Charles Lewis, Also Known as Mask From Tapout, Dies After Car Crash
by Luke Thomas on Mar 11, 2009 4:32 PM EDT
in News
134 comments
It appears he may have died in this car accident. Sources on the UG say they've confirmed Mask's death here and here. More to come.
From the LA Times:
A bizarre car crash in Newport Beach involving two luxury cars early this morning left one person dead, a second injured, a third arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter and a fourth person was detained by police long enough to sober up.
A Newport Beach Police Department officer allegedly witnessed the wreck and saw a red Ferrari and a white Porsche "spinning out of control" on Jamboree Road between Bison Avenue and East Bluff Drive at 12:57 a.m., Newport Beach Lt. Craig Fox said. The Ferrari "hit the curb and then collided with a pole." The Porsche came to a stop at the scene for a few seconds and then sped away, Fox said.
"It was terrible. It was extensive damage to the vehicle," Fox said, adding that the Ferrari appeared to have split in half.
An unidentified man in the Ferrari was pronounced dead. A woman in the car was ejected during the accident and taken to a hospital, where she was in stable condition, Fox said. He said police have not yet determined which one was driving and which one was the passenger.
UPDATE: Tracy Lee of CombatLifestyle.com is saying Dan, also known as "Punkass", sent her a text message that confirms Mask did, in fact, pass away as a result of this car accident.
UPDATE II: MMA Mania says Mauro Ranallo confirned the news on air today.
On behalf of everyone at Bloody Elbow, I send my most heartfelt condolences to the families involved including the TapouT family. A true salt of the earth, from-the-bottom-up small business entrepreneur who relied on hard work, dedicated to a vision and perseverence to create the company of his dreams. Aside from Dana White, it is hard to think of another person in the MMA industry as dedicated to the sport, their business, their craft and their supporters as Mask. I did not care for the costume theatrics, but there is no denying he and his company's contributions to the fighters, fans and sport of MMA. Rest in peace, Mask.
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I may not agree with their antics, but they have always supported local fighters and have been fans of the sport since Day 1. A damn shame something like this happened.
by Zack Gobie on Mar 11, 2009 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
RIP
I have never been a big fan of tapout but it is undeniable what they have done for the sport.
Very sad.
by Brad Ackerson on Mar 11, 2009 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Death of Charles Lewis
I wonder how it will affect…well, many aspects of MMA. From their relationship and sponsorship of the UFC to the hundreds of fighters they sponsor, their TV show, and on and on.
I will have to finally produce that screen cap of Charles “Mask” Lewis being credited in earlier seasons of The Ultimate Fighter.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
by Brett Jones on Mar 11, 2009 2:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dang
RIP
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Mar 11, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Also
It appears he may have died in tthis car accident.
you have an extra ‘t’ in ‘this’.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Mar 11, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The damn system throws in an extra letter of the first word of whatever we hyperlink. Fixed now. Thanks.
by Luke Thomas on Mar 11, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’ve been a fan of tapout for a long time… and this is just sad and unfortunate. RIP Charles
by miss_mma on Mar 11, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
RIP Brother
I watched that show all the time. :(
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Mar 11, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s pretty hard to imagine how all the fighters are feeling. This guy was the man, this is just horrible news.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Mar 11, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow man...
Look at that car. Tragic.
"I hit [Evensen], and you could just see it in his head. He went, 'Oh, man. We don't have to do this anymore. I'm good. Thanks for having me. I'm going to go home now." -Pat "The Real Techno Viking" Berry
by Blackout612 on Mar 11, 2009 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Video of Local News Story Here
The damage to the car is unreal.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Mar 11, 2009 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
terrible news. Always sad when this type of thing happens to anyone.
RIP.
by Bigperm on Mar 11, 2009 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So are they alleging that the Porsche hit the Ferrari?
by Gong on Mar 11, 2009 3:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Holy shit...
…that sucks :(
I always felt bad that people gave him & the rest of the Tapout crew such shit. This guy did so much more for the sport than any of us.
Their TV show was head & shoulders above TUF in terms of quality too. Yeah, he may have had a crazy laugh & liked yelling out nicknames & playing pranks… but at least on that show you got to know the fighter’s as people, watch them train, and watch their fight at the end.
Don’t be embarassed to wear their shirts. Afterall, not everyone with glasses is a nerd, if you know what I mean. I have 1 Tapout shirt & I love it – the one they designed for the troops, which all the proceeds went towards.
RIP Charles “Mask” Lewis…
Keep Swillin',
Bruz
by Bruz on Mar 11, 2009 3:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's sad...
…say what you want about those guys that is damn sad. Young and found a way to have fun in life and make a living doing it. The true american drea,
by RipeTide on Mar 11, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wow
several people have already relayed my exact feelings. my thoughts go out to his family and friends.
by woooburn on Mar 11, 2009 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
RIP
he (and all of Tapout) has done a great deal for this sport.
by MicahW on Mar 11, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
RIP
TapouT was backing fighters back in the day. Mask did as much to build this sport as anyone.
"the spirit of your average dumbass with more overblown rhetoric" OR "the self-appointed savior of MMA"
by Kid Nate on Mar 11, 2009 3:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
R.I.P Mas
They did alot for the sport and promotion of young fighters
by RealIrish on Mar 11, 2009 3:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WOW
This is absolutely horrible. A mojor loss for our sport and the MMA community in general. Say what you will about his antics, but he was always a gentleman to people in public and a good ambassador for the sport. I hope the company carries on its mission.
by Nick Travaglini on Mar 11, 2009 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mask was the heart & soul of Tapout & hopefully his friends carry on his work.
My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Mar 11, 2009 3:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn...
Although not a big fan of Tapout, but a life is a life. It’s very sad to hear news like this in our community. Whether someone is an MMA fighter, Fan/supporter, It’s very sad news for mma… especially since the guys (tapout crew) have done a lot for the sport. RIP
by poundnground on Mar 11, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
While not a fan of their gear myself, it is unquestionable how much Tapout has done for fighters at ALL levels of mma, including guys that probably couldn’t afford to train/fight if not for TapouT.
Unfortunately, my thought here wandered to the episode where they were racing around in the sports cars. No matter who was at fault here, there was no doubt that some irresponsible driving was involved. I hope people driving anything from Hondas to Ferarris, realize what can happen on the streets and the price we might pay.
Truly a sad story. R.I.P. Charles. Thoughts go out to his friends and family.
If you're not submitting, you're just rolling around with another guy.
by BJJDenver on Mar 11, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
RIP
Tragic. My prayers for his family and friends. TapouT has done so much for so many. Say what you will about the “antics” but at the end of the day how many dreams did this man help to become reality.
That's great, but how does it affect Lyoto Machida?
by beery_pbr on Mar 11, 2009 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They're true man
The reports are that the skid marks along the road are consistent with heavy speeding and the Porsche driver is already in custody with one million dollar bail on pending vehicular manslaughter charges.
"I hit [Evensen], and you could just see it in his head. He went, 'Oh, man. We don't have to do this anymore. I'm good. Thanks for having me. I'm going to go home now." -Pat "The Real Techno Viking" Berry
by Blackout612 on Mar 11, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think so because the officer who reportedly witnessed the accident said that the other vehicle stopped for a few seconds after the accident and then drove off. If the driver of the other vehicle knew Mask and the female passenger why would they drive off after the accident?
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Mar 11, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don’t have to know someone to race them, but I hope you are right.
by subo on Mar 11, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
but I guess for me, I find it hard to believe that if Mask knew this other person on let’s say a personal level, that he/she witnessed this accident as a result of the race – and did not get out and check on Mask and the other passenger – that’s just terrible
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Mar 11, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BUT would you really expect less...
….from people that are willing to race on public streets that put other people’s lives in danger?
by RipeTide on Mar 11, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
It still sucks, but if he died while street racing, I have much less sympathy for him (I still feel bad for his family & friends – I’m not completely heartless). If someone dies while street racing, or drunk driving, or some other highly reckless activity that endangers others, I can only extend my sympathies so far.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Mar 11, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can see Mask's Tapout Vest in the Video
http://www.ktla.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3534614
@ about the 58 sec mark, you can see the officer picking up what appears to be a vest with a Tapout logo on the back
This is a very sad day for the MMA community and I hope that Charles Lewis may RIP and that he is remembered as a pioneer of MMA.
by ragingbull831 on Mar 11, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thats freakin horrifying
I can’t believe how trashed the car is….
by Gunslinger20 on Mar 11, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my father was a police officer
some of those car accidents man…. makes me sick just thinking about. you see a guy get his head blown off, but he was probably a drug dealer, and its hard to feel bad for them. but a car accident where some 16 year old kid gets decapitated, where theres really a victim… thats what really works me over the most when i would hear about them.
reminds me of an old kid i went to school with. makes me very sick to my stomach.
RIP to Mask, and prayers to those involved in the accident
im not impressed with your performance
by troy145 on Mar 12, 2009 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw this on my way to work
I work in newport off of jamboree, they have ALL of jamboree closed off…. the porshce collided with the ferrari and caused this while they were racing…..that spot is a LONG straight drag,
by Chuntsman949 on Mar 11, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
RIP
I hope UFC, Strikeforce and anyother promotion they sponsored fighters for pays tribute to him. My condolences go out to his friends and family.
by asmiley420 on Mar 11, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Condolences to his “family” as it probably includes millions of fans, fighters, and relatives worldwide.
He really struck a chord with me when he mentioned something close to “If the band the Eagles walked into the room, would you know them? But if Gene Simmons or Ace Frehley walked in the room, in makeup you’d know them right away.” For that he was always an intelligent showman to me.
God rest his soul and bring healing to those immediately around him.
Jay K.
by JAYGK95 on Mar 11, 2009 3:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great point there!
He was definitely a brilliant marketer & he made sure that everyone knew when the Tapout crew was in town. Tapout is a great American rags to riches story. I just hope that Skyscrape & Punkass keep his vision alive.
RIP Charles
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Mar 11, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Horrible news
I’m in agreement that I hope the street racing rumors are just that… rumors.
This guy did so much for the sport and this is a huge loss. No one had more respect and love for the up and comers than Charles Lewis. He brought so many fighters into the limelight that we may have never seen. TapOut has played a gigantic role in where MMA is today…. no one can deny that.
RIP Mask, the love for the sport and the support of those who compete will make ya incredibly missed.
by Gunslinger20 on Mar 11, 2009 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
MMA Mania is reporting that a 4th person was also detained long enough to sober up. So both vehicles had 2 people in them.
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Mar 11, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I misread the article
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Mar 11, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Terrible news. Loved their show, appreciate all the things they did for the fighters. This is a big loss because it seems like he really understood and loved the MMA game unlike a lot of other sponsors who seem to be out to make a quick buck.
by pr0cs on Mar 11, 2009 3:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i still cant beleive that i passed this and had no idea! this is really sad
by Chuntsman949 on Mar 11, 2009 3:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
At the risk of sounding insensitive, the article seems to imply that alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident. Also, it seems like the alcohol was mixed with excessive speed.
by AnonymousA on Mar 11, 2009 3:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Life is full of influences, it’s your application that sets you apart. That’s something I wrote to myself and completely believe in. You can’t be scared to set out to do something in life because you believe it may be similar to something, or because you don’t know the clear cut path on how you’re going to accomplish your goal or dream! Just take a step towards your belief daily – fearlessly, wholeheartedly, digging and dreaming within yourself, believing that as you push on through sacrifice, you will one day stand alone on top of a hill that you created that now encourages and inspires others to chase their dream. Knowing that through tenacity and patience anything can be achieved.
If you simply believe.
- Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr.
by mmafiend on Mar 11, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions 8 recs
Rec’d. That is EPIC win.
The Bird is the Word.
by IHateMMA on Mar 11, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look.
Brent compares driving drunk to walking down the street blindfolded shooting a gun. Street racing is more like wearing rollerskates and firing an AK – I don’t care if your eyes are open or not (we do not yet know if alcohol was involved.) This is tragic either way and I hope Mask wasn’t racing, but if he was, this could’ve been so much worse.
by subo on Mar 11, 2009 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I partly agree. The guy basically decided to kill himself if he was, in fact, racing. At the same time, it’s kind of a strict, but that’s what happens when you put not only your own life in danger, but also the general publics.
by AnonymousA on Mar 11, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fuck, can’t we hold off on discussing whether or not he was to blame and just mourn the guy?
by mmafiend on Mar 11, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The other guy was charged with being under the influence, which I believe makes the sentence possibilities much larger. There has been no news or implications that Lewis was drinking.
If you're not submitting, you're just rolling around with another guy.
by BJJDenver on Mar 11, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to be wrong. We’ll know more soon.
by subo on Mar 11, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure. I didn’t mean to be insensitive, but to gloss over the assumed cause of his death would be a disservice to
by AnonymousA on Mar 11, 2009 4:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow! Horrible!
RIP MASK.
I live by the area and I can see everything being blocked off! What a wreck!
Also, drag racing in California is VERY popular, and many people die every year because of it. Hopefully they don’t confirm that it was the case.
P.S.
Will anyone start to notice all these “mysterious” and unfortunate deaths that surround MMA? Mask, Tanner, Eilers, Levens, etc all within a year or so?
by MMASuPreMaCy on Mar 11, 2009 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
people die dude
its a part of life
especially considering that MMA guys are often adrenaline junkies, its a high risk life style.
im not impressed with your performance
by troy145 on Mar 12, 2009 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yaa..If I die in my Ferrari..Don’t speculate about it to much.
Farwell My Friend
by Mr.Kib on Mar 12, 2009 3:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The fact of the matter is, whether racing or not, drinking or not, the sport of MMA as a whole suffers from this loss.
Tapout sponsored more fighters and more events than anyone, and had been doing it longer than anyone.
RIP. You will be missed.
by mmastation on Mar 11, 2009 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed 100%
I wish he was still around and I will be buying something TapouT today.
by subo on Mar 11, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huge lost for MMA. This guy has had a huge impact on the sport, and you can see it all around you. You can see it just walking out your door, more than likely you will find somebody sporting a tapout shirt, shorts or sticker on their car.
It’s a shame that this has happened.
Thanks for helping MMA Charles, and rest in piece.
by "Mr. NC-17" on Mar 11, 2009 4:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is one of the comments from the LA Times below the article:
“he wasn’t trying to impress just some chick. that chick is actually my sister and it was her boyfriend of 2 years. and he wasn’t drunk. get the facts straight. the driver of the porche was drunk, the one that walked away unharmed. that is why he in jail for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.”
RIP Mask, I may have not liked his show, but I sure loved his contribution to MMA and his love for the sport, he will be missed. One of the pioneers of MMA-based TV as well as one of the most knowledgable and accessible people in the business.
by DirtyML on Mar 11, 2009 4:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn that sucks R.I.P Mask
"If I wanted to spend a half hour between two hairy legs I'd go to your mother's house." -Don Frye
by Pitbull on Mar 11, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tapout
So, will Mask’s death lead to more hardcore MMA fans becoming more inclined to purchase/wear Tapout products? Whereas the previous connotation of doing so was that you were a mark, or some manner of geek wanna-be fighter, will it now be seen as a tribute to a great supporter of the sport?
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
by Brett Jones on Mar 11, 2009 4:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I have always purchased/worn only Tapout shirts. I can’t afford to buy Affliction or One More Round and I know where my money is going when I buy Tapout shirts – I can’t say that for the other mma clothing designers.
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Mar 11, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I don’t care for their gear, that is very well said.
If you're not submitting, you're just rolling around with another guy.
by BJJDenver on Mar 11, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not me.
However, I could definitely see them putting out a tribute t-shirt with the proceeds going to MADD or something. I would expect that to be a pretty big mover in the mma community.
If you're not submitting, you're just rolling around with another guy.
by BJJDenver on Mar 11, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that would be my first tapout shirt
no doubt
im not impressed with your performance
by troy145 on Mar 12, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
People that make judgement calls based on the appearance of another person, generally have opinions not worth acknowledging anyways.
I wear free liquor tshirts all the time, smirnoff, budlight, kokanee, to some people a shirt is just a shirt and not a representation of how you live your life.
by DirtyML on Mar 11, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the same thing. Well, I thought that and SUNSHINE!!!
They need to come out with a tribute shirt and I will own it shortly after that.
by szucconi on Mar 11, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mask Tribute Shirt
I wouldn’t be inherently opposed to owning one, that’s for sure. I always thought at the very least Tapout’s designs were vastly superior to anything Affliction has ever produced.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
by Brett Jones on Mar 11, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jesus. Makes me wonder how his gf survived.
If you're not submitting, you're just rolling around with another guy.
by BJJDenver on Mar 11, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe it said she was thrown from the car. Could be the one in a million case where not wearing a seatbelt saved a life.
by mythbuster on Mar 11, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Passenger Survival
Mask’s girlfriend survived but through the grace of God, I suspect.
…if you believe in that sort of thing, that is.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
by Brett Jones on Mar 11, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to consider it with wreckage like that.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Mar 11, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blegh.
I hate arguments like that. Why save the street racers, who put themselves and others at risk, when several scores of people around the world have been murdered in random spree killings in the past few days? My friend’s sister was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend. Why not save an innocent like her?
This is why I have trouble with the whole “God” thing. I still try at times, but it never works for me.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Mar 11, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not an argument for the existence of God. It’s more a comment on the incredible odds of surviving an accident with wreckage like that.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Mar 11, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, the odds are incredible (and I like the delicious irony that someone who may not have been wearing their belt was saved), but I’ve heard that as a god-proof so often – “The hurricane destroyed every house but ours, therefore God was protecting us.”
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Mar 11, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dont find fault with God in the words of people
look at the nature of God and see if you have fault with it.
I think God lets whatever happens, happen. Occasionally He’ll get involved I suppose, and whos to say this isnt one of those instances? Who really knows. To each his own.
im not impressed with your performance
by troy145 on Mar 12, 2009 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, that’s another argument I can’t stand: “The church is corrupt, therefore there is no God.” It’s confusing man’s words for a theistic system. I am far more interested in the inherent nature of whatever divine entity rules this reality, and from what I can see, I’m not impressed (unless it’s an evil deity, in which case congrats)
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Mar 12, 2009 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's that famous phrase?
“The optimist proclaims that this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears that this is true.”
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Mar 12, 2009 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great Quote.
That’s the basic idea behind Candide.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Mar 12, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
It was specifically a response to Leibniz’s famous (and taken completely out of context) “the best of all possible worlds” claim. That said, his claim was very stupid in context too.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Mar 12, 2009 1:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not very safe cars they always crumble with any significant impact
"If I wanted to spend a half hour between two hairy legs I'd go to your mother's house." -Don Frye
by Pitbull on Mar 11, 2009 4:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
reminds me of the stolen Ferrari that hit a pole a couple of years back and did the same thing, except those idiots walked away.
If you're not submitting, you're just rolling around with another guy.
by BJJDenver on Mar 11, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most street cars come apart at when they crash at high speed, you see this kind of damage with these high powered sports cars because they were being driven like high powered sports cars.
by who me on Mar 11, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
apparently you not a ferrari fanatic, they are designed to come apart in high speed impacts.
by #5mmafan on Mar 11, 2009 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why?
seriously, im curious
im not impressed with your performance
by troy145 on Mar 12, 2009 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
By breaking and flying apart, the momentum of the crash is dissipated in all directions instead of being concentrated on whatever objects can move. Consider NASCAR – they have many crashes where cars flip end-over-end, yet the drivers walk away fine. The wreck that killed Dale Earnhardt was mild – he just ran into a wall – yet the concentrated momentum snapped his neck instead of releasing the energy in multiple directions.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Mar 12, 2009 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it also didn't help
….that Dale Sr wore an open face helmet, googles, and his face smashed into the steering wheel
by RipeTide on Mar 12, 2009 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
basically what the guy below stated, also the engine is in the rear of the car and that part is designed to come apart to lower the mass of the passenger compartment thereby lowering its kinetic energy and resulting in less force when it eventually smashes into a tree, guardrail or whatever else is hits.
by #5mmafan on Mar 12, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what a shame
feel bad for all the families involved. pretty shocking news. seemed like it all could have been avoided too going by the articles.
by sonofapsycho on Mar 11, 2009 4:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As Tony Soprano said:
“What are you going to do?”
I too thought that the tap out characters were over the top, but it was a very successful marketing gimmic. Mask seemed to be the real spokesmen.
by pwdminotauro on Mar 11, 2009 4:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Until something comes out actually saying he was drinking/driving
can we all stop commenting about the ramifications of doing so? The man just lost his life & his family lost a loved one.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Mar 11, 2009 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know that anyone is directly saying it was Lewis who was drinking and I suspect that information won’t be released until after the tests are done.
However, the other driver WAS drinking and IS being charged for it. So, no, we can’t stop talking about it, when it is stupid, irresponsible and likely has cost yet another life, this time an influential one in the sport we love. That isn’t showing any disrespect to him or his family, simply another example of what can happen.
Perhaps talking about it makes somebody who reads this story be less likely to go out and drink and drive tonight or in the future.
If you're not submitting, you're just rolling around with another guy.
by BJJDenver on Mar 11, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There were a couple of posts earlier, that may have been removed,
implying that Mask himself was drinking/driving. My problem with that is that the only report of drinking/driving was in regards to the other driver. I have no problem bringing the other driver up in that aspect, but Lewis just died and there is nothing suggesting he was drinking at all. Just a little compassion at this time would be nice. People are way too quick these days to jump to conclusions before the facts come out.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Mar 11, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely agree regarding Lewis. Unfounded and inappropriate at this time.
If you're not submitting, you're just rolling around with another guy.
by BJJDenver on Mar 11, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
reading some comments at TMZ/Sherdog et al reminds me why the internet is such a fucking foul place sometimes. anonymity gives people the freedom to type like total jackasses.
by pr0cs on Mar 11, 2009 5:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed.
people are saying some pretty vile things over at CagePotato as well
low class
by mmafiend on Mar 11, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy Shit...
I don’t even know what to say…
by EnsignFrog on Mar 11, 2009 5:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i'm speachless
this is tragic to say the least. He was a real character and a real down to earth guy in most of the shots I’ve seen of him. It’s sad he went that way. I pray for all of those affected by his departure. May he rest in peace
all you gotta do is...
by imapimp08 on Mar 11, 2009 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tapout has released a official statement on their website.
DEAREST FRIENDS AND FAMILY
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we must regretfully confirm the passing of our beloved friend, brother and co-founder Charles “Mask” Lewis following a car accident that occurred last night. We are currently in the process of setting up a memorial service in his honor and will release more details as they become available.
Many thanks to all for the outpouring of blessings and well-wishes during this incredibly difficult time.
by who me on Mar 11, 2009 6:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bail is actually 2 Million Dollars on David Kirby.
by nitro on Mar 11, 2009 6:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sad
I’ve been reading the articles and laughning at/with the comments on this site for a while now , and after reading about Mask dying I finally felt a reason to sign up for an account sounds weird I’m sure. Anyway I remember watching an episode of Tapout and they had this guy come in and show off a bunch of designs that Mask pretty much shit on because they were not his ideas I remember admiring the integrity not knowing if it was for the cameras or not he really came across as genuine and sincere. Being surrounded by a myriad real tough guys he never let that stop him from letting them know that he cares about the person and not just the ‘fighter’.
by MrBlond3 on Mar 11, 2009 6:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this guy come in and show off a bunch of designs that Mask pretty much shit on because they were not his ideas
They weren’t the guy’s ideas or they weren’t Mask’s ideas? If Mask dismissed them for not being his own, he’s a dick. If he dismissed them because they weren’t the fighter’s, he’s cool. It’s a bit ambiguous.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Mar 11, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He dismissed the designers ideas because he only wanted to do designs that came from him (Mask)
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on Mar 11, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I get it – Mask only wants his name on products he personally designed. Groovy.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Mar 11, 2009 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which was his prerogative and the right choice to make IMO.
Did any of you guys see those shirts? They were ghastly.
by mmafiend on Mar 11, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They were another guys ideas for some designs Mask rejected because they were not his own original ideas he went on to explain why in more detail. Thats what I was referring to with the integrity comment.
by MrBlond3 on Mar 11, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many more tragedies?
It seems like every week we have another tragedy in our sport. If this was football or basketball, it’d be on the cover of SI, but since it’s our sport, it’s just a litany of tribute posts on BE. At this point, when I hear of an awful accident I hold my breath and hope it wasn’t somebody from MMA.
"It's like a flying knuckle sandwich." --Rogan
"And many men have eaten it." -- Goldy
by thetakeover on Mar 11, 2009 6:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sucks...
The most tragic is his death was most likely preventable. Don’t do stupid stuff guys.
by Dexerion on Mar 11, 2009 6:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Very sorry to hear this
I feel for the family, friends and fans.
by Wookalarman on Mar 11, 2009 7:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i didn’t really care for the show or the antics, but i recognize that a man who did some really good things for the sport died today. :( i hope he rests in peace.
by bobthewriter on Mar 11, 2009 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A true Pioneer in every sense of the word. He will be missed.
by MattTil on Mar 11, 2009 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Drove back by the scene, my buddy was working the crime scene ,directing traffic, hes a new NBPD officer…. he said t he driver of the porsche was intoxicated, but cant “confirm” until BAC tests are back, the passenger of the porshce was soooo drunk she said all she remembers was engines reving then spinning out …. Mask was driving over 90 MPH, thats what CSI or what ever confirmed by how deep the skid marks are? thats what he told me.
by Chuntsman949 on Mar 11, 2009 7:54 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Wow, what a shame
Such sad news, not really much left to say, it’s just a tragedy. Sherdog said he was 45 years old, seriously? I would have believe 35, but not 45.
by ufc4 on Mar 11, 2009 8:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
sucks. he did a lot for the sport, more than all these new jump on the bandwagon companies like affliction etc.
Gatti.
Dekkers.
Pele.
Tadahiro Nomura.
Hidehiko Yoshida.
Aoki.
Kang.
Vanderlei.
by theworldsoldestsport on Mar 11, 2009 9:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ferrari dont make cars that take hits very well it looks like the car just snap in half.Thing was made for speed and noting else.He didnt have a chance. R.I.P MASK
by RealIrish on Mar 12, 2009 1:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
R.I.P.
Mask started out selling shirts in his truck and overcame a lot of struggles in his life. Truly sucks that he’s gone now.
by skeed on Mar 12, 2009 1:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tragic...
Just tragic. Any life lost is horrible news, but Mask, it just saddens me…. No matter what anybody says, TapouT did alot for the sport.
I also wonder what there going to do at UFC 97, since it’s sponsored by TapouT…. UFC has posted on their site, the story from tapout.com… I hope to see some kind of moment to honor Mask.
R.I.P…. Mask and TapouT did nothing but support MMA in any way they could. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
by umphreezing on Mar 12, 2009 1:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm creeped out
I photographed Evan Tanner for a portrait in May 08, he dies in September 08 (nearly five months)
I photographed Charles Lewis for a portrait in October 08, he dies in March 09 (just over five months)
In both instances – at the time – I considered them to be some of my strongest portrait shots I’d ever taken. It’s really, really weirding me out. Charles seemed like such a gentle giant, was softly spoken and I felt I snared the essence of both him and his character.
RIP Charles – I’m lucky to have shook your hand and shared some words with you.
by VikingPhotography on Mar 12, 2009 7:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
RIP
Mask was a great innovator.
Ridiculous? I think Not.
Upside? Plenty.
RidiculousUpside
by Scott Schroeder on Mar 12, 2009 10:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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