I want to take a moment to clear the air and address something that’s been on my mind for a while now. Over the past few months, I’ve been thinking a lot about my actions, and I feel it’s time to set the record straight—especially when it comes to my relationship with Ken Roczen.
First off, I want to apologize to Ken. I’ve always prided myself on being direct and honest, but looking back, I realize I didn’t handle things the right way. I’ve said things and acted in ways that I deeply regret. There’s no excuse for it. I was wrong.
When you’re in the heat of competition, emotions run high. The adrenaline, the pressure to perform, and the desire to win can cloud your judgment. But that doesn’t give me the right to take personal shots at Ken or anyone else. I’ve known Ken for years, and we’ve had our battles on the track, but that doesn’t mean I should’ve let things get to the point where we were at odds. I let frustration get the best of me, and I can see now how that came off as disrespectful and uncalled for.
Ken is one of the best in the sport—no question about that. What he’s been through in his career, especially with his injuries, is nothing short of impressive. I’ve got nothing but respect for his grit and determination. And when I look at things now, I realize that I lost sight of that respect during some of our interactions. That was my mistake, and it’s something I need to own.
I’ve always been focused on my own journey—my own performance—so much that I sometimes forget the bigger picture. The bigger picture is about the sport, the respect we have for one another as competitors, and the camaraderie that we all share in this crazy world of motocross. Ken and I have shared podiums, battles, and even conversations behind the scenes, and I’ve taken those moments for granted. I’ve failed to show the level of respect he deserves, and that’s not okay.
It’s easy to get caught up in rivalries, especially when we’re all pushing so hard to be the best. But what I’ve learned over the years is that there’s room for respect in every battle. We’re all chasing the same goal—success—and there’s no reason why that has to come at the expense of mutual respect. I want to be better about that moving forward, not just with Ken, but with everyone I race against.
Ken, if you’re reading this, I just want to say: I’m sorry. I was wrong, and I hope we can move past this. I’m here to race you hard every weekend, but I’m also here to be a better competitor and a better person. I hope we can put the past behind us and focus on the racing we both love.
To the fans who’ve followed this situation, I want to thank you for your support. I know that sometimes the things I say or do can stir up controversy, but I hope you can see this as a sign of growth. We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. It’s how we handle those mistakes and learn from them that really matters.
I’m looking forward to the next time I’m lined up next to Ken on the gate. May the best man win, but above all, let’s keep the respect in the game. That’s what this sport should be about.
