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Monday, August 17th, 2009
I’m often asked how great life is for me now that I’ve entered into what some people call a life of fame. I would say fame has its days where you want people to know your name. It is nice getting comped tickets to a ball game when you didn’t expect it, because a fan was working. Or having a random person approach you in the airport to take a picture, and tell you how much they admire your fighting style.
There are times when you are out with family, and want to enjoy the sanctity of your family time without taking pictures or signing autographs though, and that is one of the most obvious downfalls…
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Monday, August 10th, 2009
Rich, Being a role model is just part of being a celebrity. Its your responsibility whether you like it or not brother. Kids are easily influenced by peer pressure. Dont feel bad about it. You are a great role model to todays’ youth. You represent hard work, dedication, you are drug free, and one of the greatest fighters in the world. Be proud of it, Be proud of what you represent. Most of all be proud of yourself. -Bradley Solomon
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Monday, August 10th, 2009
Well, whether or not you want to be a role model, my two kids talk about you when they see you fight or even in fights that are re-broadcast, saying you seem to really care about what you do and that they like that you don’t trash talk your opponents. Sometimes I think if I hear “Rich said X” or “Rich said Y” one more time, I might plug my ears! :o) But really, you are a role model to at least a few kids out there and as their parent, I’d like to say thank you for being able to talk about your upcoming fights without all the obscenity-laced mouthing.
Good luck in your training for your fight with Belfort next month. My family and I are really looking forward to it!!! - Michelle Tourville
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Friday, August 7th, 2009
I certainly agree with that. Too often, today’s kids look up to an image or persona, not realizing they aren’t real. Some may not realize that along with fame goes the responsibility. And I’m sure that can be a very heavy burden to deal with. I guess you could say I have the ‘luxury’ of being an ass or acting/talking in a non PC way. There are no real repercussions for me, just my own self being/awareness. A famous person, such as Rich, doesn’t have that luxury as every eye is on you and what you do.
Often times people wish they were someone famous etc etc. My contention is, imagine yourself in their shoes and think what would they want. If I were Rich, I’m sure there would be times when I’d just want to get away from all the cameras and responsibility to just unwind, relax and not worry about anything. Great ways to do this are camping, 4 wheeling, anything outdoors away from the masses. Nature has a way about itself of relaxing the soul. I plan to ‘recharge’ and do some 4 wheeling out in nature for a few days very soon. What could be more relaxing!
Have a great day!
Mike
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Friday, August 7th, 2009
Let Rich know that his faith based approach to battle is inspiring and he is the sole reason I became a UFC fan.
In the 2nd TUF season as he and Matt Hughes enter the fighters house to mingle with them before picking teams the next day, the scene may have been edited, but what I saw was Rich glance in a room and saw several of the fighters engaged in a Bible study. His eyes widened and he made a straight line to mingle with these men and several times he is shown quoting scripture even though he does not have a Bible in his hand and also giving perspective to the order of events the men were discussing. Since that episode I have been a huge Rich Franklin fan and UFC fan and I pray he is able to continue in this sport for a long time.
Rich, we may not be able to change the whole World (capital W), but we CAN impact and change our own world (small w). Your world has become larger with your fame so you will impact more people. I pray that you will simply continue to follow our Lord and do the right thing. Role model or not.
Good Luck in your future battles and God bless you and your organization.
Bruce Pearson
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Friday, August 7th, 2009
This is a good one, but I feel the need to comment…
Being a role model is a great accomplishment. I am one too so I understand the fears of messing up and affecting a person’s life, but also it sends a message that you are only human… and life is not always perfect.
You are a role model because you have shown heart! -Cindy Ronto
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Friday, August 7th, 2009
I have been asked how great it feels to be looked up to by so many kids and adults as a result of my popularity in the UFC. I have also been asked if I like being considered a role model.
To answer the question honestly, I don’t like the idea of being a role model. Kids who look up to an athlete or celebrity look up to only what they see on television, and that oftentimes is not the true heart of a person.
Kids have ideal role models, such as parents, family members or close friends who love them…they are just too young to realize it. One false move for me in the public eye could affect a child negatively for life. That is a tremendous amount of responsibility.
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