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This is a fairly popular take, but be honest: how many pro athlete contracts have “likeability clauses?” How many scouting combines of any sport are based on the potential fan appeal of the up and coming athletes? What metric would they even use, social media likes?
Sure, the sponsors expect results in the form of increased sales, of product, of event tickets, but it’s their responsibility to use marketing and advertising to convert fan interest into fan action. And it is the sponsors’ fervent belief that RESULTS in competition drive fan interest… which is why they pay for wins. An unlikeable winner still gets paid win bonuses, still draws crowds, still gets sponsorship money. And you buy the bike, the pipe, the tires, etc, because they are proven winners. Not because you like the rider, not really. Admit it.
Did Suzuki sell a shitload of 2023 RMs because “Kickstart Kenny” had a long autograph line?
No way in hell would I race a gnarly mx race for free with a sx championship starting not long after.
Vital=. An 18 year old kid has wounded me.
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Im pretty sure 'likeability clauses' as you put it is never really a 'thing'.
A team's 'A' rider will be employed for the win, no doubt. But when it comes to the team's 'B' rider, I reckon social media appeal (read, followers) is definately taken in to consideration.
If your 'B' rider can only be a 10th-13th place guy, do the sponsors select the guy with a booming YT channel and 250k followers or the fellow 10th-13th place guy with no social media prescence? Its a no brainer.
Ask guys like McElrath, Wilson, Anstie, Craig, WHY they bother to do their vlogs.... and see what they say.
And ask Eli why he never felt he needed to..
Not ”likeability” but the teams expect their riders to act professional on and off the track.
That’s why riders get fined for swearing, and acting/doing something that will hurt the brands image.
At the same time a company like Honda and the HRC team will have stricter rules about that then a satelite/private team.
There is a reason why Haidens mechanic said in one of the latest Pulp shows that they try to calm him down before the podium interviews because the team knows that it’s not a good look when the shit starts pouring out of his mouth even if he has won the moto…
You would think Papa Brian would've coached him to STFU by now. The kid is a great rider, but a lot of fans are pretty stoked to see him get his ass handed to him when he loses simply because of him being an arrogant brat...win or lose.
They try to get him to say something different or tone it down, but ultimately they can’t stop him from saying what’s on his mind, even if it is brash. I wonder what will happen that will lead to him toning it down, as long as he doesn’t become a robot on the podium or like justin cooper, that’s fine.
OK, I see what youve done here. 🤣
Notice rhe number of negative responses? Those are people that have allowed themselves to be gaslit by the boisterous & EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE commentary of an 18 year old kid that’s a stellar athlete and a very accomplished racer; and, this is what happens when he doesn’t do all the things they want him to do…their way…and when they want it.
Insert pic of Haiden waving the U.S. flag on the podium: BOOM! Gaslit! 😉
I agree 100% Riders have short careers. You need to be careful with your health in this sport. And yes I know Haiden has other sources of income and comes from money. I went to a few races this year. Everyone I talked to was a fan of his. It’s a small minority that criticizes his every move.
TeamGreen I like how you always keep it real 👊🇺🇸
The only haters are the guys who don't ride/ get pussy.
Nobody is forcing you to click on, read, and/or reply on threads involving Deegan. Go punch another hole in your drywall
As a fan, am I disappointed that he’s not going, of course I am. If he truly is getting work done on his wrist, then his responsibility is to Star Racing and all his sponsors to make sure that he is ready for the beginning of next season.
If patriotism is only important to the fans then why does Deegan use it as a marketing tool to promote himself? Because he's a hypocritical douchebag who only cares about money and doesn't believe 85% of the BS he says
Patriotism is clearly important to riders like AP, Sexton, Carmichael, RV, etc.
Calm down ”gangster”…
Patriots are the obvious participants but even if your not that type proving you are the best in the world if you think you really are certainly makes the list.
Honestly, this is the first time I’ve ever heard of motocross teams hiring “A” and “B” riders, and I have been following the sport since the late 1970s. Please say more about this strategy. For teams with more than 2 racers, is more of the alphabet used?
Pit Row
I thought it was clear that I was distinguishing between actual patriotism (for a country) and sports “patriotism” which is an entirely different deal. Sorry that wasn’t clear.
Sure, some riders have gone on record for claiming sports patriotism, and my hats off to the very select few that actually took their brand to the world and contested for world titles. World champions like Lackey, Laporte and Schmit should never be forgotten. They were clearly driven, but personal ambition often trumps patriotic fervor.
You need help 🙏. One race doesn’t define patriotism. Grow up!!
No, he and his team absolutely denied this injury repeatedly, until it was a convenient excuse to bow out of the MXDN, once again. But Monster Energy Yamaha is going to take it on the chin for their little primadonna!
Stop Gaslighting Bro. One moment can define it.
He owes the fans backing up the “Mr. America” persona he puts off and talks about.
You on Brian's payroll or something?? Deegan fakes love for his country for monetary benefit but when it comes time to actually represent his country he has backed out at every opportunity. I don't like hypocrites and I don't like people who fake patriotism to earn a quick buck from gullible fools
Double OG
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That’s an intelligent and thoughtful comment that accurately reflects the facts of the situation. Therefore, it’s completely unwelcome here, we don’t do nuance at Vital, you have to pick between fluffer and hater.
You shouldn’t be calling anyone gullible. And you act like you know him personally. It’s funny how he lives rent free in your head. Sad but funny. Having the hardware removed from his wrist and being ready for Supercross is far more important than this race. He’s 18 years old you and you like he’s passed on this opportunity for many years. He definitely loves his country but has priorities. Chill out with the hate and emotions. It’s not good to be full of so much hate. You sound like someone that would key a car over a bumper sticker you don’t like…
Bro one moment can’t define it. It’s not that serious. 🇺🇸
Absolutely Beautiful.
Congratulations to you and yours.
💪🏻
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