Moto Academy Georgia - Georgia Practice Facility

NVA57
Posts
921
Joined
6/10/2015
Location
Kralendijk BQ
9/27/2023 7:29am
ML512 wrote:
As of recently, he's used some of our content (race footage and practice footage from SMX my staff shot) on his social media. Using it to...

As of recently, he's used some of our content (race footage and practice footage from SMX my staff shot) on his social media. Using it to break down techniques, promote himself, etc.

Hit him up about it asking where to send invoices if he's going to keep using our content...he refuses to take it down and is still running with it.

Can’t you hit him with a copyright strike via YouTube? I know that’s kinda petty, but stealing clips shouldn’t become the norm. 

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ML512
Posts
16955
Joined
12/28/2008
Location
Wildomar, CA US
Fantasy
9/27/2023 8:05am
ML512 wrote:
As of recently, he's used some of our content (race footage and practice footage from SMX my staff shot) on his social media. Using it to...

As of recently, he's used some of our content (race footage and practice footage from SMX my staff shot) on his social media. Using it to break down techniques, promote himself, etc.

Hit him up about it asking where to send invoices if he's going to keep using our content...he refuses to take it down and is still running with it.

NVA57 wrote:

Can’t you hit him with a copyright strike via YouTube? I know that’s kinda petty, but stealing clips shouldn’t become the norm. 

YouTube, yes. Instagram is a lot tougher.

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9/27/2023 8:13am
ML512 wrote:
As of recently, he's used some of our content (race footage and practice footage from SMX my staff shot) on his social media. Using it to...

As of recently, he's used some of our content (race footage and practice footage from SMX my staff shot) on his social media. Using it to break down techniques, promote himself, etc.

Hit him up about it asking where to send invoices if he's going to keep using our content...he refuses to take it down and is still running with it.

That’s pretty unchill of AJ. I get he thinks he’s adding value and just sharing that value, but it’s not easy or free to get good...

That’s pretty unchill of AJ. I get he thinks he’s adding value and just sharing that value, but it’s not easy or free to get good shots showing the riders’ technique. You have to travel to the race, sweat it out in the sun all day, plan everything out, shot it properly, edit the video. And AJ knows this. I’m sure ML or other creators wouldn't charge him a ton to use it. It’s the thought and curtesy that matters. 

ML512 wrote:
The lack of asking or crediting us is what pissed me off. So I commented and he responded with a smartass remark, then deleted it and...

The lack of asking or crediting us is what pissed me off. So I commented and he responded with a smartass remark, then deleted it and responded with a “contact my team” comment.

As mentioned in prior posts, Mirtl, Lawrences, and Wasserman have ceased working with AJ.

First time I've seen that all of those guys stopped working with AJ, but not surprising. AJ has always come across as a bit of a douche.

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jrfrank42
Posts
2
Joined
4/16/2021
Location
Phoenix, AZ US
9/27/2023 8:16am
ML512 wrote:
As of recently, he's used some of our content (race footage and practice footage from SMX my staff shot) on his social media. Using it to...

As of recently, he's used some of our content (race footage and practice footage from SMX my staff shot) on his social media. Using it to break down techniques, promote himself, etc.

Hit him up about it asking where to send invoices if he's going to keep using our content...he refuses to take it down and is still running with it.

NVA57 wrote:

Can’t you hit him with a copyright strike via YouTube? I know that’s kinda petty, but stealing clips shouldn’t become the norm. 

One of the big problems with any content on YouTube or related platform's.  When you upload your content to YouTube, you are granting them a “worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicenseable and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform the Content in connection with the Service” and even the right to create “derivative works” from your content, which means that they can slice and dice it and make new content from it. You’re also granting other users of YouTube the right to “to use, reproduce, distribute, display and perform such Content as permitted through the functionality of the Service.” The license is perpetual and irrevocable, and they can keep copies of everything you upload forever on their servers, even if you delete it.

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The Shop

hanzhonglboy1
Posts
127
Joined
9/28/2021
Location
tx panhandle & East NM, TX US
9/27/2023 9:00am
ML512 wrote:

YouTube, yes. Instagram is a lot tougher.

Not a lawyer, but I would think his use of vital's content to make his own would be enough to consider it 'transformative,' if he is commenting on technique, etc- same way reaction youtubers or highlight channels legally display copyrighted broadcasts on their channel regularly. 

1
sandtrack315
Posts
2838
Joined
7/19/2013
Location
Philadelphia, PA US
9/27/2023 9:06am
ML512 wrote:

YouTube, yes. Instagram is a lot tougher.

Not a lawyer, but I would think his use of vital's content to make his own would be enough to consider it 'transformative,' if he is...

Not a lawyer, but I would think his use of vital's content to make his own would be enough to consider it 'transformative,' if he is commenting on technique, etc- same way reaction youtubers or highlight channels legally display copyrighted broadcasts on their channel regularly. 

True, but it's more just being nice to people in your industry, giving them credit, et cetera. 

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zookrider62!
Posts
6825
Joined
12/22/2008
Location
Plano, TX US
9/27/2023 9:26am

Bummer to hear that AJ seems kind of like a rat, always seemed like a nice/good person in his videos

2
Flatliner
Posts
4186
Joined
11/3/2009
Location
CA
9/27/2023 10:57am

Certainly a terrible bridge to burn, the Lawrence's. Yikes.

 

Without guys like that in his corner he's just another ex pro.

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FerCzD
Posts
1631
Joined
5/6/2018
Location
Pleasanton, CA US
9/27/2023 11:14am

If there's smoke, there's fire. Seems that the persona that AJ portraits in his social media is a different one from who he really is, and his true colors are showing. I remember reading a post from him stating that Jett was a employee to the Moto Academy, and shortly after (maybe in the span of two weeks) that is when I noticed all Lawrence's related content on his social media was removed.

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9/27/2023 12:12pm

This is too bad. I went to one of his classes last year and learned a ton that made me faster and safer. 

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Kyle978
Posts
1708
Joined
10/7/2013
Location
Dirt, NM US
9/27/2023 12:21pm
FerCzD wrote:
If there's smoke, there's fire. Seems that the persona that AJ portraits in his social media is a different one from who he really is, and...

If there's smoke, there's fire. Seems that the persona that AJ portraits in his social media is a different one from who he really is, and his true colors are showing. I remember reading a post from him stating that Jett was a employee to the Moto Academy, and shortly after (maybe in the span of two weeks) that is when I noticed all Lawrence's related content on his social media was removed.

I've been shocked he's made it this far along without being exposed. Complete fraud. 

5
3
zookrider62!
Posts
6825
Joined
12/22/2008
Location
Plano, TX US
9/27/2023 1:02pm
FerCzD wrote:
If there's smoke, there's fire. Seems that the persona that AJ portraits in his social media is a different one from who he really is, and...

If there's smoke, there's fire. Seems that the persona that AJ portraits in his social media is a different one from who he really is, and his true colors are showing. I remember reading a post from him stating that Jett was a employee to the Moto Academy, and shortly after (maybe in the span of two weeks) that is when I noticed all Lawrence's related content on his social media was removed.

Kyle978 wrote:

I've been shocked he's made it this far along without being exposed. Complete fraud. 

go on...

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1
PhunnyGuy
Posts
56
Joined
9/27/2023
Location
Boulder City, NV US
9/27/2023 3:25pm Edited Date/Time 9/27/2023 4:10pm

This is too bad. I went to one of his classes last year and learned a ton that made me faster and safer. 

Realistically working on sections with literally any local pro would be very helpful for vast majority of riders. 

The problem with AJ has nothing to do with whether his pointers and musings would slightly improve your riding. 

The problem with AJ is that he has involved himself with the typical "unemployed activity" that has become too common on social media. Under the guise of "helping people become safer riders," AJ has been able to float himself through youtube clicks and greenfoot mx parents who think there kid is going to "make it" one day. 

AJ then has the nerve to hold himself out as a well-paid "influencer", shoot videos in Abu Dhabie, all the while sucking in mini-dad "business partners" into his schemes and then scamming them / robbing them blind. 

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Madkiwi
Posts
303
Joined
8/20/2018
Location
Auckland NZ
9/27/2023 7:53pm

This is too bad. I went to one of his classes last year and learned a ton that made me faster and safer. 

PhunnyGuy wrote:
Realistically working on sections with literally any local pro would be very helpful for vast majority of riders.  The problem with AJ has nothing to do...

Realistically working on sections with literally any local pro would be very helpful for vast majority of riders. 

The problem with AJ has nothing to do with whether his pointers and musings would slightly improve your riding. 

The problem with AJ is that he has involved himself with the typical "unemployed activity" that has become too common on social media. Under the guise of "helping people become safer riders," AJ has been able to float himself through youtube clicks and greenfoot mx parents who think there kid is going to "make it" one day. 

AJ then has the nerve to hold himself out as a well-paid "influencer", shoot videos in Abu Dhabie, all the while sucking in mini-dad "business partners" into his schemes and then scamming them / robbing them blind. 

I don't condone what might or might not have happened in the property deal BUT, does one messed-up deal validate what your claiming in much broader terms? 

" all the while sucking in mini-dad "business partners" into his schemes and then scamming them / robbing them blind"

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1
SoCalMX70
Posts
3555
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA US
9/27/2023 9:49pm
That’s pretty unchill of AJ. I get he thinks he’s adding value and just sharing that value, but it’s not easy or free to get good...

That’s pretty unchill of AJ. I get he thinks he’s adding value and just sharing that value, but it’s not easy or free to get good shots showing the riders’ technique. You have to travel to the race, sweat it out in the sun all day, plan everything out, shot it properly, edit the video. And AJ knows this. I’m sure ML or other creators wouldn't charge him a ton to use it. It’s the thought and curtesy that matters. 

ML512 wrote:
The lack of asking or crediting us is what pissed me off. So I commented and he responded with a smartass remark, then deleted it and...

The lack of asking or crediting us is what pissed me off. So I commented and he responded with a smartass remark, then deleted it and responded with a “contact my team” comment.

As mentioned in prior posts, Mirtl, Lawrences, and Wasserman have ceased working with AJ.

mattyhamz2 wrote:
First time I've seen that all of those guys stopped working with AJ, but not surprising. AJ has always come across as a bit of a...

First time I've seen that all of those guys stopped working with AJ, but not surprising. AJ has always come across as a bit of a douche.

Haha, I always thought the same thing. Sometimes you can just tell, right?

Seems he's gone full bullshit influencer and thinks he's untouchable.

8
Juck
Posts
2035
Joined
5/23/2019
Location
AU
Fantasy
9/28/2023 2:44am

He's always rubbed me the wrong way, has always come across like he looks down on everyone else who he considers lesser than himself. Also acts like the arbiter of truth in his coaching videos, I remember one time during a race analysis video he was talking about a move someone made on another rider which will obviously be perceived subjectively, and when someone commented that they disagreed he replied saying that he "provides an objective analysis of professional racing as an ex pro" or some stupid shit like that. I know this is a very small insignificant thing to pick at, but it's just an example of how I've thought he thinks of himself. 

It really rubbed me the wrong way when he started working with Jett, because from the videos it seemed like Jett considered AJ a friend, whereas it seemed like there was no reciprocation from AJ and he was just using Jett as a financial/clout tool for his business. Always seemed like he was making the best efforts to insert himself wherever Jett was too, and it was very inorganic.

Obviously it's weird to do such a deep analysis on some random guy I've never met, but he's just really pissed me off for a long time and it's pretty cool that I can say these things without being as viewed as much of a schizo as I would've if there wasn't now more serious legitimate reasons to dislike him.images %2857%29.jpeg?VersionId=lktLl8xh

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3
Richy
Posts
3093
Joined
7/18/2020
Location
UK GB
9/28/2023 3:42am

It's disappointingly common in motorsport in general, not just motocross.

People are naturally drawn in and give the benefit of the doubt to people they think can help them and then they get scammed and misled.

It's pretty damn low.

1
MxAddic
Posts
5308
Joined
11/24/2022
Location
NY US
9/28/2023 4:50am
Richy wrote:
It's disappointingly common in motorsport in general, not just motocross. People are naturally drawn in and give the benefit of the doubt to people they think...

It's disappointingly common in motorsport in general, not just motocross.

People are naturally drawn in and give the benefit of the doubt to people they think can help them and then they get scammed and misled.

It's pretty damn low.

Who got scammed? A business deal went bad. 

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14
crowe660
Posts
2268
Joined
8/15/2020
Location
US
9/28/2023 6:28am

This is fun. 

2
wrc777
Posts
3194
Joined
5/21/2020
Location
Greenwood, IN US
Fantasy
9/28/2023 6:38am
Richy wrote:
It's disappointingly common in motorsport in general, not just motocross. People are naturally drawn in and give the benefit of the doubt to people they think...

It's disappointingly common in motorsport in general, not just motocross.

People are naturally drawn in and give the benefit of the doubt to people they think can help them and then they get scammed and misled.

It's pretty damn low.

MxAddic wrote:

Who got scammed? A business deal went bad. 

I don't think AJ made any money off the deal that was not completed. I don't think he would have made the videos if he didn't intend on completing the transaction.

Here is my summary of what has happened:

- Could not/would not complete deal for purchase of a facility. 

- Long time employees leaving. We don't know why they left (quit or fired)

- No longer paying Jett/Hunter for endorsement

- No longer has an agent. (why did he ever have one? I don't think this is common for business owners)

These are all things that happen when a business is trying (and failing) to keep its head above water financially.

I know the partner got shafted on the facility deal. It might have been worse if AJ had managed to come up with his part of the down payment and then couldn't make the payments a few months down the road.

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5
Moto Mofo
Posts
887
Joined
1/17/2008
Location
TX US
9/28/2023 6:42am

He is not the only social media/influencer/clickbait/attention whore trainer who’s done some really messed up stuff behind the scenes. There’s another one who deserves his own thread. 

4
KHNC
Posts
639
Joined
5/24/2023
Location
East Flat Rock, NC US
9/28/2023 6:58am

Well, I had never heard of GPF until this thread started. And I only live a few hours away from it. In this case, GPF is getting a shit ton of free advertising. 

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6
Dave v3.0
Posts
679
Joined
7/15/2022
Location
Ozark, AL US
9/28/2023 7:01am Edited Date/Time 9/28/2023 7:02am
KHNC wrote:
Well, I had never heard of GPF until this thread started. And I only live a few hours away from it. In this case, GPF is...

Well, I had never heard of GPF until this thread started. And I only live a few hours away from it. In this case, GPF is getting a shit ton of free advertising. 

 

You been living under a big rock?Laughing

 

12
j21black
Posts
27
Joined
6/3/2021
Location
Deatsville, AL US
9/28/2023 7:13am Edited Date/Time 9/28/2023 7:13am
Richy wrote:
It's disappointingly common in motorsport in general, not just motocross. People are naturally drawn in and give the benefit of the doubt to people they think...

It's disappointingly common in motorsport in general, not just motocross.

People are naturally drawn in and give the benefit of the doubt to people they think can help them and then they get scammed and misled.

It's pretty damn low.

MxAddic wrote:

Who got scammed? A business deal went bad. 

wrc777 wrote:
I don't think AJ made any money off the deal that was not completed. I don't think he would have made the videos if he didn't...

I don't think AJ made any money off the deal that was not completed. I don't think he would have made the videos if he didn't intend on completing the transaction.

Here is my summary of what has happened:

- Could not/would not complete deal for purchase of a facility. 

- Long time employees leaving. We don't know why they left (quit or fired)

- No longer paying Jett/Hunter for endorsement

- No longer has an agent. (why did he ever have one? I don't think this is common for business owners)

These are all things that happen when a business is trying (and failing) to keep its head above water financially.

I know the partner got shafted on the facility deal. It might have been worse if AJ had managed to come up with his part of the down payment and then couldn't make the payments a few months down the road.

Rumor I heard was HRC sent a cease and desist letter in relation to Jet/Hunter.

Again, rumor, but given the source I believe it to be accurate.

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1
Natester551v
Posts
996
Joined
1/11/2015
Location
St. George, UT US
9/28/2023 7:32am

I recall back during Loretta's last year (when that Canadian kid tried to claim Deegan's Star Yamaha), AJ was filming for his vlog, and tried to approach Brian Deegan.  It struck me as a little forced, and you could tell that Brian has pretty keen radar for folks (like AJ) trying to get free publicity, etc.  It was an odd interaction,  but seems in line with details that are now coming to light.

 

All in all, it sure seems like AJ's reach exceeded his grasp, so to speak.  Humility goes a long way regardless of your station in life, and he seems to lack it...

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2
wrc777
Posts
3194
Joined
5/21/2020
Location
Greenwood, IN US
Fantasy
9/28/2023 7:37am
MxAddic wrote:

Who got scammed? A business deal went bad. 

wrc777 wrote:
I don't think AJ made any money off the deal that was not completed. I don't think he would have made the videos if he didn't...

I don't think AJ made any money off the deal that was not completed. I don't think he would have made the videos if he didn't intend on completing the transaction.

Here is my summary of what has happened:

- Could not/would not complete deal for purchase of a facility. 

- Long time employees leaving. We don't know why they left (quit or fired)

- No longer paying Jett/Hunter for endorsement

- No longer has an agent. (why did he ever have one? I don't think this is common for business owners)

These are all things that happen when a business is trying (and failing) to keep its head above water financially.

I know the partner got shafted on the facility deal. It might have been worse if AJ had managed to come up with his part of the down payment and then couldn't make the payments a few months down the road.

j21black wrote:
Rumor I heard was HRC sent a cease and desist letter in relation to Jet/Hunter. Again, rumor, but given the source I believe it to be...

Rumor I heard was HRC sent a cease and desist letter in relation to Jet/Hunter.

Again, rumor, but given the source I believe it to be accurate.

Interesting. AJ said in a podcast that he would be training with the Lawrences again this year but no YouTube footage allowed due to Honda. 

1
j21black
Posts
27
Joined
6/3/2021
Location
Deatsville, AL US
9/28/2023 7:47am Edited Date/Time 9/28/2023 7:51am
wrc777 wrote:
I don't think AJ made any money off the deal that was not completed. I don't think he would have made the videos if he didn't...

I don't think AJ made any money off the deal that was not completed. I don't think he would have made the videos if he didn't intend on completing the transaction.

Here is my summary of what has happened:

- Could not/would not complete deal for purchase of a facility. 

- Long time employees leaving. We don't know why they left (quit or fired)

- No longer paying Jett/Hunter for endorsement

- No longer has an agent. (why did he ever have one? I don't think this is common for business owners)

These are all things that happen when a business is trying (and failing) to keep its head above water financially.

I know the partner got shafted on the facility deal. It might have been worse if AJ had managed to come up with his part of the down payment and then couldn't make the payments a few months down the road.

j21black wrote:
Rumor I heard was HRC sent a cease and desist letter in relation to Jet/Hunter. Again, rumor, but given the source I believe it to be...

Rumor I heard was HRC sent a cease and desist letter in relation to Jet/Hunter.

Again, rumor, but given the source I believe it to be accurate.

wrc777 wrote:

Interesting. AJ said in a podcast that he would be training with the Lawrences again this year but no YouTube footage allowed due to Honda. 

I don't listen to his podcast or watch his videos.  Only one of his youtube video that I have watched was the GPF video as I was curious to what was going down.  I had been told early in 2023 this was happening 2nd hand from an involved party and wanted to see it play out.  Frankly was excited to see something like this happen for the sport.  That video completely turned me off to him.

 

Sounds like what he said in the podcast was in line with what I heard, he just has a little different spin on it.

 

Also from what I have been told, I'm not sure he will be "training" with them at all anymore, if he ever really was before.  I guess we will see in due time.

KHNC
Posts
639
Joined
5/24/2023
Location
East Flat Rock, NC US
9/28/2023 8:10am
KHNC wrote:
Well, I had never heard of GPF until this thread started. And I only live a few hours away from it. In this case, GPF is...

Well, I had never heard of GPF until this thread started. And I only live a few hours away from it. In this case, GPF is getting a shit ton of free advertising. 

Dave v3.0 wrote:
  You been living under a big rock?  
 

You been living under a big rock?Laughing

 

Nah, I just got out of racing in 2002 after my last race. Just got a bike again back in January. I have ridden quite a few local tracks and have a track at my home now. But no more racing. Have not made it down to GPF yet, but it looks pretty damn awesome.  Hope to in the future. Also, I hope to shoot roost in the face of the down voters on here Haha!

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2
sandtrack315
Posts
2838
Joined
7/19/2013
Location
Philadelphia, PA US
9/28/2023 8:12am

I think AJ actually has one of the keener eyes for technique. I will send him a video of me in one corner, and he will have the perfect feedback that I can implement next time I ride, and I see pretty large improvements in comfort and lap times. For real, I shaved 10 seconds off a 3 minute sand track I ride over the last year, by working with AJ and sending him videos. He's honestly unreal in how well he hones in on what to change for each rider.

Having said that, he seemed to get a bit over his skis growing his brand/company. That's fine, it's what I call a hustle-mistake. He's trying hard, and mistakes happen when you try hard. 

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14
Richy
Posts
3093
Joined
7/18/2020
Location
UK GB
9/28/2023 8:30am Edited Date/Time 9/28/2023 8:33am
MxAddic wrote:

Who got scammed? A business deal went bad. 

We may see things differently, but the way I see it personally, is:

If you are going in on a business or property with somebody else and you get them to put their part of the money down and put themselves at risk, because you have said you have your part of the money all taken care of and you'll do this and that and blah blah... all the while you know full well you do not have your part of the money and you are trying, and failing, to get that money from elsewhere... that is a scam.

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