The Doggy Bag: Tabloid MMA

Jeff Sherwood/Sherdog.com

Covering Kimo Leopoldo
was a no-brainer.

People of Sherdog, let me first say I wouldn't be sending this letter if Sherdog.com wasn't a site I visit daily. I've come to look forward to the news, insight, commentary and other features on your Web site. However, I must say MMA is a sport set aside and it’s something I believe is still a pure sport. That being said, I was upset when today I browsed to your homepage and one of the main articles on your website read "Leopoldo Arrested on Drug Possession.” I thought, "What is this, an F’ing tabloid?” I don't see the need for anything other than MMA, your staff is doing a hell of a job without any of this BS content. I haven't lost complete faith, but I needed to provide my insight.
-- Mike

Loretta Hunt, news editor: Mike, thank you for taking the time to write. Although we don’t report on every single fighter arrest that happens (and there seems to be more and more these days), we felt a story on Leopoldo was merited, especially considering that he’d recently applied for the vacated position of Executive Officer of the California State Athletic Commission. That role is not only a high-profile one, but an office that comes with immense influence over the sport in the most profitable state for MMA outside of Nevada. To have a candidate for that position -- who preached against drug use in his application letter no less -- get busted with methamphetamine in his car was newsworthy to me.

On top of that, Leopoldo, a memorable character from the UFC’s early days, is still of interest to readers, as shown by the strong number of hits the article got in the end.

I understand your concerns about tabloid journalism. TMZ.com, one of the industry’s leaders, has certainly caught the MMA wave and written about a number of fighter escapades recently. That’s a testament to the growing popularity of the sport in mainstream culture.

If you’ll notice, there are a handful of less prominent MMA fighter arrests that we haven’t reported on recently, not because we’re lazy, but because we make the conscious decision to cover stories of value to our readers. I’d like to note that none of these fighters were applying for state positions that directly influence the sport of mixed martial arts. To me, covering Leopoldo was a no-brainer.

Personally, I think tabloid journalism is entertaining and has its place. I’m hoping Sherdog.com isn’t one of those places, although you have to admit that’s really up to the reader to decide. What may seem like a tabloid story to some is legitimate news to others. At any rate, Sherdog.com will continue to try and bring readers the stories they are interested in, period.

P.S. -- For those looking for an update on Leopoldo, he was released on his own recognizance from the Orange County Intake/Release Center the day following his arrest after he’d paid his $20,000 bail. His arraignment date, which was postponed from Feb. 18, is still pending.

Leopoldo, 41, was arrested on two felony charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of stolen property, and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.