UFC 83: Is Matt Serra Sending the Wrong Message?

With the UFC's popularity continuously on the rise, Mark Marino questions the skeptical advertising that goes on in this growing sports - and if the "higher-powers" need to step in.

by Mark Marino (Analyst)

50 comments

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April 20, 2008

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MMA, Matt Serra, Georges St. Pierre, Editorial, Editorial, Game Recap

I finally had a weekend off. It must have been 4-5 months since I had two-consecutive days off in a row—let alone a weekend.  So I debated whether-or-not to shell out the $44.95+ tax for the UFC 83 pay-per-view.

Being a long-time MMA fan, I did. And it certainly did not disappoint. Goerges St. Pierre got his belt back, and rightfully deserved—amongst other decent fights of the night.

Back to the headline.

Preceding to be a couch-potato, I nestled in my chaise with a cold, mixed six-pack of Molson (Canada, rooting for "Rush") and Samuel Adams (being from Boston). Before you know it—Main Event.

I was absolutely amazed, baffled, flabbergasted and dumbfounded to see the UFC welterweight champion, Matt Serra's black T-Shirt, as he walked from the dressing room, to the octogon.

"Buy Guns, Sell Guns, www.gunsamerica.com "

Thinking it was a joke, or some other kind of marketing/advertising ploy—I log onto the website. And sure enough, you can "buy guns, sell guns" at gunsamerica.com. And their motto is " GunsAmerica - Connecting Gun Buyers to Gun Sellers Since 1997."

Someone pinch me. Am I dreaming? Is this just a radical joke? Are you kidding me?

Now, I don't want to get too political with this here. I know The United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights—but let me expand on our rights as American citizens.

Amendment One 

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Amendment Two

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

I will never-ever debate these rights. But, I think when it comes to professional athletes, we have to bend the rules here.

Granted, Matt Serra must make a living. No denying that. But certainly, there must be another website, company or training camp out there that has the funds, and wants to advertise on the UFC Champions T-shirt. Right?

Do the gun purveyors pay him THAT well to advertise on his apparel? Because they would have to pay me six-figures, plus, to promote guns to my viewing audience.

Certainly Tapout is one of the biggest names out there when it comes to MMA apparel. There have been numerous acquisitions about Matt, and the Tapout company, about who-dumped-who. What Tapout didn't "promise." Serra turned down this deal, and that deal. Regardless, Serra is now with Sprawl Company.

My point here folks is this.

When you make it to the big-leagues, there also comes along a certain resposibility to the fans who are buying your product.

YES! You are a role model, whether you like it or not. Advertising guns is not a message you should be sending to your audience, Matt.

Can you imagine if Fenway Park, Yankees Stadium or Wrigley Field started promoting guns, weapons and other firearms websites during their televised games?

Absolutely not. They adverise Dunkin Donuts, Giant Glass, CVS and WB Mason, among many others.

Some viewers think of MMA as being "brutal" "violent" and even "barbaric".

I think of it as, well-conditioned athletes who are well-versed in all aspects of combat—and probably the most athletic, determined, strong-minded and in-shape individuals on the planet.

No matter what you call it, the world out of the octogon can be even uglier. Gun violence is something that will always be a concern—and needs no adversiement to promote it's increase in the human demise.

With a growing demand for the that's UFC on the rise, President Dana White, and co-owners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta need to step in and re-evaluate it's athletes and their sponsorships.

Because guns, weapons, firearms and other lethal objects are things that need-not-be glorified.

 

 

 

comments (50) write a comment »

  1. Dana White with a moral consience? Dana white with a commitment to making MMA a force for good in our society, and not just a force for his own personal gain? I would'nt hold my breath. I agree whole heartedly with the writer that MMA really needs to improve its image and become a sport that the more socially consious and morally responsibe fans can be proud of. Maybe we can start by letting Dana White know that many MMA fans would like him to begin to take responsibility for the huge audience of young people MMA commands and emphasise things like the good qualities that MMA athelets posess. Determination; dedication; stratigy; teamwork; and lets not forget clean living. I really believe that MMA promoters and owners have missed the fact that the more classy fighters are the ones who are the most reveared by the fans. Fighters like Cotour, Lidell, St. Pierre, and Griffin have achieved near Hero Status with the Fans. And new commers like Nogiera, Anderson and Wanderlei Silva impressed me very much with the way they have presented themselves at interviews and public appearances. Humble and gracious in victory and defeat as well as skill and toughness are what the fans have proven to admire.
    Dana White really needs to wake up and realize that he needs to either straighten up and fly right, or continue to harm MMA's reputation, and over shadow all the good his organization has done for the sport of MMA. Part of me wants to thank him, another part of me wants to smack him.

    1. One point is that if we loose are gun rights we will at mercy of the government . The other point is Sera may be clinging to his guns because he is "bitter" like Obama says.

  2. We Americans cling to Guns and our Religion and have Antipathy for people who aren't like us..

    Just ask Barack Obama as he sits in his all black church, devoted to the black value system ;)

  3. How many Babies does Planned Parenthood and others like them execute each year and the advertise all over the place?

    Killing babies or the unborn is not a Constitutional right.

  4. Proofread bro, proofread.

  5. I think you are mixed up wind bag. You come down on guns. Yet, you boast about drinking your beer to your audience. Drunk drivers kill more people each year than gun violence. Gun violence just makes the news...drunk drivers make the blotter. Get your stats straight, then maybe your priorities will follow.

  6. Stop being a bunch of whining sissies. If you attempt to censure or ban things you don't personally like, then others get to do the same to you. So smartass, you ban the gunsamerica sponsor, and then some tree-hugging pacifist gets to ban MMA. You got to learn to live and let live, because if you get to regulate me, then I get to regulate you.

  7. Guns in the hands of law-ABIDING citizens PREVENT violence. Study after study shows that the #1 thing criminals are afraid of are armed homeowners. Do the research. Come on, do it. We SHOULD encourage gun ownership to all law abiding citizens as did our forefathers. Yes, they did. Read what they wrote. They believed that guns owned by the citizens were the best defense against tyranny. And they were right . . . look at DC. Banned guns=elevated violent crime.

  8. People kill people .....................How many people die from the use of Anheuser Busch products every year ? Plenty more than Guns Deaths. Yankee Stadium sells a lot of advertising to them. Do the Yankees have a moral obligation to not advertise products that supposedly kill??? . Its funny how the author of this blog is sitting in front of his TV with 2 six packs opining about the evil gun industry .
    The PEOPLE have the right to keep and bear arms . and goverment shall not infringe....

  9. I have to disagree with the writer as well. Just like Larrry Flint has said for years, "Freedom of speech doesnt just protect you from the things you want to hear, it also protects the things you don't want to hear."
    Its all well and good that you don't like gun advertisements. But he is advertising them to adults, maybe I am just old fashioned, but why are your kids up til midnight? Weekend or not I was in bed by 10 until I was 14 or 15. After that you have to put it on the parents. My parents taught me right from wrong and I have done pretty good with those teachings. I think if the parents would do their job more often, we wouldn't need to stop putting bans on everything that someone hates.

  10. Guns America. You dont like guns. Dont buy one ! It is our right as Americans to own one if we please. It is fucks like you that is messing up this country ! You dont like what our ancester left us. Then leave !
    One more thing GOD BLESS AMERICA should be plastered all over schools and where ever else it has been band.

  11. He wears a shirt with sponsors ads...so what...he's not putting the proverbial gun to our heads. We have the choice NOT to buy them. If I'm not mistaken, on one UFC show, Matt Hughes went out hunting, did you have a fit over that?

  12. It's because of people like you that my kids aren't aloud to say God in the pledge of Allegience. Get a real job, come to Iraq with me and earn the rights you so freely speak of.......

  13. Wow, you're watching the most violent sport in existence, drinking beer and pondering the bad message Serra is sending viewers about firearms. Maybe you should critique your own decision making when you decided to invest in the UFC in the first place. The fact that a sport that allows men to strike and beat each other with bare elbows, knees, feet and 4 ounce gloves is legal, truly represents a demise in judgement within our legal system and ourselves as individuals. Try to take an inward look today and make a move towards something positive yourself.

  14. I am pro fire-arms. I do agree with the freedom to carry arms. and the freedom of speech. with those freedoms the shirt Matt wore advertised both. criminals will never give up their guns. why should the law abiding citizens? should they be more regulated?, probably, but to banish them all together. HELL NO!!
    and I'm against anybody, religious group, political group, and, or presidents, who want to take this right away? What does one have to do with the other anyway. mixed martial arts hand to hand combat and fire-arms. just like football advertisers, just trying to reach the people who watch the most. does beer advertisers promote drunk driving?, no. People kill people not guns. people pull the triggers.

  15. GUN VIOLENCE??? WTF is that? You mean that if I were mugged by a guy with a knife I would be a victim of knife violence? Or hit by a bat a victim of bat violence. Give me a break. "Gun Violence" is a term made up by people who don't know about guns or don't like them, to personify them. A gun in and of itself is a very modest thing. Just a chunk of metal and plastic that can be used for good or bad. Much like say a shovel, or a knife, or a bat, or a crobar, or turkey baster,... get my drift. It is when a gun, or a turkey baster, for that matter, is used maliciously that there is a problem. And who might use a gun, or a turkey baster maliciously?...Maybe a bad person, criminal, lunatic, take your pick. But they are always people involved.

    I don't believe I have ever read a headline or heard a news story that started with Gun attacks man. Just can't happen without someone else present. So Matt Sera,... you go ahead and advertise your heart out for Guns, or even Turkey Basters if you want. It K with me, and should be for anyone else who can think clearly.

    Mike in Minnesota

  16. God and Guns are the ONLY two things that have, and will continue, to keep this country free! Our forefathers knew this, which is why they put the right to keep and bear arms in the U.S. Constitution, and it's why they plastered God all over our money and Washington D.C.

    www.CheapAsCanBe.com

  17. I could imagin it at Fenway Park. Lets see, more people die of Alchol related deaths 10 fold to that of firearms and yet the alchol ads are perfectly fine. Firearms have a legitimate use. For some of us they put food on the table and others they protect our homes where the police are unable too. What legitimate purpose does alchol provide? Nothing accept for some to get drunk beat up their wives, kill folks on our roads. For those of you who think guns should be outlawed think about this. When someone is breaking in your house to kill you. It takes on average 15-25 minutes in America for the police to respond (Longer in a lot of places). How much can happen in that time? Get a clue!

  18. If everyone worried as much about what they were doing,as much as they worried about what others were doing,the world be a much easier place to live in......Worry about YOU....NOT me

  19. "Because guns, weapons, firearms and other lethal objects are things that need-not-be glorified. "

    The hypocrisy here is heavy. Every one of these men would be tried for using deadly force or a deadly weapon (their own bodies) if they were ever to be involved in a fist fight with a non-professional fighter.

    How can you be a "fan" of MMA, where guys are legally allowed to kick each other in the face, and yes, have even killed each other in the sport, but say that you are so whole-heartedly against a gun advertisement? Guns don't magically discharge on their own. Be an advocate for "criminal-control" if you want to advocate something. Serra, and I am no fan of Serra personally the guy rubs me wrong, did nothing wrong or illegal by wearing that t-shirt. Why is "guns" a four letter word in our society? People legally purchasing a gun in this country should be encouraged. If you are afraid of it yourself, do some research and get informed. If you are then still afraid, so be it, rely on 911 to protect you. That burglar will probably just play patty-cake with you for 10 minutes until the police show up.

    Own a gun if you want, it’s your right. If you don't like guns, keep your nose out of other people's fair and lawful choice.

    My 2 cents, each has the right to their opinion.

    The respectful other side.

  20. well said my friend, it is people that kills not guns......
    it is people that drink beer and then drive and kill......
    well my friend you just seat there and drink your beer, let me decide if i want to buy a gun or not.

    J. Hernandez in California

  21. I wish that all of the anti-gun fascists were as illiterate as this guy. I wouldn't worry half as much about my second amendment rights.
    For Matt Serra to advertise a business that deals in firearms is his choice, maybe like many MMA fans I know he also enjoys shooting sports, hunting, or is interested in self-defence.

  22. There is nothing wrong with the legal buying and selling of guns. There is nothing wrong with advertising a legitimate business, even if it's for the buying and selling of guns. I've been around guns and gun dealers my whole life and I know how important it is for these dealers to ensure they are selling to "clean" buyers. And let's face it, someone with bad intentions is not going to buy from a legit dealer because of the paper trail. You can take away the guns from all the law-abiding citizens and all you will create is a higher crime rate because the criminals who buy their weapons on the black market will know the average Joe can no longer defend himself. Furthermore, I don't see why Matt Serra being an athlete or even a pro-fighter makes any difference as to how this business was advertised. He wasn't advertising violence and he wasn't advertising irresponsibility.

    I watched the Serra/GSP fight as a GSP fan. However, I had no problem in the least regarding Serra's t-shirt.

  23. You are simply anti-gun. A percentage of the people watching UFC must be hunters, collectors, and or sportsman. Alcoholism is a diaease, but you dont hear anyone complaining about Nascar drivers having Budwieser, Coors, and Miller on thier hoods. Its about responsibility. If you are not responsible enough to decide for yourself if you want to buy a gun or not, you definatley do not need to watch UFC, you are likley to attack someone because you clearly don't think for yourself. Monkey see monkey do.

  24. Because guns, weapons, firearms and other lethal objects are things that need-not-be glorified." Glorified? They were being advertised, not 'glorified'. I own a company that manufactures parts for the firearms industry and I find it very offensive that you think that our industry has no right to advertise. Why don't you just come out and say "I don't like guns because I'm shallow minded and think that they are the problem, not the criminals toting them" instead of saying that a perfectly legitimate industry has no right to advertise in a public venue. Personally I think they shouldn't let sports writers discuss politics since it requires an additional brain cell, but you don't see me clamoring to keep you from displaying your message in a public venue. BTW, Gunsamerica and other auctions sites sell guns legally just like someone would go into a store and buy a rifle off the shelf. The gun has to be transferred in, shipped to a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer, and the buyer has to fill out the same 4473 form and background check. Soft-headed morons, not unlike yourself, like to point to sites like this as being some illicit arms black-market which is completely bogus. That being said, are you writing your article because you think that people don't have a right to own firearms or because you misunderstood something and wrote an article on it anyways? Considering that more people will be hurt/killed coming home from MMA matches by drunk drivers than guns, or by being drunk themselve, I'm surprised that having Bud Light or Corona sponsoring a lot of these fights didn't strike you as "sending the wrong" message

    Thanks for infringing on my industry, I'll be sure not to wear any TAPOUT shirts to our demo shoots and shows, I'd hate to "send the wrong message".

    Joe V @King Armory Mfg LLC

  25. I really don't want to say anything disparaging about Mark Marino, so... I guess I'm outta' stuff to say.

  26. Maybe you should check your facts again about who sponsors most major sporting events... ALCOHOL! and how about the WINSTON CUP series. Guns dont kill people... idiots with guns kill people and drugs and alcohol kill people!

  27. I hope every redneck who posted on here gets to find out what a gun is capable of first hand. You are all pussies hiding behind your guns. I don't hide in my house worried about the big, black scary boogeyman. Learn how to live your life and stop being so afraid of people taking your God and Guns away. And, in countries where guns are illegal there is virtually no murders because the criminals can not get guns the same as regular citizens. For all the people who said to go and do the research I suggest you put the bowl and the PBR down and read a book. If you can read because they don't make real books with pictures. And, how many of you have gotten drunk and driven. Yet, you take your holier than thou stance on drinking. Maybe one day you will awake to the sound of your child shooting himself in the face with your precious gun. Which one will you mourn?

    1. What country are you talking about? Every nation in the world has murder. it is human nature to be evil. You don't have to have guns to kill someone. Also, people that have guns teach there children how to handle weapons properly. If they don't they are stupid

    2. "in countries where guns are illegal there is virtually no murders because the criminals can not get guns the same as regular citizens" This statement is simply not true.

      "U.S. crime trends have been better than those in countries with restrictive firearms laws. Since 1991, with what HCI calls "weak gun laws" (Sarah Brady, "Our Country`s Claim to Shame," 5/5/97), the number of privately owned firearms has risen by perhaps 50 million. Americans bought 37 million new firearms in the 1993-1999 time frame alone. (BATF, Crime Gun Trace Reports, 1999, National Report, 11/00.) Meanwhile, America`s violent crime rate has decreased every year and is now at a 23- year low (FBI). In addition to Japan, other restrictive countries have experienced increases in crime:"

      http://www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?ID=78

      http://www.ccrkba.org/pub/rkba/gt-report/Report76.htm

      http://www.conservapedia.com/Gun_control

      http://www.gunowners.org/fs0404.htm

      http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=4706

      www.CheapAsCanBe.com

      Arguments are based on premises, not opinions, and premises are based on facts.

  28. Mike, you seem intelligent. But it makes you look dumb to have to quickly jump to name calling, i.e. redneck. And wishing ill will on someone, as you did in the first line of your comment is simply without class. That said, the point you are missing is not that we condemn drinking, safe sex, smoking ect. Simply that if you are going to make a moral judgement against guns why not all the "evils" of the world. In fact, maybe televised sponsors should be limited to Oral-B, neosporin, and florida oranges. Im kidding, we just dont like censorship.

  29. Dam...and I thought I would have to get on here and defend sane gun ownership! Nice to see that level heads are prevailing here.

    Damon

    Owner www.TommyGunner.com

  30. Mike you have some real issues. Why do you lash out at "red necks". As I listen to most of those who you call "red necks" they make more sense then you and they are not being insulting. You make me sick because you have been given a chance to speak and all you can do is insult and show your stupidity. Maybe you are afraid of people having guns because you look at yourself and know how stupid you are. The red neck is not the killer. The criminal is the killer and they will have guns whether you ban them or not. By the way I was a Military Police in S Korea where guns are banned and guess what when there was a shooting it was the criminal. Get your facts before you show your stupidity off on your soap box.

  31. What countries are you talking about? Every nation in the world has murders. It is human nature to be evil. You don't have to have a gun to kill someone.

  32. I am a fighter who was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, I will use my hands to resolve any problem that words can't solve, Yet the person next to me doesn't take lossing well. So I must be prepared in ready to protect myself and my family. So I to will where any Beer/Sex/ or Gun Logo in the neer future Ya digg.

  33. I think that Matt Serra sent the wrong message as a champion all the time. I do not think that the gun T-Shirt is a big deal. I hunt and was a police officer for many years if I was looking for a gun for hunting or work why shouldn't I be able to find advertising. I know of a couple of fighters that are being sponsored by condoms.com I feel this is disgusting. Matt Serra was a terrible example of a champion and I would not want a gun in his hand but there are some of us that live with guns as a part of our life. Do we not deserve the same right as you do to advertisement. You put a plug in for Molsons and Sam Adams because you drink. It kills as peoples bodies are eaten from the inside out. As a Police Officer I have cleaned up many accident scenes where death had taken place in the worst way and could smell the worst smell ever alcohol, blood, feces, radiator fluid, and fuel this is the smell of death. Ask any police officer and they will tell you the same. I wore a gun on my side for over twenty years on and off duty and I never shot anyone. I never had a drink in my hand and have seen hundreds die because of alcohol either the one drinking or some innocent child. You tell me which should be banned advertisement. Get off your soap box and get real.

  34. Why should a columnist's opinion matter in any way shape or form? Hey look at me I work for a newspaper and have access to media....THEREFORE MY OPINION MATTERS?!!?. This guy is not qualified to determine our conclusions for us, and that is irresponsible of him to do so. Reporters are supposed to report the news not put a spin on it... oh wait objective reporters dont get paid as much so sorry everyone thats not what we're going to get as "news".

    Buy guns or not is up to you, considering how much our country has been socialized over the last 8 years I think its more important than ever to have a gun. This guy is a commie who has never had a real job and is just regurgitating his liberal college politics he has been spoon-fed for years.

  35. Justin: Matt Serra is a well-accomplished athlete but to say GSP got lucky is ridiculous. Serra was schooled the entire fight, even being out-grappled. It makes more sense to say Serra got lucky in Houston but it's impossible to say GSP got lucky in Canada. Nevertheless, your loyalty to your sensei is heartwarming and commendable.

    Mike: OMG! Are you serious? Perhaps you would feel more comfortable in a country offering fewer freedoms.

  36. WOW! Mark Marino, regarding firearms, you just publicly proved yourself not only ignorant, but rather foolish. Do some research.

  37. Uhhh, pretty ridiculous article. Now if Barny the Purple Dinosaur was wearing that T-shirt Monday morning, I might have agreed with your arguement. But MMA itself, is a representation of violence, and is inteded for viewers who understand that what they are watching is sport, not a lesson in how to behave in standard society. This makes guns totally fair game. The implicit assumption of MMA is viewer responsibility, as the assumtion of gun ownership is user responsibility. Listen, I'll admit that I lean to the left on a number of political issues, but this is the guy that makes us all look bad.

  38. I really think that you all need to relax. Please, no more personal emails. This is a little out of comtrol. Thanks.

  39. control*

  40. Wow! Thank heaven no evil doers targeted your house and family and found you armed with only a couple of bottles of beer to defend yourself on the night of April 19!

    Did you perhaps voice your issues with gun control at Charlton Heston's funeral--I hear there were a lot of people there, prominent movers and shackers to voice your message to--just imagine the response you would have gotten!

    Did you notice the fight where every other fighter had an ad with CONDOM Depot prominently featured on their shorts? What, no comment on that being tasteless or offensive to your sensibilities?

    I myself find beer ads offensive in any venue, but I recognise your right as a confirmed drinker to disagree with me and continue to set an example for your children that they, like you have a right to drink.

    Matt Serra is a great representative of MMA, he is a tremendous coach and a great sportsman. Please pick on Dana for his profanity and leave Matt alone. He may have lost this fight, but he is NOT a loser.

  41. Matt Serra would have been better off bringing a gun into the ring with GSP; however, I am not sure that - that would have stopped my boy 'Rush' - as we witnessed - it was a complete and utter spanking that Serra received! (Guns or no guns)

  42. I dont really see what the big deal about what shirt he was wearing is? Does it really even matter? Do you really think anyone really gave a shit? People tuned in to see the fight not to see what the fighters were gonna be advertising on there shirts and shorts.This artical has been blown way out of proportion from both sides.

  43. I was in a crowded bar in Toronto and not one person commented on the shirt. I noticed it yes and I just laughed, after all it was only Matt 'The Terror' Serra wearing it and not the second coming of the recently departed Charlton Heston. I did say to myself..boy that is a 'good one', here I was wearing my 'Tapout' shirt and I did not know that Serra had a falling out with their sponsorship. So other then witnessing how silly this whole debate is - I did learn something..'Tapout' and Serra are no longer together, at least Serra didn't 'tapout' - he was too busy getting kneed violently in the ribs..ouch!

  44. Frankly... I'm all for people owning guns but the 2nd amendment was written during a time in which a reinvasion by the clearly more powerful British Empire(the only reason that America won its independance was that Britain was forced to quell 3 other rebellions during the American Revolution and retaining India was Britain's greatest priority) local civilian militias were basically the US's only form of homeland protection since a true national army had yet to be formed. Notice how the 2nd amendment mentions "a well regulated militia" which would seem to indicate that the people's right to bear arms is directly connected to a "well regulated militia" and homeland security, now that the US army is over 200,000 strong and has the capability of deploying troops to any location around the world, the use of the second amendment in reference to gun rights seems superflous.

    However, as I said before people should have the right to own firearms, but I think that background checks and waiting periods should be used more frequently... also, owning an assault weapon is completely unnecessary unless you think that 10 burglars are going to break into your house on any given night, a rifle or even a handgun should be sufficient for dispatching any would-be attacker.

    As for Serra, he has every right to plug this company, after all he isn't being forced to wear the T-shirt. I have no problem with Serra showing his view and/or taking a payday so the shirt itself was really not that big a deal.

    1. David and Max sum it up best in this article...the whole shirt thing was blown way out of proportion, no one really cared, but Serra has had more comments about this shirt on BR then anywhere that I have heard..so something got stirred up...oh ya.. the Michigan Militia! Put it to bed folks!

  45. In my opinion Matt Serra probably got paid a lot of money for the "gunsamerica.com" sponsorship. Couple that with the fact that he, a brash New Yorker, was fighting GSP, a very GQ french-canadian, and it was the perfect storm. What's more "American" (and Anti-Canadian) than the gun ownership? It would have been perfect if GSP had come out wearing a t-shirt with Government sponsorship all over it promoting Canada's free health care.

  46. Great article. Athletes certainly do have a certain responsibility as role models, and advertising guns is undoubtedly a violation of that responsibility.

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