Oft-injured veteran returns to BFTS following shoulder rehab
DEKALB, Texas (September 25, 2009) - There was no hesitation in his voice when Mike White said he no longer craves riding bulls.
But the 33-year-old from De Kalb, Texas, said he’ll wait until the conclusion of the 2009 season before deciding his future.
“I don’t really know yet,” said White, when asked whether he intended to retire at the end of the season.
He added that he wanted to wait and see how the next four weeks play out, adding, “Depends on when I get back whether I get to winning money or not. I really don’t know, to tell you the truth.”
White called professional bull riding “a young man’s” sport.
“It’s a proven fact that I just can’t compete against the young guys,” White said. “Honestly, I ride to win a world title, and I can’t see that happening next year for me, not against all these kids. I just can’t keep up with the kids.”
In 15 events, he’s covered 17 of 35 bulls for a 48.6 percent average and is in 30th place. However, he is 51st in the Qualifier Standings and just over $15,000 shy of the 40th and final qualifying position for the World Finals.
A PBR fan-favorite, White has missed 12 Built Ford Tough Series events this year due to various injuries. His career injury report is, perhaps, the most extensive list of any rider to have competed in the PBR.
“I honestly don’t crave it like I used to,” White said. “I’ve enjoyed my time at home when I’ve been off and really liked it. Don’t really know—I’m not going to lie, I’m doing it for the check. I’m not doing it because I love to ride bulls anymore. I’m beat up and bruised up and I think I’ve done my time.”
In his 12 years as a professional, White won the PBR Rookie of the Year title in 1999 (the same year he won a PRCA world title) and competed in 213 BFTS events. He’s won 12 event titles.
To this point in his career, he has qualified for the PBR World Finals every year and posted an impressive thirty-nine 90-point plus rides throughout, including last season’s 95.75-point ride on the then-unridden Troubadour at Tulsa, Okla.
He has won over $1.4 million in career earnings.
When asked if it was relief to be at a point in which could be honest with himself, White said, “I’d rather be honest with myself than sit there lying to myself and telling myself I’m still good as I was when I was a kid. I’m not.
“I could sit there and look at film from when I used to ride back in the late 90s and early 2000s, and I don’t ride the same. I buck off bulls I shouldn’t buck off of.”
NEWS and NOTES
In and Out: Brendon Clark and Cody Campbell are both out of the draw for weekend’s event in Ontario, Calif. Clark is out with a shoulder injury, while Campbell was hurt in a practice pen. Campbell is expected to return in time to compete in Portland. In the meantime, Matt Werries and Travis Sellars are now competing in their place.
Road to Vegas: All roads are leading to Las Vegas! The Built Ford Tough Series is in Springfield this weekend, but at this time of the season the PBR is all about the World Finals, which is Oct. 30 through Nov. 8. Call 866-PBR-SHOW for ticket information or log onto www.unlvtickets.com to order your tickets for what will be one of the tightest finishes for the world title.
Worldwide leader in sports: After reading all the content – Web features, blogs and Podcasts – at www.pbrnow.com, fans can get even more coverage from ESPN by logging onto www.espnbullriding.com.
Mike, I have such mixed emotions about the possibility of you retiring from bull riding. You have always been one of my very favorites, along with Chris Shivers and Wiley Peterson, to name a few. Remember, as you contemplate what you want to do at the end of this year, that you have created some great memories for so many fans, and we love you for it. Do what you need to do for MIKE, but don't ever forget how much pleasure you have given us over the years! We wish you luck, whatever decision you make!!! Oh how we will miss you if you retire, but you must put yourself and your family first.
margalo399 September 26, 2009
You have given us fans many a thrilling ride, and some of the high points in the sport. You have been my favorite rider since the first time I tuned into the sport, and you will be missed. Maybe there is room in the booth for you--don't be a stranger to the PBR, you still have so much to offer! Good riding and stay healthy.
tmcpbr September 26, 2009
mike, i will be sad if you retire, but you know whats best for you
ogomezmontes September 25, 2009
I guess everything comes to an end but to hear Mike speaks of retirement is really sad.He is one of the guys EVERYBODY wants to see on a bull.It doesn't matter if he rides,just to see him there is in itself a treat.When he rides is a cl!@#ic.It really looks good.It is the same as Shivers.There both are like the essence of the PBR and Professional Bullriding.It will be very sad to not see him at the events.I met him in Glendale one year and he was the GREATEST.Sad to see him go but happy for having had the pleasure to see him ride.Good luck Mike in whatever you future hold.I still keep hope that he decides to stay around for a couple of more years.
KCMfan September 25, 2009
I am glad to see you back. But very sad about the news that you are thinking of retiring after this year. But as you mentioned it is for the younger ones (not that you are old), but if your heart is not in it anymore and you don't crave it, it is not worth the risk. I have always been a huge fan of yours and Chris and have enjoyed watching the two of you. Last year at the World Finals, my sister bid on the shirt you had in the silent auction and got it for me. It was one of the best things I have ever received and I will treasure it forever. I wish you the best in whatever you decide and until that day comes I will be cheering for you like I have done for the last 12 years. Good Luck Mike.
hopimesa September 25, 2009
Mike, you are such a true Cowboy Gentleman!! I've enjoyed wathcing you ride, but more than that, I've enjoyed when you are interviewed. You know how much the fan admirer you and that you will be missed. But, you know with anything else, we know when it's time to move on. I've been to the Finals in 07, and to the Mohegan Event twice but sadly, never got to meet you. Hopefully, you'll be in Connecticut in a few weeks at Mohegan Sun. Mike, all the best to you and your family and may God bless you on whichever path you walk!
fan September 25, 2009
Thanks for the update on Mike. I am sorry I did not get to see him ride in three of the four events I have been to this year. I wish him well in coming back and happy to hear he is going to a helmet. If he does decide to retire after this year he will be missed.
Just one thing I noticed in the article. It is stated that Mike White was the first to ride Troubadour. I am almost 100% sure that Kody Lostroh was the first to ride Troubadour last year for I believe 93.50.
smartypants September 25, 2009
Welcome back, Mike. Hope you have a successful rest of the season. If you decide to hang it up. you will be missed, but you need to do what is best for you. You will be missed if you do.
Joan Simpson September 25, 2009
It is so sad to hear Mike say he doesn't crave riding bulls anymore. In such a dangerous sport you just about have to have the craving and burning desire to be successfull in riding these bulls. It has had a great career but besides the physical tole on your body you have to have a mental desire also. He has always been one of my favorite bull riders. He will just have to see if it is worth it to keep on riding after these next four events. I agree with him it is a young mans sport. When you are young, single and have a free spirit, you feel like you can do anything. But when you start careing more for a wife and family and you get hurt and have concussions and surgeries, I can see it not being as fun or even worth risking injuries or your life. I certainly will be cheering for him and I sure hope he will ride all of his bulls. I am glad he has decided to wear a helmet and I know he will be glad to be with his riding partner again, Chris Shivers. Take care and ride those bulls. There will be a lot of fans cheering you on to win an event, we are behind you all the way.
alade3746 September 25, 2009
Mike - If you should read this please know that the fans love you. Personally, you have been my favorite for years and I would soooooo miss you if you decided to retire (and I'm not surprised that you're considering it). I have had the pleasure of speaking with you several times and you are always the gentleman. I will be in Columbus in a couple of weeks and look forward to seeing you there . And what ever you decide to do, I wish you the very best.
louisiana fan September 25, 2009
I am sorry to hear this however Mike is right, age catches up with you at some point in your life and for someone in a profession like bull riding I can guess it's sooner rather than later. I would suppose injuries play a major part in a riders ability no matter what your age may be. Mike has had more than his share of those, let's hope that his return will be a smooth one and he can finish out the year in good shape. Whatever he decides I am glad that I got into watching bull riding while he has been a part of it.I've really enjoyed seeing his friendship with Chris Shivers, our Louisiana man. Best of luck Mike!
pbrvegas77 September 25, 2009
just reading on Mike and how he will finish out the season and then decide what he would do, and he is saying that," Don’t really know—I’m not going to lie," and “Depends on when I get back whether I get to winning money or not. I really don’t know, to tell you the truth.”
So I looked him on the draw of bulls the rider are getting: guess what Mike drew a bull called"White Lies",...guess he'll ride for a go round win,..Go Mike!!
pbrvegas77 September 25, 2009
just reading on Mike and how he will finish out the season and then decide what he would do, and he is saying that," Don’t really know—I’m not going to lie," and “Depends on when I get back whether I get to winning money or not. I really don’t know, to tell you the truth.”
So I looked him on the draw of bulls the rider are getting: guess what Mike drew a bull called"White Lies",...guess he'll for a go round win,..Go Mike!!
ironmikefan September 25, 2009
In the past five years going to the Finals in Vegas, all the role models of bull riding is slowing bowing out, and 5 yrs at the Finals meet n greet Mike White, Justin McBride, Chris Shivers, Adriano Moreas, Paulo Crimber, Lee Akins, Wiley Petersen , Mike Lee, Jody Newberry, and now they are at their closing careers sooner or later they will be in the PBR hall of Fame and we wish Mike the best in whatever he decides to do He knows and his body tells him it's time to hang up the ropes and spurs so be it, but you are still a champion at heart. GOD Bless as you finish out the season and hope to see you at the Finals in Vegas.
lostrohfan1986 September 25, 2009
My mom is going to be so sad when she reads this article, she is a huge Mike White fan...as am I. Love to watch Chris and Mike and the friendship they have, and Mike is just a wonderful guy. I commend him for being honest with himself, his family, and his fans. He know's his body, better than anyone, and he'll know when it's time. Until then I will be cheering for him to make the best of the time he has left. GOOD LUCK MIKE
countrey September 25, 2009
This is saddening to hear. Obviously the day would come as it does for all riders, but I was hoping that it would not come so soon (even it if it ends up not being until the end of next year). I have always enjoyed watching you ride and will watch and cheer contently until your last ride. You have always proven to be an awesome guy and I wish you all the best with each ride and the future.
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Listen to Mike White's Full interview
September 27, 2009