Sergio Castillo rips CFL’s new chipped footballs, fellow kickers come to his defence

[MarkNelson]

https://3downnation.com/2024/06/07/serg ... s-defence/

 “I don’t know where to aim,” a frustrated Castillo told reporters following his Week 1 game. “Every time I’m out there, I’m literally praying the rosary. I don’t know where to aim.”The 33-year-old went one-for-three on his field goal attempts against Montreal, missing wide from 38 and 40 yards as the Blue Bombers lost 27-12. It was an uncharacteristic performance for the native of La Joya, Texas, who connected on a team-record 90.2 percent of his field goals last year.The CFL has added microchips to all its footballs as they help generate real-time advanced statistics through Genius Sports, the CFL’s data and technology partner. Castillo indicated the chipped balls wreaked havoc for him throughout training camp, a problem that carried over into the regular season.

[MarkNelson]

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/06/07/statement ... ing-plays/

STATEMENT ON THE USE OF MICROCHIP-IMPLANTED FOOTBALLS ON KICKING PLAYS

TORONTO — The Canadian Football League (CFL) has released the following statement regarding the use of microchip-implanted footballs on kicking plays.Effective immediately, teams will no longer be mandated to use microchip-implanted footballs for kicking plays.
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​However, because some kickers have expressed a desire to continue using them, teams will decide at the beginning of the game whether to use microchip-implanted balls or technology-free balls for the duration of the contest.
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​The league has tested these footballs using robotic technology and current CFL players. While there is no definitive evidence to suggest their use impacts performance in any manner, we are taking this step out of respect for kickers who do not yet feel comfortable using them.
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​The CFL will continue to test microchip-implanted balls. Their mandated usage will be revisited ahead of the 2025 season.
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​Today’s decision in no way impacts our commitment towards the collection and usage of in-game performance metrics. The CFL remains steadfast in its approach of using data to better inform, engage and entertain current and future fans.Randy Ambrosie
​Commissioner
​Canadian Football League

[MGB01]

On one hand, didn't like this group whine when it came from USFL kickers two years ago (and it increased FG accuracy, maybe a few percent?). Besides I don't think Castillo exactly had the excuse of a ball chip when he yanked three of four FG for the Jets in Seattle in 2020.

On the other, why do I get the feeling the CFL (not unlike the USFL) is trying these new enhancements to be "current" and "relevant" and at the end of the day it does nothing for the league?