11/21/24
February 20, 2007
Tommy Morrison Cleared to Fight: More than a decade after he was indefinitely suspended following a positive HIV test on the eve of a 1996 fight in Las Vegas, that day is here. He has been cleared to return to the ring after passing a battery of medical tests.
If he's been repeatedly tested and come up clean, it sure sounds like the first test was wrong. If that's the case, I hope his comeback goes well. He had a lot of potential, but that's an awfully long layoff. Then again, I guess he should be well rested!
posted by ctal1999 at 06:07 PM on February 20, 2007
(Morrison) will face John Castle of Indianapolis in a four-round bout Thursday night at Mountaineer Race Track in Chester. Castle (4-2, 2 KOs) has been knocked out in his last two fights. Sounds like a hell of a test. A 38-year old making a comeback. Great. Maybe he can still get a role in the next ROCKY movie if this doesn't pan out.
posted by dyams at 06:09 PM on February 20, 2007
You just know there are going to be a lot of guys who are going to be very gunshy about a fight with Tommy Morrison. The head of the state commission watched him take at least one of those blood tests, so he's got some backup, but I still think it's gonna be tough for him to get a fight with anybody serious.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 06:38 PM on February 20, 2007
Wow. Good news for Tommy, I guess. I hope this doesn't affect his KnockOut AIDS Foundation. I remember how shell-shocked Oklahoma was when it was reported that Morrison was HIV-Positive (he's originally from Jay, OK, and is the grandnephew of John Wayne, FYI). It was a *huge* story in the late 90's. Hopefully he's figured life out, because man, he struggled there for a while.
posted by Ufez Jones at 06:54 PM on February 20, 2007
Yeah it will be tough for him to get good fights.... I mean HIV is transmitted by blood or saliva... who is going to risk getting the desease that DOES eventually lead to full blown AIDS for a few thousand bucks or their name in the paper... remember when magic johnson came out and said he had HIV , he still played basketball after that but the players around him were a lot more careful...
posted by jaclp at 08:46 PM on February 20, 2007
I remember reading an article about him when he was first diagnosed and he spent all his time denying it, rejecting drug therapy and suggesting that AIDS wasn't real. Then he aledgedly smoked weed for months in his apartment. Frankly, I thought he dropped off the face of the earth and was dead. Good to see he's back and carrying on the boxing tradition of fighting a tomato can in the hopes of generating enough interest to fight a different tomato can on pay-per-view. Ah, it feels good to see the universe operating as it always does.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 09:54 PM on February 20, 2007
As always...nice to see that you see the brighter side of things.
posted by herecometheirish at 10:11 PM on February 20, 2007
false positive??? Who was that Dr.???? Seems like he cost Tommie a few bucks
posted by water1 at 10:30 PM on February 20, 2007
I think the Dr. now works for the tour du france. At least thats what Floyd Landis said.
posted by Debo270 at 08:31 AM on February 21, 2007
He was good 10 years ago but after that long of a lay off his chances of a title are most likely long gone. Doubtful he has done much fighting in that time, even if he could find sparring partners. But like Weedy said he'll find plenty of has beens and never weres to fight for now. On the positive side it is great that he has been shown to be HIV - . While he has basically lost his career he at least has his life.
posted by scottypup at 08:49 AM on February 21, 2007
Can an HIV positive be wrong? Some tests can have false readings, some cannot. Also, can HIV actually disappear?
posted by ChiefsSuperFan at 09:58 AM on February 21, 2007
Tommy Morrison was a typical great white hope with a lot of marketability due to his connection with John Wayne. He ran up an impressive record against has beens and never was fighters, as he stepped up against the contenders he was knocked out by Ray Mercer in 5, Michael Bentt in 1, and he got a shot at Lennox Lewis who KO'd him in 6. You gotta ask yourself what kind of guy allows his whole career to go down the drain on a false positive HIV test. Since false tests are possible, when the first test comes back positive don't you get a second test to confirm? So if every test since the first comes back negative why have so many years passed by? Simple, aids did not end his quest for a title, getting KO'd by Lennox Lewis and others did. He was just another Jerry Quarry, Jerry Kooney type of hyped white fighter. Sorry to say at age 38 not much will have changed for the better as far as boxing is concerned. As for his cleared health he should be congratulated.
posted by Atheist at 10:58 AM on February 21, 2007
The first test done is an HIV ELISA (Enzyme linked immunoSorbent Assay.) If this test comes back as positive, the patient is not considered HIV Positive. A second test is run, a Western Blot, and if both tests return a positive the patient is considered HIV Positive. As with all diagnostic tests there is always a chance for a false positive.
posted by apoch at 11:02 AM on February 21, 2007
As a one time permiscuas sexual person and an EMT in the medical field I have been tested for HIV on a couple of occasions, each time there were 2 tests run with a third option available just in case the first two contradicted each other. Hence pretty much little chance of a false pos. or neg. outcome. Why it took so long for T. Morrison to be cleared is beyound me.
posted by Folkways at 11:16 AM on February 21, 2007
I mean HIV is transmitted by blood or saliva...posted by jaclp at 8:46 PM CST on February 20 Technically, not one case has been linked to any saliva transfer. HIV attacks specific leukocytes (WBC's), mainly that of T-cells. Hence, HIV transmission only occurs via blood transfer. However, the slightest trace of blood within the saliva (which is very possible to have without knowledge) is capable of viral transmission. Also, though not proven, it is beleived that a significant amount of saliva transfer MAY transmit the virus. Again, that has yet to be proven and it may be more closely linked to an increased possibility of blood transfer via a large amount of saliva. Most cases of transfer of any virus result from whats termed horizontal infection. That is, body fluids, breast milk, sperm, vaginal fluids etc. Tears may also carry the virus, but the high Na+ content would diminish it's effect almost instantaneously. I am a graduate sutdent of Microbiology and Immunology. Also, I'm a sports nut. Spotted this article and just thought I should clarify. As far as Morrison, glad to hear the good news, but I think it's a tad too late for a comeback. The other problem is getting people who will not be afraid to shed blood in a ring with him. Even if he's clear, many will have their doubts. I'd pass (then again, I don't box).
posted by musclemenace at 12:03 PM on February 21, 2007
Musclemenace, welcome! And thanks for the info. Plus it's nice to see coherent sentences in a post.
posted by hawkguy at 12:09 PM on February 21, 2007
This same exact thing happened to my brother. He was told that he was HIV positive in the early 90's. He spent the next 5 years doing heroin and other various drugs. Upon getting arrested and re-tested before being released into the general population, he found out that he was not HIV positive and that he had wasted 5 years of his life being depressed over a mistake. He has since rehabbed and become a contributing member of society. I hope Morrison doesn't get beat up too badly, he was a good fighter who got robbed of his career when he was still near his prime. He obviously won't be winning any championships anytime soon.
posted by yay-yo at 12:32 PM on February 21, 2007
You gotta ask yourself what kind of guy allows his whole career to go down the drain on a false positive HIV test. Agreed. Something seems suspicious here, given the years of crazy stories about what Tommy and his wife believed.
posted by yerfatma at 12:40 PM on February 21, 2007
A 38-year old making a comeback. Great. Maybe he can still get a role in the next ROCKY movie if this doesn't pan out A 38 year old who may have been robbed of title belts and furthering his career because of a test which may have yielded false results. Some of us are quick to dog-pile on athletes because they fail a drug test, this guy failed an HIV test, and it basically ruined his life (not just his boxing career). Surely if a person can be falsely diagnosed with a deadly infectious disease, he can be falsely accused of taking illegal drugs per a false positive test. Why point out his age? A few people pointed out Foreman's age as well and they ended up looking stupid. You also might want to look at the current state of the heavyweight division, even I'm thinking about a shot at the title. Sounds like a hell of a test Good point, he's only been off for 11 years, throw him right in there with Klitschko. Do yo know anything about boxing? Every fighter comes back with "tune up" bouts. Morrison was crushed by Ray Mercer and that fight alone hurt him (mentally). With that said, he was no butterbean either. Hasim Rahman KO'd the great Lennox Lewis, then got his butt kicked by him. Morrison went 6 with Lewis, which says a little something. He was just another Jerry Quarry, Jerry Kooney type of hyped white fighter I disagree here. I don't think his race had anything to do with it. I think he was marketable because of his KO ratio. I mean, name a few fighters David Tua KO'd (without using google) or name someone else Hasim Rahman KO'd besides Lewis. Morrison beat, Ruddock, Carl Williams, Pinkleon Thomas, and took the belt from George Foreman in a 12 round decision in 1993 ( i know, quoting the old guy from Coming to America, "Foreman was 176 years old when they fought"). Morrison lost 3 fights out of 46. If he can get back in shape, I'd pick him out of 7 of the top 10 current heavyweights today. Morrison to me was like Andrew Golota. He looked scary at times, and like garbage at others. knowing this, with the heavyweight division in the state that it's in, anything is possible. If nothing else, it's nice to know he is feeling better whether he's HIV + or -.
posted by Bishop at 02:19 PM on February 21, 2007
I mean HIV is transmitted by blood or saliva...posted by jaclp at 8:46 PM CST on February 20 Technically, not one case has been linked to any saliva transfer. HIV attacks specific leukocytes (WBC's), mainly that of T-cells. Hence, HIV transmission only occurs via blood transfer. Thank you- I was coming here to say this and I am again because it bears repeating that HIV is only transferable via blood.
posted by jmd82 at 02:53 PM on February 21, 2007
The first test done is an HIV ELISA (Enzyme linked immunoSorbent Assay.) If this test comes back as positive, the patient is not considered HIV Positive. A second test is run, a Western Blot, and if both tests return a positive the patient is considered HIV Positive. As with all diagnostic tests there is always a chance for a false positive. Thanks, Apoch, for the good information. It seems to me that the sports article linked above if it represented better reporting would have included these facts.
posted by ChiefsSuperFan at 03:02 PM on February 21, 2007
It seems to me that the sports article linked above if it represented better reporting would have included these facts. I appreciate all the info on HIV tests, it's all very informative. However I don't think the linked article was meant to be used as an educational tool for HIV testing. I only have 1 question. Are the standards for testing being presented here the ones that were used in 1996?
posted by Bishop at 03:09 PM on February 21, 2007
sorry about the mix up " blood, saliva, saliva, blood blah! blah! blah! the fact is he has HIV and should not be in the boxing ring were BLOOD is all OVER the place.....
posted by jaclp at 03:11 PM on February 21, 2007
Now that I've read the other posts in this thread, I'm feeling more and more suspicious about ol' Tommy Gunn. I know that if I'd had a positive test for HIV, the very first (and probably second, and third, and fourth, ad nauseum) thing I'd do would be to find another doctor, another hospital, somebody, and have the test done again. The fact that it's taken him this long to declare himself free of the virus is suspicious indeed, even with the fact that his blood tests have been witnessed by boxing officials. After all, a boxing official would never toy with someone's life and/or livelihood just to make money, would they? Nah, 'course not. Plus, not that it matters a bit in the grand scheme of things, but I always thought Tommy was more of a marketing gimmick than a legit contender. Then again, the heavyweight division has been more or less a sham for years now, so who knows?
posted by The_Black_Hand at 03:13 PM on February 21, 2007
To this day I'd prefer to watch a classic's re-run of Ali-Frazier than any live heavyweight match of today's "contenders." Boxing imploded more than a decade ago.
posted by ChiefsSuperFan at 03:41 PM on February 21, 2007
sorry about the mix up " blood, saliva, saliva, blood blah! blah! blah! the fact is he has HIV and should not be in the boxing ring were BLOOD is all OVER the place..... Sorry - but read the damn link. He does NOT have HIV according to the last five tests. If the tests were positive - they would not sanction the fight. Geez. Why point out his age? A few people pointed out Foreman's age as well and they ended up looking stupid. I really think Foreman is the exception rather than the rule. Foreman's championship (which he never successfully defended) was as much a product of good timing as ability. Plus - you really think that Morrison deserves that comparison? Foreman in his prime was a fucking stone cold killer who fought some of the best of all-time. Tommy Gunn on the other hand was defeated so handily by Lewis that there was no talk of a rematch. I really don't think they compare. The Golota comparison seems apt, though: Million-dollar right hand; five-cent head.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:46 PM on February 21, 2007
You also might want to look at the current state of the heavyweight division That was my point. A 38-year old should have no business attempting a comeback if there was anything at all worth a damn in the heavyweight division, a division which has been basically a pile of shit for years. Good point, he's only been off for 11 years, throw him right in there with Klitschko. Do yo know anything about boxing? Yeah, as a matter of fact I do. There aren't many fighters worth even considering in this division, and this one rates as a "Who cares," too. And why do I really give a crap about Tommy Morrison? Is he owed something? The guy's been in jail for drug and weapons charges, been convicted of drunk driving, admitted to using steroids before, during, and after his career, led a high-risk life which would definitely lend itself to contracting the HIV virus, and claims that he, out of all the great fighters in recent history, is the victim of a conspiracy? Whatever. Best of luck to him.
posted by dyams at 04:34 PM on February 21, 2007
Weedy - Love the Million dollar right hand and five cent head statement. Bishop - Anyody that thinks race has nothing to do with Morrisons rise and record is just plain wrong. The fact that Tommy had a decent punch, was connected to John Wayne, and was white, made him a marketing dream in the heavyweight division. He accrued a decent record by getting set up against nobody punching bags, or name fighters on their way out looking for a quick payday to take a quick KO. He got hyped to the max and got a couple of decent paydays before being exposed as a non contender by being easily handled and KO's by the couple of legitimate contenders. It is an identical story to that of Gerry Cooney who knocked out a bunch of opponents until Larry Holmes made him look amatuerish. Even Michael Spinks a natural 175 pounder, was able to step up in weight agaist a huge Cooney and become the first light heavyweight champ to gain the heavy weight title. Of course only to get destroyed by Tyson a real heavy weight. Look I don't want to get a race discussion, but to act like it didn't matter in boxing is just dilusional. A black fighter of similar ability would not have gotten half the paydays or easy opponents as someone like Morrison who, for a while was a media darling, and marketing dream. Had he been black, with his chin and boxing skills, a record of 10 and 10 would have been more like it, then career over. Certainly early in his career he got nationally televised fights a lot quicker than any up coming black fighter would have.
posted by Atheist at 04:40 PM on February 21, 2007
Yeah, I don't remember Morrison as a legitimate threat back when he was fighting regularly. The combination of the Rocky appearance and the lack of talent at the time got him to a place where he didn't seem to belong.
posted by yerfatma at 05:01 PM on February 21, 2007
A black fighter of similar ability would not have gotten half the paydays or easy opponents as someone like Morrison who, for a while was a media darling, and marketing dream I'd compare him to a Michael Moorer (a black fighter) (47-4-1, 37 ko's) who was beating an elder Foreman as well until he got KO'd in the 10th round. I think we're going in the wrong direction here. I'm not saying he was a great Champion or 1 of the all time greats or anything of the sort. I'm merely saying that what he could do in the ring is what was marketable. Some of you act like were talking about butter bean. We also have to keep Morrison in context ( comparing him to what else was out there) I don't think his race got him a decision over foreman. I don't think his race got him Ko'd against Mercer. As far as the marketing talk, we're acting like this guy had every endorsement deal under the sun. I'd also compare Morrison to Francois Botha. Another contender that beat up journeymen but was over matched against the big boys (Tyson, Lewis, etc). I wouldn't call him a bum, nor would I say him being white got him his fights. He was a slugger like Morrison was. It's obvious we don't know what he will be able to accomplish, but I stand by my claim: "I'd take Morrison in his prime (condition) over 7 of the top 10 heavyweights today". That may not be saying much, but it would make him a contender, just like he was, regardless of his race. I would also take "million dollar right hand-5 cent head" over hundred dollar right hand-5 cent conditioning like 90% of the current heavyweights today.
posted by Bishop at 06:25 PM on February 21, 2007
And why do I really give a crap about Tommy Morrison? Is he owed something? The guy's been in jail for drug and weapons charges, been convicted of drunk driving, admitted to using steroids before, during, and after his career, led a high-risk life which would definitely lend itself to contracting the HIV virus, This begs the question, what the hell are you doing in this thread? Is he owed something? Not really, but maybe you might want a second chance at something some day. Drunk driving, weapons charges, and cocaine/steroid use= high risk towards being HIV positive? Or are you saying he pretty much deserves it? (I wonder why the Bengals aren't dropping like flies) People like you kill me with your better than everyone else mentality. It's almost like you're saying, how dare this piece of shit attempt to keep living.
posted by Bishop at 06:41 PM on February 21, 2007
I'm merely saying that what he could do in the ring is what was marketable. Some of you act like were talking about butter bean. Completely agree. I'm just saying if, back then, I had asked you, "Which of the top fighters today will still be fighting in 2007", I don't think Morrison would have made the list. If he hadn't had the time off, he'd be done, wouldn't he?
posted by yerfatma at 07:31 PM on February 21, 2007
HIV can only be transferred through blood? That's not true is it? I mean, saliva... rumour has it that buckets of the stuff might do it, if into an open cut especially, say in the mouth. And I'm pretty sure that HIV can be transferred through reproductive fluids, breast milk, and during child birth - with in utero greatly reducing the risk, meds help too in this regard, but may have side effects. But you're the Dr. I gotta trust you on this.
posted by 2 time mvp of the shittiest team ever at 07:32 PM on February 21, 2007
Can an HIV positive be wrong? Some tests can have false readings, some cannot. Also, can HIV actually disappear? posted by ChiefsSuperFan at 9:58 AM CST on February 21 I am not too sure if those tests can be wrong or not CSF. As far as HIV disappearing there is a guy in England that is being studied now, who came back with a negative result 2-3 years(i believe) after a positive. The same doctors are doing all kind of tests on him, that did a bunch of bloodwork tests on the ancestors of people that survived the plague. Now I know it sounds really out there, but I just saw it on the Discovery Health Channel or National Geographic Channel, not sure which one. Basically what they came up with is that the ancestors of the people of this little village outside of london are immune to a lot of viruses and HIV was one of them. I wonder if any of our England based spofites can help out here?
posted by jojomfd1 at 04:23 AM on February 22, 2007
scratch "in utero" - should say "c-section" the posts should be more about morrison, but i read some incorrect info about HIV (which is kinda important) posted by the Dr. and i thought it important to clear that up.
posted by 2 time mvp of the shittiest team ever at 05:48 AM on February 22, 2007
You should try reading the rest of "the Dr.'s" post. "However, the slightest trace of blood within the saliva (which is very possible to have without knowledge) is capable of viral transmission. Also, though not proven, it is beleived that a significant amount of saliva transfer MAY transmit the virus. Again, that has yet to be proven and it may be more closely linked to an increased possibility of blood transfer via a large amount of saliva. Most cases of transfer of any virus result from whats termed horizontal infection. That is, body fluids, breast milk, sperm, vaginal fluids etc. Tears may also carry the virus, but the high Na+ content would diminish it's effect almost instantaneously. "
posted by Mr Bismarck at 06:27 AM on February 22, 2007
Thanks for the information, Jojo. Like most other sane and caring person, I'm praying for a cure to HIV. I'm also happy for Morrison inasmuchas he has tested negative repeatedly.
posted by ChiefsSuperFan at 09:34 AM on February 22, 2007
This begs the question, what the hell are you doing in this thread? This begs the answer, because I fucking feel like it. People like you kill me with your better than everyone else mentality. It's almost like you're saying, how dare this piece of shit attempt to keep living. If your definition of "Better than everyone else" means I don't have a rap sheet of weapons, drugs, DWIs, etc., then I guess I'd respond, yeah, I am better than that. Maybe in your world those things are seen as some sort of Badge of Honor. But the next time there's a 130-post thread that gets into the idea of people treating black lawbreakers with a different set of expectations, non-acceptance, and unforgiving attitude than they do for white lawbreakers, I'm on record as saying I treat them all the same. Morrison is a journeyman who made a living, for the most part, fighting fighters who once fought someone good. He's a name because of a family member from the past, and because he was a poor actor in one installment of a popular movie series. If I'm only aloud on this thread if I say, "Gee, I sure hope he makes it," then sorry to disappoint. If this helps him stop the arrests and drug abuse, then more power to him.
posted by dyams at 10:57 AM on February 22, 2007
Unlike Foreman during his "comeback" Morrison looks ripped. Has anyone seen the promo pics?
posted by ChiefsSuperFan at 12:19 PM on February 22, 2007
His arms look... well, ugly. I doubt he's added any muscle to his chin, though there's a question about whether that matters with this pedestrian heavyweight class.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 01:46 PM on February 22, 2007
He's an admitted steroid user, so I'm not truly surprised.
posted by dyams at 02:01 PM on February 22, 2007
I bet he can do, like, 20 situps, or maybe even MORE.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:09 PM on February 22, 2007
Mr.Bismarck, i did read the whole article, the whole post, and every other post as well. An incorrect statement was made about HIV: Hence, HIV transmission only occurs via blood transfer. Yes, he goes on to say that viruses, and he/she doesn't mention HIV here, can be transferred in other ways, but then goes on to say that because of the high Na+ content would diminish it's effect almost instantaneously Not only is HIV transmission only occurs via blood transfer - a blanket statement, the post IF YOU READ THE WHOLE THING, actually asserts this to the end. If you disagree with this part, ok, but that blanket statement to conclude the 1st paragraph is incorrect, and dangerous. HIV/AIDS is a pandemic and one of the most serious problems facing the planet, we should be clear on something like this. HIV can be transferred by other means that blood. Argue with me all you want, but first, head to Haiti, meet a few girls, don't wear a condom, then get back to me ok? With an issue this serious, you can't say Hence, HIV transmission only occurs via blood transfer regardless of what you say later, because like you mentioned, often people only read parts of a post. No harm, no foul. No comdom? That's a foul in the world of HIV. Kids learn this in middle school, so when a soon to be Dr. is saying things like this, we have to wonder, if not worry. I agree with both of you on the saliva part, it seems we don't know about that one for sure yet, but an open wound in the mouth would increase the chances of transmission. has the site ever had someone to edit posts for accuracy, or is the handled by members exclusively I see people get posts erased for being too rude, but innacuracies seem ok. Which is easier for the reader to ignore?
posted by 2 time mvp of the shittiest team ever at 02:25 PM on February 22, 2007
HIV/AIDS is a pandemic That's an amazing redefinition of the term "pandemic". has the site ever had someone to edit posts for accuracy, or is the handled by members exclusively I see people get posts erased for being too rude, but innacuracies seem ok. Which is easier for the reader to ignore? "...thou hast railed on thyself."
posted by lil_brown_bat at 04:06 PM on February 22, 2007
If your definition of "Better than everyone else" means I don't have a rap sheet of weapons, drugs, DWIs, etc If shit like that was your only transgression, you'd be much easier to forgive. Your shit ass attitude is much more offensive than all those things put together Mr. Sanctimonious. Maybe in your world those things are seen as some sort of Badge of Honor. Just wondering if you have the balls to actually say what you mean when you say "my world"? Actually I can figure it out for myself when you start mentioning black vs. white. I'm just curious to see if you got the steam to say you feel that Black people may wear crime as a badge of honor. However, I'm sure someone like you will twist it around and act like you didn't mean that. Being a member for so long, I would have thought you might have seen the large number of posts from admin and the like saying basically, "if you don't favor a topic in a thread then skip it", i.e. people going in a nascar thread just to call it "whitetrashcar" or going in to a golf thread just to say it isn't a sport, and so on. Aren't we asked to avoid such things as to not set a bad example for the new comers? I can only assume that you count yourself as being above that kind of shit because you've been a member for so long, and "because YOU fucking feel like it". I hope this is proof enough that ANYONE can troll if their mood is right. It's not just the beginners. I'm also curious if you noticed that hardly anyone is responding to your bullshit but me. Anyway "god", thank you for your time and for letting us know that Tommy Morrison is going to hell regardless of what he does with the rest of his life. Completely agree. I'm just saying if, back then, I had asked you, "Which of the top fighters today will still be fighting in 2007", I don't think Morrison would have made the list. If he hadn't had the time off, he'd be done, wouldn't he? After what happened to him with Mercer and Lewis, I totally agree with the above statement. My only point is, when people start saying he fought bums and has beens, that's really all that was floating around at that time. If heavyweights only fought real competition, they would only have about 10-12 fights to their credit. I follow this point up with, name a few people Botha ko'd, or name a few people Tua ko'd. It's the heavyweight division after all. 1 of the current champions (Klitschko) got knocked down 4 times and ko'd in the damn 2nd round by no name Corry Sanders then got handled by Lamon Brewster in 5. He is now the current IBF and IBO champion. I don't think that makes him a bum, it just proves anything is possible.
posted by Bishop at 04:25 PM on February 22, 2007
That's an amazing redefinition of the term "pandemic". How so? It seemed to me that he used the term correctly. And bishop, I don't think that when she said "your world" she meant black vs. white. The way I saw it was that he meant your world specifically, not a generalized racial profiling.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 04:31 PM on February 22, 2007
How so? It seemed to me that he used the term correctly. Well, there's a lot of misuse of the term "epidemic" nowadays (for example, "obesity epidemic" -- didn't know it was catching!), which probably leads people to believe that "pandemic" means something other than it does. According to WHO, a pandemic occurs when
- a new disease emerges (new to a population, or new in general)
- the agent of the disease infects humans and causes serious illness, and
- the agent spreads easily and sustainably among humans.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 05:55 PM on February 22, 2007
Just wondering if you have the balls to actually say what you mean when you say "my world"? Actually I can figure it out for myself when you start mentioning black vs. white. I'm just curious to see if you got the steam to say you feel that Black people may wear crime as a badge of honor. What I meant had nothing to do with you personally, as it did to reference prior threads in the past, where some seemed to feel only blacks were run down for their off-field (or wherever) transgressions, and whites were never "attacked." I'm saying I don't tend to condone these things, regardless of race. You're the one who started spewing the crap about me thinking I'm better than everyone else. Why was that? Just because I don't feel the same as you regarding the subject? My feelings stand that the guy (Morrison) has done nothing to warrant any type of "hero" return to the ring. He's always been basically a second-rate fighter, and now he's claiming he was the victim of some sort of conspiracy by the boxing world? Seems like he's placing a lot more importance on himself than he probably should be. If I feel like coming here and saying it, I'll do it. Don't throw out your, "People like you kill me" stuff, then come back acting like I'm disrespecting you or this site. I was talking about the subject, and you made it personal towards me. I'm not going to crawl away and just accept it. Sorry. As for nobody responding to my "bullshit" but you, well that seems to be going both ways.
posted by dyams at 06:32 PM on February 22, 2007
Maybe in your world those things are seen as some sort of Badge of Honor. What I meant had nothing to do with you personally "However, I'm sure someone like you will twist it around and act like you didn't mean that". I called that 1. You are the only person here that even mentioned criminal records etc. Do you have any idea what kind of site this would be if all we talked about was pro athletes mistakes, arrests, drug use? You seem to act like his mistakes ruined your life personally. Everyone else here stuck to the subject, be it HIV, boxing, saying he's a bum fighter. Even mentioning his race was warranted beings that there were not many white fighters at the time. But to come in here and say: And why do I really give a crap about Tommy Morrison? Is he owed something? The guy's been in jail for drug and weapons charges, been convicted of drunk driving, admitted to using steroids before, during, and after his career, led a high-risk life which would definitely lend itself to contracting the HIV virus, And then say: I was talking about the subject Was like troll amateur hour. My feelings stand that the guy (Morrison) has done nothing to warrant any type of "hero" return to the ring Bishop: "If he does well this (being suspended for testing HIV +, then returning after testing HIV -) will be 1 hell of a story" How the hell do you get "hero return" out of that? He's fighting a beginner on a card that's being televised on Versus (of all channels), and they're not even showing HIS fight. Hero return? If I feel like coming here and saying it, I'll do it Can't argue that one, it's the first time you've been right since you got here.
posted by Bishop at 03:29 AM on February 23, 2007
No, Tommy Morrison's arrests and HIV, all that, doesn't impact me personally, just as T.O. saying crap and the Bengals getting arrested and San Diego Chargers getting shot and A-Rod and Jeter not getting along and a dad throwing his kid's wrestling opponent across the mat, and all other athlets arrests, etc., don't impact me right from where I sit presently either. But these are still the topics of numerous posts, and all types of comments. Sometimes it does seem like much of what is talked about here is athletes and their problems/mistakes (at least they tend to be the ones that generate a great many responses). I just don't feel this guy warrants being "One hell of a" story in any way, shape or form.
posted by dyams at 06:22 AM on February 23, 2007
LBB... you're wrong. Pandemic, is a global problem that's spreading. That's HIV/AIDS alright... but thanks for coming out. You don't think it spreads easily? It spreads by the very means we procreate. I've done it... and yes, it's easy.
posted by 2 time mvp of the shittiest team ever at 06:35 AM on February 23, 2007
LBB.... LOL... The best part is you've created an amazing redefinition of... amazing redefinition.
posted by 2 time mvp of the shittiest team ever at 06:43 AM on February 23, 2007
LBB... you're wrong. Pandemic, is a global problem that's spreading. That's HIV/AIDS alright... but thanks for coming out. I'm wrong, huh? Okay, I guess the World Health Organization is wrong too, Humpty Dumpty. You don't think it spreads easily? It spreads by the very means we procreate. I've done it... and yes, it's easy. Uh, TMI violation, there.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:07 AM on February 23, 2007
And, just in case you wondered...
posted by The_Black_Hand at 09:45 AM on February 23, 2007
I never said WHO was wrong, I was insinuating that your interpretation of their defintion is wrong. HIV/AIDS has really only been "around" for roughly 30 years - And over 40 million people have it. If it doesn't spread easily, are you implying that people are buying it on E-Bay? If it isn't a pandemic, tell me what is, and support this claim please. Care Says It These guys say it... and UNAIDS...well, i assume you know the UN has a specific branch for HIV/AIDS... because it is a pandemic, and the UN runs WHO. forget the source of the site, note the source in the title. wikipedia, supported by info from WHO says it American Government says it Someone WHO won't admit anything says it oh, and WHO says it... Read until you find it please. LLB... we all make mistakes I could have posted 756 links (approximately), suporting it as a pandemic, so please, realize that if you deny this fact again, I will strike down upon you with greater links and furious anger.
posted by 2 time mvp of the shittiest team ever at 03:46 PM on February 23, 2007
posted by 2 time mvp of the shittiest team ever at 04:59 PM on February 23, 2007
I just don't feel this guy warrants being "One hell of a" story in any way, shape or form Let's see. Suspended indefinitely from boxing for testing HIV+, then returning after 10 years after testing HIV -, would be one hell of a story regardless of he sport. If it was 1 of your family members playing hop scotch you would probably be asking Spofi if you could write a column about it. But it's just some low life that's beneath you so I don't expect you to think anything of it. Since you're so close to heaven up there, say Hi to Moses and John the Baptist for me. Thanks TBH, I was wondering actually.
posted by Bishop at 06:28 PM on February 23, 2007
Since you're so close to heaven up there, say Hi to Moses and John the Baptist for me. Consider it done. All you've ever done since you joined this site is talk shit to people who don't agree with whatever it is you think, so I'm done with it. You don't know dick about me, so don't even try acting like you do.
posted by dyams at 06:46 PM on February 23, 2007
If it doesn't spread easily, are you implying that people are buying it on E-Bay? If you want to believe it's easily spread, you can. Just know you're going against just about every expert/opinion on HIV. Since you're all about links to back up your point, I could come up with thousands of links that would disagree with you. You can live, work with someone, play basketball, eat with their silverware, and you won't catch HIV. Even brushing your teeth with the same toothbrush, unless there's a cut in the mouth, poses very little risk. With knowledge and a little precaution, HIV is very preventable. We're not talking about the flu here. Touching a doorknob after someone else has and getting the flu, that's easily contracted. By any measure, HIV isn't. On topic, the whole story is strange. One botched test, sure, but the follow ups? Regardless, if he is HIV free, good for him. And good for HIV and those working to prevent it. Recently he's been on ESPN claiming HIV doesn't cause AIDS. Morrison simply isn't a very good spokesperson for the cause and those living with HIV/AIDS (better today with a better outlook than they were 10 years ago also).
posted by justgary at 08:26 PM on February 26, 2007
He claims to have passed 5-6 HIV tests since his positive test. He also claims the first test was the only positive test, and it was wrong. Bob Arum stated "Doctors have told me that HIV can disappear, and if that's the case with Tommy, why shouldn't he be able to fight"? I forgot how good his record was (46-3-1, 40ko's). If he comes back and does well, this will be 1 hell of a story.