THE TORCH: THE #1 WORLDWIDE BRAND IN COMBAT ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE - OVER 250 MILLION VIEWS & LISTENS PER YEAR REREACHING MORE FANS EVERY WEEK THAN ANY OTHER INDEPENDENT SOURCE • VIA THE WEB, MOBILE, PRINT NEWSLETTER, AND ITUNES
Jun 23, 2009 - 2:14:02 PM By Wade Keller, MMATorch Supervising Editor Today's Minneapolis-based StarTribune features an article on Brock Lesnar with the headline: "Brock Lesnar credits God for his physique."
The lead paragraph is as follows: "Former University of Minnesota wrestling All-American Brock Lesnar, the current Ultimate Fighting Champion heavyweight title holder, took a swipe at President Obama in an interview and bragged that he is "built like a black man" as he credited God -- and not steroids -- for his physique."
The story has been the most read story at StarTribune.com today, along with a story about "John and Kate Plus Eight." It is followed by many reader comments ridiculing Lesnar's comments, ranging from accusations of him using steroids to him not being "built like a black man" in every area of his body.
The quotes come from an interview Lesnar did on Fightline.com where he addressed his steroid accusations, complained about President Obama taxing him, and said he had to get out of WWE because of the schedule.
Regarding steroid accusations, he said: "I bet you I've taken over 60 steroid tests. In college, I had 15 random drug tests in two years. I've taken drug tests for the NFL, the WWE, the UFC. I must be pretty good at masking steroids. God gave me this body: Are you jealous of it or what? Give me a break. I got the genetics of--not to get into racism or anything--but I'm built like a black man. Would you say so?"
Keller's Analysis: Lesnar is going to become a lightning rod in the media, especially his "hometown media" in the Midwest, as UFC 100 approaches and his controversial statements get more attention. The Minnesota sports fan hasn't yet fully decided whether Lesnar is someone who proudly represents them or someone who embarrasses them. Chances are given Lesnar's personality and stature, there will be a wide range of opinions on him rather than a consensus. His comments on gays might also see new light as UFC 100 approaches and he submits to more media interviews.
ALERT: Every Tuesday night, listen to the MMATorch Livecast from 9-10:30 p.m. ET or listen now to the most recent shows by clicking here. Listen live this coming Tuesday as Jamie Penick, Rich Hansen, and Matt Pelkey discuss the latest MMA happenings. Online listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mmatorch or call into the show at 646-716-8090 to either just listen or participate.
"There's still a large contingent of people, that they just want to see these guys almost die, or the other guy almost die and come back, and sometimes fights are like that. Certainly they are. But sometimes you get technical masterpieces too, and to hate a beautiful, technical fight - you're not really a fight fan...
Diaz has a granite chin, possesses perhaps the best recovery in the sport, his pace and conditioning are second to none and he sets records with the volume of his punches almost every time he steps into the cage. Nick Diaz is simply designed to fight the way he fights, and not many other fighters are...
"There was a lot of poison going on around there and I'm really disappointed because we had a good thing going. It was a good thing and I think people's egos got in the way. Well, not people just Javier, his ego got in the way, and too many cameras in the gym and him trying to build himself up and his brand, his AKA brand...
PART OF THE USA TODAY UFC GROUP