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Comment: Understanding Mauney

A run for the title brings notoriety ... and misperceptions

PUEBLO, Colo. (September 29, 2009) - Sometimes the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat are just seconds apart.

In Reno, Nev., J.B. Mauney went from one to the other and back within moments.

He’d just tumbled off Troubadour. The judges said too early, so he gambled $500 by pressing the replay button. The bet paid off, he scored 90.5 points, and won his fourth Built Ford Tough Series event of 2009. With his arms raised in victory, it was Mauney’s most exhilarating moment of the weekend.

In the moments immediately afterward, the Mooresville, N.C., native gave two interviews – the first was broadcast in the arena with Brandon Bates, and the second was with Leah Garcia for the Versus telecast later that night. Though they were both short, he was understandably excited to have ridden his way to within 1,000 points of Kody Lostroh and the No. 1 spot in the world.

But that smile faded almost immediately. His sister Jessi gave him the news that his home had been burglarized in the early hours of the morning of that very day.

Among the items taken was his 2006 Challenger Tour Championship buckle.

In the middle of that raw emotional moment, Mauney knew he still had media obligations. There were two phone interviews that needed to be given, as well as on-site interviews with local and national press.

He could have opted out. It would have been understandable.

But that wasn’t Mauney’s reaction. When asked if he needed more time before talking, he replied simply, “No, that’s OK.”

He didn’t rush through the interviews by giving short answers, nor did he try cutting them short after just a few questions. Truth be told, he was as poised and professional as he’s ever been in his four-year professional career.

It was a stark contrast to the Mauney who has been portrayed in some venomous reader comments on PBR.com.

Some call him arrogant. Cocky. Others say he’s dismissive and uncaring when it comes to signing autographs or taking photos.

Those closest to him wonder whether the anonymous posters have actually met the man.

Just the other day, PBR Livestock Director Cody Lambert said that as a sports fan, he understands having your favorite athletes and teams and disliking others, especially when it comes to rivals.

But there was a hitch in Lambert’s voice when he said, “There are some people who really seem to hate him. How can they hate the kid? … He’s always been polite.”

Mauney has never been anything less than accommodating since debuting on the Built Ford Tough Series in 2006.

This past Friday, for example, he was asked if he would appear at a press conference in Arlington, Texas, to announce the 2010 Dickies Iron Cowboy Invitational at the new Cowboys Stadium. The appearance would drag out an already long cross-country flight from North Carolina to Southern California. He could have said no.

But he didn’t.

He didn’t, because even at 22 years of age, he knew that if PBR CEO Randy Bernard thought it was important to have one of the top riders present, then he had an obligation to be there.

He’s gone into several markets days early to promote the sport of bull riding and entice locals to experience the BFTS.

He’s visited children’s hospitals, and earlier this year, he and Cody Ford spent time with underprivileged children in New York City as part of the Garden of Dreams program.

Mauney isn’t alone. PBR athletes are all very involved with communities and causes from one coast to the other. That’s why it’s disconcerting to read that a young man like Mauney could be perceived as anything short of gracious, much less written off as a “jerk.”

Yes, the Top 40 riders in the world are required by the PBR to sign autographs after each BFTS event. No, not all 40 riders are always able to come out.

Some incur injuries that need to be dealt with. Depending on the market, some cities have more media requests than others, and event and round winners might have additional press obligations. At times, they’re requested to meet with sponsors or special guests.

And, yes, a rider could elect to skip out on the signing session for one reason or another at the expense of a $500 fine. But they all understand it winds up costing more than $500, because it affects perception.

No, Mauney didn’t sign autographs after winning in Reno and, no, it wasn’t for any of the reasons listed above. Instead it was because of an extenuating circumstance of personal nature—he had been robbed in the wee hours of the morning.

It takes a lot for a man to willingly choose to be a professional bull rider – arguably the most dangerous profession in the world – and when you add to that the personal hurdles of everyday life, one should begin to understand the unyielding stress riders are put through, especially when they’re in the running for a world title.

“I don’t think (anybody) understands about winning the world in bull riding unless you’ve experienced it,” said Chris Shivers, who’s won it twice (2000 and ‘03).

There’s no disrespect here.

These guys – Mauney included – are just living life, gearing up for the next ride and trying their damndest to win a world title … all while accommodating as many people and as many requests as possible.

The bottom line is this: Anyone can choose to root against Mauney or any other rider, for any number of reasons.  But that doesn’t make him a bad person.

At the end of the day, J.B. Mauney is a pretty likeable guy.

—by Keith Ryan Cartwright