season and has become the team’s first-choice punter, but found himself in the firing line on Monday morning (AEDT).

Despite the Saints claiming a 14-11 win over the battling Giants, things weren’t going to plan in the first half and Rizzi made sure to let Hayball know about it.

Footage shown on the broadcast saw the coach ripping into Hayball, who did well to nod along and not retaliate despite the heated altercation.

Darren Rizzi yells at Matthew Hayball during the week 14 game. Twitter

The pair were eventually separated by veteran running back Alvin Kamara and speaking post-game, Rizzi explained why he was blowing up at the Aussie.

“I’m a big accountability guy and that was a big part of our gameplan today and he wasn’t executing the gameplan,” he said.

“His last punt was outstanding and it really helped us – actually his last two punts. His second-to-last punt in particular was really good, it pinned them back and they didn’t get any return yards. That was what we were trying to do all day.

“Our first three punts weren’t good enough so I let him know that’s exactly how I felt. It probably came across a little bit more than that but me and Matt are fine.”

The three-point win for New Orleans came at a cost when quarterback Derek Carr left the field with a hand injury late in the fourth quarter.

Carr dove over the top of a Giants defender and planted his non-throwing hand out in front of him to break the fall.

“He’s just been having a rough go. We’re behind him,” teammate Juwan Johnson said.

Derek Carr leaves the field with a hand injury. Getty

“He’s still Derek Carr, aside from the football field. You just have to be there for him, emotionally, spiritually and physically.”

He finished with 20 of 31 for 219 yards with an 11-yard touchdown pass before exiting the contest and being replaced by back-up playmaker Jake Haener.

New Orleans (5-8) will take on division rivals Tampa Bay next week in a bid to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

– with AP