Sebastian Janikowski denies rooting against Oakland A’s to get rid of infield dirt at O.co Coliseum

Aug 9, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a 51-yard field goal in the first quarter in an preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday one of those classic “soft news” stories unfolded on Thursday between the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars locker rooms as Josh Scobee apparently was caught misquoting Sebastian Janikowski about SeaBass wanting to see the Oakland A’s lose as soon as possible to get rid of the infield dirt.

Scobee told the Florida Times Union that Janikowski roots for the A’s to lose so the at Oakland Coliseum’s infield dirt can be re-sodded as early as possible. With Oakland sitting first in the AL West and looking like potential contenders this fall that dirt could be at O.co potentially through the first week of November if the A’s manage to make the World Series.

SeaBass told CSNBayArea’s Scott Bair that he has no problem with the A’s making a long run to the World Series. In fact he is a fan.

From Bair:

"Sebastian Janikowski is never in the Raiders locker room when it’s open to the press. He was on Thursday afternoon, waiting for reporters to file in.He was clearly upset, with a stern gaze and hands punched into his pockets.The Raiders kicker held court, and wanted to make a few things crystal clear.He is an A’s fan. He never told Jacksonville kicker Josh Scobee he roots for them to lose. He wasn’t happy if, even only for a day, Raiders fans thought he wasn’t rooting for the local nine.“I root for the A’s. I want them to do well,” Janikowski said. “I’ve been to several A’s games. Whatever he said, it just blows my mind. The conversation never happened. If they make the postseason, I’m excited for them.”"

Janikowski, who shows no signs of a dropoff when the Raiders do play with the dirt infield, feels that the infield gives the team an advantage. He also isn’t too pleased with Scobee misquoting him.

“I think it’s an advantage for us,” Janikowski said. “Guys come in and think about it so much that it messes with them.” “I was pissed off,”  “That’s why I’m talking to you guys. I want to set things straight,” Janikowski told Bair.

With Oakland looking like favorites on Sunday the Jaguars shouldn’t be too happy with their kicker, waking up Janikowski is not the wisest of choices.