Michael Ball... Good or Evil?

[Happytime]

Question of the Day (Wednesday)

What is your opinion of Rock Racing's Michael Ball?

http://images.velonews.com/images/news/13787.21585.t.jpg

Fire away...

[alicestrong]

How can you live in Southern California and not be amused? :)



Everyone enjoying the rain??

[Drew12]

I've heard then name tossed around here, but no info.

Is this the real "CritEastwood"?

[efficiency]

Michael Ball has a clothing company called Rock & Republic. He also has a racing team called Rock Racing. He seems to like to mouth off a lot to the press trying to make himself seem awesome, then when others tell their side of the story, he gets shut up.

http://www.fatcyclist.com/2008/01/31/rock-racing-qa/
http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2008/01/purloined-letter-ball-to-hed.html

[Psydotek]

Who?

[spingineer]

Reminds me a lot of Vince McMahon ... ya know ... WWE

[Ziptie]

Actually, I think he's an amusing ******bag. So I'm torn.

[Psydotek]

Next poll:

Michael Ball vs. Chet Bearclaw

:D

[Happytime]

The fact that Ball has hired so many proven dopers, plus hasn't come out with a comprehensive (public) anti-doping policy (as Slipstream, CSC, etc... have) makes me me think the worst is yet to come. Add in the fact that major sponsors have bailed on him...
His attitude may scream "image is everything" but the image of dopers is one I'm sick and tired of.

Although I must admit their kits are very cool. And Cipo was amazing yesterday.

[CMY]

Full disclosure: My significant other works for R&R

That being said, I've been following the developments of the team for quite a while now (more for motorsports originally) and I was actually inspired to get off my couch and get on a bike because of what Rock is doing. I'm not exactly a follower, but bringing some chutzpah to the sport definitely got my attention and has led me to add my own slant to it.

Let's face it, most of the cycling world is/was all too happy to participate in a collective circle-jerk that followed a certain (bland) status-quo. To the general public (I'd put myself in this category) it's not an attractive entity and doesn't inspire anyone to follow it but hey, I'm here now.. and I expect more to follow.

Ultimately his marketing sense is spot-on in how he's conducting himself- we're talking about it, aren't we? ;)

[tbrown524]

Seems like he talks out of his arse however at the present moment he's good for the sport. Especially at a time when decent sponsors are hard to come by.

[roadfix]

Sorry, I don't follow pro cycling closely so I have no idea who this person is. :(

[Barabus]

He's got.........(wait for it)......................BALLS.

Just like all fashion- one day your in and the next day you're out. (said with my best Heidi Klum voice)

[Scootcore]

******

[VanceMac]

http://images.velonews.com/images/news/13787.21585.t.jpg


^^^ One thing is for sure, "Total ******: The Michael Ball Story" will star Jeremy Piven.

[DScott]

Looks a little 'Greg Brady' in that pic...

But here, he's got the 'John Leguizamo' thing going on, doncha think?

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2008/feb08/california08/california080/DSC_0136.jpg


One thing's for certain, bike racing will never be the same. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing, it seems inevitable that it would have to change.

[spingineer]

Too bad I'm not working at E! anymore .... otherwise, I could pitch the Michael Ball:True Hollywood Story

[awiner]

I have to agree with Phil Liggets comment of, "it brings some of the much needed raz-a-ma-taz to cycling".

[Crash716]

I love it all....bring some excitement and coolness into cycling...it's so freakin boring right now to watch.

I hope his riders stay clean and they just get stronger and stronger.

[chimivee]

http://www.fatcyclist.com/2008/01/31/rock-racing-qa/
"Question: Do you think maybe he’s [Tyler Hamilton] become bitter and angry enough that at some point he’ll punch Michael Ball in the throat?
Answer: That would be awesome."

[jpconrad]

"Question: Do you think maybe he’s [Tyler Hamilton] become bitter and angry enough that at some point he’ll punch Michael Ball in the throat?
Answer: That would be awesome."

hehe

Question: I heard Mario Cipollini is also racing for Rock Racing. When was Cipo caught doping?
Answer: Actually, you aren’t strictly required to be a known doper to be on the Rock Racing team.

I've got mixed feelings about Rock/Ball, I find the drama that he brings amusing, but hope that the doping concerns are unfounded.