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McGrath is the king

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Posted by: Rcannon---------------------

I dont care if he races anymore. He grabbed my kids and set them on his lap. He then said (jokingly) Dad, get busy with that camera before I have to!

Needless to say this is how he treated me with a two hour line!

Thanks Jeremy. You made the sport for two ten year olds!

David Villimin was also very cool. He spet a lot of time talking to us atthe Pro Circuit truck.  I wonder what is up with that/ I have pictires, but dont lmow how to post them.

Roger D signed my sweatshirt and ws really nice. He acted like he ad all day to help me.

Was the trip worthwhile...YOU BET!!!! Yhe race sucked, but we expected that!

RC is a prick. He described the other guys as desperate...even though he took second place. Huge boos erupted. My autograph time came up. I looked him in the eye and pointed to my roger d sweatshirt and said Sorry, this is reserved for hero's. Thanks anyway. You would have thought I kicked him in the crotch!

A great day. Thanks to David V, Roger D, and Jeremy...True gentleman of the sport!


Posted by: JMD---------------------

Didn't hear what Ricky said, but try not to hold it against him unduly. He is, after all, a pretty young kid in a very stressful job, with tons of aggressive instict boiling over during and immediately after a race. Easy to say things you shouldn't. Ricky is a great motorcycle racer and by most accounts a pretty nice kid. Not everybody can be a PR whiz like MC.


Posted by: Patman---------------------

Rcannon you ROCK! That was exactly the kind of thing he needed to hear. I hope it sticks in his head and will halp make him a better champion. Key word better, he'll never reach McGrath's level. BTW I agree he's got to be the absolute best with kids but Travis Pastrana is a real close second :thumb:


Posted by: mx547---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Rcannon
I looked him in the eye and pointed to my roger d sweatshirt and said Sorry, this is reserved for hero's. Thanks anyway.


did you really do that?


Posted by: TheGrinch---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Rcannon
... My autograph time came up. I looked him in the eye and pointed to my roger d sweatshirt and said Sorry, this is reserved for hero's. Thanks anyway. You would have thought I kicked him in the crotch!....


That's harsh. I agree Ricky definately needs a few more PR lessons, but he is still a champion and a hero to many. Having said that, as Patman said, it may be the wake up slap in the face he needs.


Posted by: Rcannon---------------------

Yes, I did it. Why??? My god, I had allready met and talked with David villiman (he rocks), Nic Wey, Hamblin (nice guy), Had my camera taken by Mr McGrath, and had Roger sign my sweatshirt! That was Saturday!

Friday,Kenny Bartram, forced me to eat lunch with him at Ogio! For 1 1/2 days I was somebody!


I took my ticket for Ricky, but he was not going to occupy the same space as Jeremy and the cool guys. What did it mater? There were 149 other suckers waiting!


I am a nobody in the industry. I own or know no one. Just your everyday uncle taking care of his nephews.

Jeremy, Roger, and David, you guys made me look like a hero!

Dand David had us behind the Pro Circuit fence! He used Mike Browns seat as a desk!

I just said "Mr. Vullimin, sorry your not racing tonite. He says..Oh, thats ok, no big deal"

Not one of these guys was rude or anything but pleasent to my boys. The boys looked at me for permission to go with DV. You would have died!

 

I know travis is ok. I believe he was in the booth most of the night. I met him once doing that thing where folks fall out of airplanes....good man.

 

It just gets to me that some folks actually realize how much a smile or a special justure means to a small kid.  Thanks Roger , David and Jeremy. You guys did it for me.

 

 


Posted by: Patman---------------------

:thumb: :thumb:


Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Rcannon
... I looked him in the eye and pointed to my roger d sweatshirt and said Sorry, this is reserved for hero's. Thanks anyway. You would have thought I kicked him in the crotch!

Nice to see you showed the same tact and class that you're so indignantly demanding of someone else. Leading by example?




Posted by: motomike137---------------------

Yeah wow, I'll bet you just ruined his whole career. What an awesome move (NOT!).


Posted by: flynbryan---------------------

I'm really at odds about ricky.(not that my soul impression is going to end his career) He's an amazingly talented rider, but have noticed he has an attitude problem. I think he is a good person he just needs to learn to hold back that frustration till he gets back in the truck where he can't get busted on for what he says. I'm sure there are many of us that have been mad after we fell(or got taken out, depending on perspective)and wanted to just tear the guy a new @#$hole. The difference is that we're not on National television. Many of us have tempers(and some quite a bit worse than RC's), the difference is no one cares about ours.


Posted by: Patman---------------------

Obviously some folks feel if their meal is served half cooked and the server sneezes on it they should just keep their mouth shut.

I doubt what Rcannon did will have much impact on RC, then again maybe it's the little push he needed, who could say for sure. Having the stones to do it is something I doubt many have. Accepting what you view as unacceptable behavior because the person is famous shows how weak a majority of the population has become. It's easier to ignore the problem and hope it goes away rather than use your freedoms to express your opinion?So many sheep.


Posted by: XRpredator---------------------

personally, I like Rcannon's opinion.

He didn't wait in line to say that, he just wanted the autograph on something else.

There's still room on that shirt for Hannah, ain't there Rcannon?


Posted by: Rcannon---------------------

I made my own personal choice. Not yours.   I respect his abilities, but not him as a person. Is there something wrong with that?

At what point did I say I wanted to be RC's role model?


Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Patman
Obviously some folks feel if their meal is served half cooked and the server sneezes on it they should just keep their mouth shut.

I tried to think of a weaker analogy, but couldn't come up with one. ... Although the sheep reference is a close second...

It has nothing to do with having the "stones" to speak out against "unacceptable" behavior (jeez - was RC beating a puppy or something?).

I just found it ironic that someone would speak out against rude and whiny behavior by being rude and whiny.


Posted by: flynbryan---------------------

Patman I'm not sure if the response was towards myself or Smit-dog, but I definately don't believe myself to be portrayed as a sheep. :silly: I simply was stating that everyone gets pi$%y and frustrated the same way Ricky does we just are not on television or in the media for anyone to care. I also think that its great that ricky now has some major competition. I think now he needs to show the maturity and good sportsmanship that comes along w/all those #1 plates he has. I in no way condone the way he acts, it just seems to me that people tend to frown upon his acts w/a "I'd never do that" persona. Not to point the finger at you Patman, just the public in general. I'll again state my opinion that if the guy would just keep his mouth shut till he's away from the media alot of his public interaction problems would be solved.


Posted by: mx547---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Smit-Dog


I just found it ironic that someone would speak out against rude and whiny behavior by being rude and whiny.


and then bragging about it.


Posted by: Patman---------------------

I'm all about weak analogies, they are easily digested by the weak minded

I just try to look at RC as being an employee of both Honda AND the people that pay for a ticket/pit pass. He's providing entertainment and if his actions fill in the blank with your own words (unacceptable, cry baby, puta, sore loser....) are not what the customer wants why not call him on it? Hey the guy crashes better than I ride but if any of my people acted like he does in public we'd have a serious problem. His job is multi-part and being good a one part (racing) does not entitle him to be a poor PR worker bee.

I also don't see the post as "bragging". The information was posted just like any other bit of information on DRN. Was this supposed to be kept a secret? Maybe the ride reports where people did a climb, or jump they never before pulled off should not show up either? Oh and let's not forget about getting a new bike!

RC has flaws just like the rest of us that are not perfect. Yes I know it's hard to imagine but I'll bet big money it's true.


Posted by: flynbryan---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Patman


RC has flaws just like the rest of us that are not perfect. Yes I know it's hard to imagine but I'll bet big money it's true.

The only response I was trying to make as well Patman. :thumb:


Posted by: Patman---------------------

And so by hearing about them perhaps he can become a better champion or should he not be told?


Posted by: Bob Brooks---------------------

When it comes to any type of sporting event, as fans, we need to have people to root for and people to root against. RC is an easy guy to dislike. Number one, he's on top right now and winning most of the time and as Americans, we like to root for the up-and-comer and not the guy on top. I remember even McGrath getting booed at some supercrosses in the mid 90s when he was winning constantly just because most people were sick of the same 'ole story and wanted to see something new. The other thing going against Ricky Carmichael is that he doesn't have that charismatic, fan-endearing personality that McGrath and Pastrana are blessed with. He's too serious most of the time, often sullen and he doesn't take losing well. Even when he smiles and tries to turn on the charm for the camera interviews, we can tell it's forced and not genuine and most of us fans don't like that. And, I can understand rcannon's frustration with him at the autograph line. When you're dealing with kids, especially if they're your own or nephews or nieces, you want their heroes to act appropriately.

But the bottom line is that we don't have to like RC. After it's said and over and Carmichael retires from the sport, he'll be revered and labeled a legend, despite his sleepy personality and poor PR skills. Bob Hannah wasn't a very good sport either and most fans adore him. The difference is that Hannah was a jerk and didn't care what anyone thought and in some peculiar way, we all applauded him for that. For the most part, Carmichael tries to be a nice guy but sometimes doesn't always pull it off and because of that, he's not a very popular champion.

Nevertheless, despite his personality, nobody works harder, rides harder or tries harder at this sport than RC. Perhaps some of the personality characteristics that make him a poor interview are the same traits that make him such a bulldog on the racetrack? He reminds me of Patton...not always pretty or nice or even agreeable, but damn succesful and effective. We all have the option of rooting against him if we choose to, that's one of the beautiful things about sports.


Posted by: flynbryan---------------------

Like I said again, I don't agree w/ the guys actions, and I never said that what Rcannon did was wrong.


Posted by: Philip---------------------

I think all these guys should have a little bit of a temper, maybe that would get some fire in there a$$ and we could see some of them up front. Reed gets just as mad as RC and last year in the outdoors many called him a whiner because of his comments about Bubba. Make up your mind people you want racers or sunday school teachers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And BTW next time one of you get mad at something let me stick a camera and a mic in your face and see how well you control yourself.


Posted by: flynbryan---------------------




Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

I don't care how RC acts on camera, off camera, or working the lemming autograph line. Regardless of his riding ability, his personality/behavior will just dictate how much he's embraced and endorsed by the public and sponsors.

MC will have longevity after retirement because he has great PR skills. RC's lack thereof does not detract from him as a racer. If you feel otherwise, I don't see the need to be a prick to him about it.

BTW - Well said Bob. I understood (and agree) with everything you said, even without feeble analogies.


Posted by: dirt bike dave---------------------

Well said, Bob Brooks.

My $0.02 is I admire Ricky's riding and determination so much, I am willing to overlook his shortcomings in the PR department.

I recognize PR is part of his job, but IMO it should be a SMALL part.


Posted by: Patman---------------------

I just had to go tell one of my crew to get back at their job. Maybe I was too harsh, maybe I should let them do whatever they want whenever they want?

Geez the way some of youze guize talk you'd think ya' wuz datin' the little red haired boy or sumptin'. :scream:


Posted by: CPT Jack---------------------

I'm totally with Phillip on this. I'm glad you had a good time but I think you actions were dumb & a waste of time. Why do you have the expectation that all these guys are or should be like Wally Cleaver? That's lame. Evel Knievel would've told you where to stick your sweatshirt or done it himself.

Remind me again why you insulted RC? As far as I can tell from your post you didn't like something he said that had nothing to do with you. But instead of letting it slide you decided to provoke him to get a thrill. Sounds very similar to that kind of lame, catty stuff that girls do. What's the point? Do you think you can admonish him into being "warm & cuddly"? Maybe the PC police can write him a ticket for not being satisfactorily warm & cuddly enough. Oh wait, ... that sounds just like what happened! :silly:


Posted by: Patman---------------------

This is getting pretty comical! We now have somebody who has said they are a nobody (Rcannon) getting told what he did was wrong in addressing a public figure by a group of nobodies? Seems very pot calling the kettle black doesn't it?


Posted by: flynbryan---------------------

Rcannon, can I have your autograph?


Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

Never said it was wrong to express an opinion - but why be a <edit by - Patman> about it?


Posted by: Patman---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Smit-Dog
Never said it was wrong to express an opinion - but why be a <edit by - Patman> about it?

Because he lives in the United States of America and he can? Folks do it on a much larger scale over much smaller things all the time. Then again the importance of the issue is up to each individual. (sorry I couldn't come up with an applicable lame analogy for this)


Posted by: Philip---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Patman
This is getting pretty comical! We now have somebody who has said they are a nobody (Rcannon) getting told what he did was wrong in addressing a public figure by a group of nobodies? Seems very pot calling the kettle black doesn't it?


I could care less what Rcannon did to RC or any other rider. I do not Idolize or seek out autographs or pictures from any of them like a little school girl. All I want to see is good racing. I like every one of those guys/girls who approach that starting gate with the desire to win regardless of what color bike they ride. I don't want to be there friend or foe I just buy my ticket to watch them race. So far with the Rock and DV out the only two guys showing me any desire is RC and Reed. :thumb:

And BTW when the race is over I applaud every one of them.


Posted by: CPT Jack---------------------

Patman, no one ever said he couldn't. I only said & was dumb & a waste of time.

Does this post fall in the same category? You bet!

Quote:
Why be a ****?

Quote:
Because he lives in the United States of America and he can?

Are you serious? That's great logic... let's see the #1 reason to be a **** is ... (drumroll) ...because you can! Glad I don't work for you, no offense.

Quote:
This is getting pretty comical!

Oh, the irony of it all! ... at least you figured out the whole "analogy" thing.


If an opinion is expressed in the woods and no one is there to hear it, is it still an opinion?


Posted by: Rcannon---------------------

My initials are the same as RC's. Roland Cannon, Ricky Carmichel.


I am now going to complain to honda for putting my initials on the cr 250.


One day, maybe I will tell you guys what I did to Jim Rome. I am still banned from his show!


I was having fun. These guys see so many people a day. I want him to remember the ass in salt lake. The guy could buy and sell me millions of times.

McGrath made our nite. He is so cool it is not even funny. He could have been an ass, but went out of his way to be nice to my kids. So did Villimin. I called them both Mister and ment it.

Please tell me or offer to post a McGrath picture. You will understand how cool he was to my kids.

I even sent a letter to KTM thinking them for hiring Jeremy.


Posted by: Rcannon---------------------

This is cut and pasted from Kenny Bartrams site. He answered my e amil. For me, this is a champion...

My e mail

4/24/2003
roland cannon Q
Kenny, I had a chance to watch you today at the OGio track in salt lake city. I have always known you were an incredible rider. I had no idea you were such a decent person. I watched you talk to some younger fans. You went out of your way to make them feel special. I was too star struck to bother you. Thanks. It really made my day to watch you. Best of luck if you race the supercross race. Roland Cannon your newest fan

Kenny Bartram A
Hey Roland, I'm glad you made it out to the track today. It was fun day of riding. Thank you for the compliments. Thanks for the good luck wishes in the race as well. I don't think I'm gonna do it, I'm probably just going to take the weekend off, now, and give my body a few days off. Well, next time you come out, introduce yourself to me, I should be here again tomorrow. I may go to the stadium to watch practice for a bit, but will probably spend most of the day here. See ya, Kenny """"end cut

This was cut from Kenny's e mail responses. I think it is ok for public view.


Posted by: Phil---------------------

I don't see the reason for all of this hatred toward RC. I remember the same crap back when MC was in his prime. The letter sections in the mags had a few MC haters every month complaining about how he didn't sign something for their kid or that he was on the cover too often.

I don't really care that RC doesn't act the way some people want him to. He does what he needs to do on the track, that's his only goal at this point. I'm sure it was a lot easier for MC to be laid back and cool when you met him, he's not racing! He no longer has that pressure to deal with. All he has to think about is where to take his next vacation.

Phil


Posted by: Rcannon---------------------

I still think all you guys are ok. I only argue with those I call friends. Even though I would not recognize a one of you, I appreciate the thinking you have made me do....THANKS!!!!



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