ESPN's LZ Granderson has an interesting column this week about Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson who got somewhat famous by posting his street fights on the Internet and is now getting even more famous for fighting in legitimate mixed martial arts competitions. And Granderson writes that he thinks the fact that Slice is going big-time is a big problem:
I don't know if he's necessarily stupid, because I've never met the man, but he certainly seems to be misguided. Why else would Slice disregard all sense of honor, pride and history to project an image that can best be described as a cross between Lil' Wayne and Kunta Kinte -- a runaway slave with a mouth full of gold teeth playing up every single stereotype of an African-American male in exchange for short-lived adoration from a soulless media with ADD. ... I find what Slice is consciously doing downright disgusting.I think Granderson is one of America's best sports writers, and I share some of his concerns about the way Slice is sometimes portrayed. But I also think it's important to remember that Slice can't control how others portray him, and he demonstrates in all of his interviews that he's an intelligent and articulate person who takes his sport seriously. I think people who watch his first CBS fight will come away thinking highly of him.
ADVERTISEMENT
_thumbnail.jpg "NASCAR Cowboy Hats")
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. LZ would be more appalled by the way Bob Sapp was marketed in Japan. Kimbo actually is articulate. Has he heard Kimbo interview ever?
Posted at 12:47PM on May 2nd 2008 by Tizoc
2. It's obvious the man has never seen an interview with Ferguson. He comes off very well spoken and seemingly humble. I never liked the way he came up but he has proven to me that he may be good for the sport if he continues to present himself as a professional. I still need to see him in the cage with a highly skilled veteran. I'm getting sick of espn guys dissing MMA as a whole and wonder when people are going to come around to it. It's not going anywhere so they should get on the wagon and learn what's really going on.
Posted at 12:04AM on May 3rd 2008 by WitchDrgn
3. ESPN will diss MMA right up until they get a piece of the pie. After ESPN gets some broadcasting rights, nary a negative word will be heard or spoken about it. Case in point: the Arena Football League.
Posted at 2:17AM on May 3rd 2008 by T
4. Oh God ... AFL!
Posted at 3:27AM on May 3rd 2008 by Tom Herrera
5. Great point T, I'm not sure why they haven't tried to get on board. I remember them talking about Chuck once or twice but that about it.
Posted at 6:31PM on May 3rd 2008 by WitchDrgn