Shameful Ignorance

by Michael Rome on Feb 29, 2008 5:34 PM EST in News Comment 11 comments

One of the most amazing things about The UFC's decision to ignore new media and focus on mainstream press only is the fact that mainstream sports reporters have made absolutely no effort to understand the sport. The only press they get is ill-informed, condescending, and utterly ridiculous.

Not only is Jay Mariotti an ignorant fool, he also has the most basic numbers on PPV completely wrong, suggesting he does not care about facts either. This is the kind of person they give press passes to.

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Re: Shameful Ignorance

No kidding about Mariotti. That guy's an idiot about everything sports related (and most likely about all things not sports related, if I had to guess). Although, since he's talking about EXC, have they done more than 75,000 buys on a PPV?

by Richard Wade on Feb 29, 2008 5:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Shameful Ignorance

Mariotti may be the worst journalist in Chicago. But he says things that are "controversial" (read: ignorant and baseless) so he'll be writing columns for the major papers for as long as he wants. He talks a big game and then cries like a bitch when someone gives it back (see: Ozzie Guillen calling him a fag...he turned that into a huge "poor me" thing).

by Brent Brookhouse on Feb 29, 2008 5:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Shameful Ignorance

I can't stand Guillen, but when he called Mariotti a fag, I couldn't help but stop hating him for a while.

by Richard Wade on Feb 29, 2008 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Shameful Ignorance

Yeah, I mean...I understand the whole "un-pc" thing. And I'm not a supporter of using any sort of "gay bashing" phrases or anything. But it was fucking funny.

by Brent Brookhouse on Feb 29, 2008 6:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Shameful Ignorance

That is why I have no respect for Mariotti. Like you all said, he talks this massive game (oh, he is so tough), but is to scared to come around the WhiteSox's clubhouse because he "feels threaten". The guy is a yellow-bellied wimp if I have ever seen one. Sad to see that just because he is "controversial" that this allows him to fame (or infamy for that matter). I couldn't have said it better Michael, some of the people they are giving press passes to are like Mariotti when die-hard internet bloggers are left in the dark. Seems silly, especially have the way of world media is shifting from main-stream to the WWW.

by mattwatt on Feb 29, 2008 6:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Shameful Ignorance

The UFC really needs to reach out to these writers. Send them information, send them some fights, explain stuff to them.

by Michael Rome on Feb 29, 2008 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Shameful Ignorance

The problem is that the "old guard" don't WANT to learn. If it isn't the old school then it isn't worth their time. There are plenty of old school reporters who have come out and said as much. There are always the good ones who actually try to evolve as writers, but sadly that is the minority.

I think if the UFC sent them tapes they'd run the risk of hearing "The UFC sent me tapes to watch of their 'sport' so I gave it another try but this garbage is just brutal...downfall of society...kids love watching violence...etc"

by Brent Brookhouse on Feb 29, 2008 7:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Shameful Ignorance

If you've never seen this, it's worth watching. Joe Rogan appeared on ESPN to debate Lou DiBella a while back (I think it was the day before the Rampage/Liddell fight). In a relatively short segment, Rogan was able to make a lot of great points at the expense of DiBella (who came across as completely ignorant).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jJgg3XHLhs

by Popetastic on Feb 29, 2008 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Shameful Ignorance

JA Adande has defended MMA before on ESPN. They gave him like ten seconds to talk on this segment and he only managed to say that wrestling didn't destroy the culture when it was on NBC in the 80s.

But for the most part, ESPN's major names are all shitting on MMA. Jim Rome is about their biggest ally at this network.

by Popetastic on Feb 29, 2008 7:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs