Doggy Bag: The Sweetest Science

I am disappointed -- like everyone -- that Quinton Jackson has, at a minimum, pushed back the Rashad Evans fight. However, it’s not fair and possibly dead wrong to dump on “A-Team” movie. I thought it was a crazy decision, too, until I looked at the cast yesterday. Liam Neeson, fresh off his ass-beating role in “Taken.” Bradley Cooper, one of the hottest stars in Hollywood at the moment, riding “The Hangover” wave. Sharlto Copley, the up-and-coming star from “District 9.” Jessica Biel. I am assuming B.A. Baracus will not be a small role. If this movie succeeds, it could generate a ton of hype for the UFC and much bigger paydays for Rampage if and when he returns.
-- Ben Spalding

Brian Knapp, associate editor: This is a difficult situation to analyze. Certainly, no one can fault UFC President Dana White for being upset with Jackson. He has an entire season of “The Ultimate Fighter” wrapped up in an Evans-Jackson rivalry that may never get resolved in the cage. A lot of time, money and energy will have gone to waste if that is the case.

I have a hard time feeling sympathy for Rampage and his perceived lack of respect. How exactly have White and the UFC disrespected him? Jackson was awarded a title shot two fights into his UFC career, has headlined four of the six shows in which he has taken part and made $1.595 million in disclosed pay. Disrespect? Give me a break.

You cannot buy that kind of exposure, and without the UFC promotional juggernaut behind him, it seems unlikely a role in a major motion picture would have been made available to him. I doubt Hollywood was mining the World Fighting Alliance for talent. What’s more, White and the UFC stood behind Jackson when he went on his high-speed joyride through the streets and sidewalks of California, embarrassing himself and the sport by getting hauled off in handcuffs.

Don’t get the wrong impression. I don’t bemoan Jackson -- or any other fighter -- for pursuing opportunities outside the cage, especially when Ms. Biel is involved. However, he need not forget his roots or the people who made him a household name.