Yesterday AOL FanHouse writer Michael David Smith posted an article criticizing Showtime commentator and former UFC welterweight champion Pat Miletich for being a "shill" for Strikeforce. Smith was clear, though: he respects Miletich and says when he's not shilling, is an excellent commentator. I generally agree with Smith, but I'd like to see this kind of criticism spread to the UFC and other promotions when it's obviously merited. Strikeforce takes the brunt of the criticism, largely unfair.
I've left out a few of the Tweets to preserve real estate on this site, but here's how the conversation generally unfolded:
I've never understood why having an opinion and debating topics in MMA is such a taboo exercise. I get that MMA is a "small town", but in order to further the sport and promote understanding, folks must be able to air their differences. I applaud both Smith and Miletich for pushing back on each other's ideas. I just hope the free exercise of dialogue can take place without vitriol, suspicion or utter disdain for our interlocutors.
I've left out a few of the Tweets to preserve real estate on this site, but here's how the conversation generally unfolded:
- I respect @PatMiletich as an analyst but wish he would give Showtime viewers a more candid assessment of Strikeforce: http://aol.it/eIvOpx
- Truth RT @MichaelDavSmith I respect @PatMiletich as analyst but wish would give viewers more candid assessment of SF: http://aol.it/eIvOpx
- Please explain MDS credentials? @MMAPayout
- C'mon @patmiletich. Address the issue, not the person. Tell us why you beg to differ. MDS is just offering constructive criticism.
- He reminds me of Keith Olberman getting better ratings when he talks about Glenn Beck. @MMAPayout
- Only mistake I made was in saying the Russian did well in K-1 when it was actually Overeem. Mistakes happen on live tv @MichaelDavSmith
- And based on your ratings you are obviously a UFC Shill @MichaelDavSmith
- @patmiletich If I were a UFC shill I wouldn't cover Strikeforce Challengers. I follow all MMA and consistently criticize UFC when warranted.
- No need to defend yourself. @MichaelDavSmith
- I think he and I can gldly debate the issue on air ny time @MMAPayout
- I'd be happy to. RT @patmiletich: I think he and I can gldly debate the issue on air ny time @MMAPayout
I've never understood why having an opinion and debating topics in MMA is such a taboo exercise. I get that MMA is a "small town", but in order to further the sport and promote understanding, folks must be able to air their differences. I applaud both Smith and Miletich for pushing back on each other's ideas. I just hope the free exercise of dialogue can take place without vitriol, suspicion or utter disdain for our interlocutors.
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