I’m pretty sure most of you all ready know the song. For those of you that don’t, the song is Who Are You by the Who. It’s about a guy that says and does things while under the influence and doesn’t recognize himself for that behavior. OK. So, what am I getting at? Well, having been involved in pro sports for a number of years as a spectator, a trainer and a competitor, I’ve an observation I’d like to share and get some feedback on. The observation? The New Breed of Athletes. I’m watching this guy on TV. He’s a bit of a clown. Very high profile. A bit of a braggart with quite the flamboyant style, reminds me of Liberace. (for lack of a better comparison) He makes millions of dollars in his profession and in endorsements. This is who they want, the high-heeled sneakers, the patchwork quilt hairstyles, the big mouth, the loud mouth but also, the undeniable rebound king of the NBA. They love him. They hate him. (the people and the sponsors) They call him “The Worm”, affectionately and with disdain. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. Dennis Rodman.

Before Dennis there was Muhammad Ali, the undisputed King of all Trash Talk. Before him Jack Johnson and so on. Howard Stern became the King of all Media on just talking trash alone. Now, let me throw a few more names at you… Doug Marshall. Matt Lindland. Matt Hughes. Matt Serra. Wanderlei Silva. Tito Ortiz. Randy Couture. Quinton Jackson. These are the names of some of the best fighters in our sport. Given the fact that these gentlemen could at any given time wreak havoc on any small city and probably overthrow a few local governments as well, they are not what I would call “Household names.” Why not? Are they not as able and talented as the athletes and names that precede them? I certainly believe them to be. That is I believe them to be able and talented athletes. But then, what is it that seems to be missing you ask? It’s the three C’s. It’s these three ingredients that will turn even a so-so athlete into a Superstar. Charisma… Character…and Chutzpah.

Ali had it. Still does despite his illness. Doug Marshall ain’t got it. Doubtful he ever will. Rodman had it, lost it, got it back and lost it again. Word is he wants it back, question is, can he do it again? Matt Hughes kinda’ had it but I think it got away from him. It is fleeting. Timing is everything. Tiger Woods has it. Given his demeanor, he’ll always have it. Michael Jordan too. Couture wants it and has the right idea about it. He just may make it. Rampage has potential to be huge if he plays it right. There’s only one problem. Our Image.

I’m watching the WEC’s last big show and I keep hearing something that makes me cringe every time somebody opens their mouths. Trash. Trash talking? No, just trash. Garbage. Potty mouths. Ignorance.

Too bad too. Because this is what is ultimately going to cost many of you and most of them, the really big payday. That monster sponsor with the deep pockets that wants you to represent their product. But for those of you in the know, you know that day is never gonna’ come. Because too many of these young fighters, the new fighters are so brash, so brazen, so confused that this is what it takes to get there, or so they think.

Oh, it’s not just the WEC, I hear it in the UFC too and in the Elite XC broadcasts on PPV. [Pay Per View]

Let me ask you this… How many times have you heard Muhammad Ali use foul language in an interview? How many times have you heard Eli Manning insult another teammate or even an opposing player? How about Roger Federer at the USTA? Now I will admit, I heard Fuzzy Zoeller’s bigoted and disparaging remarks about the addition of the young Tiger Woods to one of the PGA dinners but since then, Tiger practically owns the PGA and Zoeller is not much more than a footnote in some cases, an * in others. Are you beginning to catch my drift here, fellas’?

Every time one of you gets in front of a camera or a microphone or a reporter and instead of using that air time to your advantage to promote yourself and/or your sport, you decide to use that time to insult or degrade an opponent or worse, show the world how much of an idiot you are by cursing during a national broadcast I should say thank you. (if you’re missing the sarcastic tone being used here, you’re beyond help) Not just me, we should all say thank you. Thank you for making absolutely certain that any sponsor that was considering using this forum to promote his product will undoubtedly reconsider. You see, now days there are these clauses in pretty much all entertainment contracts called “Morality Clauses” and they’re specifically designed for those special morons like Pete Rose, Michael Vick, Tonya Harding, Kobe Bryant, Jose Canseco, Mike Tyson, etc., morons who can’t quite seem to control themselves or their mouths. The difference between them and you is this: They are all ready there, so it’s theirs to lose. You are not there and you still represent us as a whole and everything you do reflects on the rest of us. You dig?

I’m aware of the attempts of the powers that be to take this sport mainstream and feed it to the masses. CBS and FOX are very interested in primetime telecasts. For those of you who don’t remember the first time they tried this back in the ‘80’s on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, Kickboxing was the rage and the PKA ruled the roost here in the states. A single effort was made to bring this new sport to the people as they tried to make it as excitingly bland as possible. Instead of bringing the best of the best to the public, they instead used tight controls and hand-picked opponents to send the PKA to probably the best place for it. Oblivion.

With that said, do you really think that conservative CBS is going to throw caution to the wind and take a chance on a live telecast without at least a five (5) second broadcast delay in place? On that off chance that somebody is going to use one the several still remaining words you can’t say on television, let’s not bet the rent or the kids’ lunch money just yet.

I always hear people saying when referring to this guy or that guy: “Oh wow, he appeared to be just the nicest guy in the world.” But every time I hear a pre-fight interview or a post-fight interview and the guys talks about how he’s gonna’ kick the other dudes ass or how he’s nobody’s f***ing stepping stone and blah, blah, blah… 1. It gets old fast. 2. It’s embarrassing to be associated with some of the things said. And 3. Even my buds who really dig the sport won’t let their little ones listen to the live broadcasts. And that in itself friends, tells a story.

Besides all of the bravado, who exactly are you trying to convince about the outcome of the pending battle? The audience, your opponent or yourself.

You’re going to do what you want that much I know, but the only thing I hope to have you think about is the future and your legacy. About the future… Consider the possible. An endorsement deal with Nike or Coca-Cola or Wheaties. Hey man, don’t laugh. It could happen and sooner than you think. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Believe in yourself and the rest falls into place. Kids start to look at you as a role model and it just so happens that he or she is the son/daughter of the CEO of Sony Inc. Still laughing? Didn’t think so. Finally, your legacy. What do you want people to say about you in years to come? Good guy/Bad guy? Pioneer of the sport? Or just a Wannabe? Hall of Fame material or one of many jerks with visions of grandeur, a big attitude and a bigger ego. It’s your life dude. I can’t tell you how to live it but I can tell you this, “It’s a lot more fun when we all enjoy it together.” Ball’s in your court.

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