“I’ve always known you will be ungrateful to this great country, even after everything it’s given you. It’s honestly frustrating to see how you talk about America sometimes, Ken. I’ve been watching you for years, ever since you came over here and people embraced you as one of their own. You had everything handed to you, a platform that most riders only dream of. The kind of opportunities that so many guys bust their asses for, you got right away. And then, instead of appreciating it, you act like you’re above it all.
I get it, you’ve had some rough patches. You’ve been through injuries, you’ve had a lot of mental struggles, and I respect that. I know what it’s like to be down, to feel like you’re at rock bottom. But here’s the thing: America took you in when you needed it, and it made you who you are today. Without the U.S. fans, the sponsors, the media, and the opportunities you had here, you wouldn’t have the career you’ve had. No one is denying your talent, but you wouldn’t be where you are today if you weren’t living in the States, competing on the best tracks, with the best riders.
The way you talk about the sport sometimes, it’s like you’ve forgotten all of that. It’s like you’re not thankful for the fans who showed up at every race, cheered for you, and helped put you on the map. I get that not everything is perfect in this sport, but man, there’s so much to be grateful for. A lot of us have busted our asses, and we still do, to make it to the top. You’ve had things given to you in ways others can only dream of, and it’s just frustrating to see you complain about it all.
I’m not here to kiss anyone’s ass or try to make friends. I’m not going to pretend like I agree with everything the sport is doing either. But there’s a level of respect and appreciation that I think is owed to the people who’ve helped you get here. I’ve been following your career since I was a kid, and I know you’ve had your struggles. But it’s hard to sit back and watch you take jabs at this country, the country that gave you your shot.
Maybe it’s the younger generation in me, but I just think we need to show more respect. We’re all trying to make a name for ourselves, and for some of us, that means putting in the work every single day, no matter what. But when you act like America owes you something, it just rubs me the wrong way. So yeah, I’ve always known that you’d be ungrateful to this great country, no matter how much it gave you.”
That’s my honest take, and maybe it’ll rub some people the wrong way, but that’s the reality of it. I’m not here to be fake or pretend to be friends with everyone. This sport is about respect, and when you don’t show it to the fans, the riders, and the country that gave you everything, I think that’s a problem.
