angryjonny

For anyone curious about Miller. Here is an update. I am pretty sure Jason is not going to be able to compete against Lawler. Thompson is probably going to suspend him because he doesn't want people to think that they hire criminals. Jason will probably get the charges dropped against him by his ex-girlfriend but the suspension will stand. I also imagine they may announce who Robbie's opponent will be.

January 20, 2006 Honolulu, HI Jason “Mayhem” Miller, who turned himself into the Honolulu Police Department on charges of alleged Burglary and Assault in December of 2005, will make his first public statement Satruday (tomorrow), January 21 at 2 p.m., inside the Eastside Grill (University Ave/Pucks Alley).

Icon Sport (formerly Super Brawl) promoters T. Jay Thompson and Patrick Freitas will also be making an announcement about the future of their highly anticipated February 18, 2006 event, in which Miller is scheduled to challenge Robbie Lawler for the organization’s Middleweight Championship. Miller’s recent legal woes have created widespread confusion about the event, leaving fans to wonder “will he” or “won’t he” be available to compete. Thompson, Freitas, Miller, and his attorneys will reach a conclusion on the athlete’s immediate future later today. Again, the results of this meeting will be announced at the press conference tomorrow.

Atlanta-born Jason “Mayhem” Miller is one of Icon Sport’s marquee athletes. He began his Icon Sport career in 2003, and has since gone undefeated in Hawaii. In 2004 Miller won the Icon Sport World Welterweight Title, with his win over Hawaii’s Ronald Jhun. In 2005 Miller surrendered his Welterweight Title so that he could move up a weight class to pursue the Icon Middleweight Title. Miller is known as being one of mixed martial art’s most outspoken, colorful, and popular athletes. In 2005, Miller signed a five-fight contract with Icon Sport valued at $200,000.

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IYAOYAS

Suspend him and then release him from him contract.....Come to the UFC Mayhem...Come to the UFC... I know they said there was no conduct clause but hey....

angryjonny

I think that may be what happens. The supsending and release part that is. I just think T. Jay is still in the process to make Icon more recognizable and Jason definitely did not help the matter.

I would love to see Miller come in the semi-lacking 185 division. A lot of people have this misconception that he sucks because he got beat by St. Pierre, but he went the distance with him at he was in the worst shape he has ever been in. I know it isn't saying much to some but I think it's pretty impressive.

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angryjonny

Here is an update of what when on at the press conference.

Icon Sport President T.Jay Thompson, in a serious tone, opened the press conference with a discussion about the reputation of Icon Sport and mixed martial arts (MMA). He stressed that Icon Sport is keenly aware of its image in the community, especially with the degree to which MMA has become such a popular, mainstream sport.

He reinforced that the brand evolution/change from Super Brawl to Icon Sport was made specifically because of the widening demographics of MMA fans. He stated that a decade ago "Super Brawl" was targeted at young, male fans. As the sport has grown over the last 10 years, T.Jay said that he has seen the audience become more broad-based, now with young, old, male, and female fans. "We want to put on shows where a dad can feel comfortable bringing his wife and their 14-year old son." The "Icon Sport" image was developed so that the organization's events would appeal to the sport's growing fan base.

T.Jay concluded that Icon Sport was essentially put in the unfortunate position of having to suspend Jason Miller because of the organization's duty to be a responsible member of the community. He stated that the nature of Miller's current legal situation "left no other alternative" and that, "it was the right thing to do." He further stated, "we need to send the right message to the fans that members of the 'Icon Sport Family' will be held responsible for their actions." T.Jay then gave details of the suspension, stating that it was "indefinite" and that Miller's standing in Icon Sport would be evaluated over time. "With that," T.Jay stated, "we still consider Jason part of 'Icon Sport Family'. And although the suspension is harsh, we will continue support him, especially as he goes through such a difficult time in his life."

T.Jay confirmed that the next event's date would be moved one week from the 18th to the 25th of February. He later announced that Niko Vitale, former Icon Middleweight Champion, has accepted to fill Miller's place in a non-title bout against current champion Robbie Lawler. T.Jay then asked Jason Miller to step up to make his comments.

Miller, visibly upset, then stepped in front of the row of reporters and cameras. Miller stated that he was "sorry for the entire situation and everyone who is involved." He said, "...I understand the suspension fully and I probably deserve worse." "It upsets me that I sent the wrong message to all the young 'monkeys' (Miller fans) who look up to me. I'd hate to think some young fans may see that the way I acted is acceptable behavior. Its not." Miller went on to say, "I worked hard to earn the respect of the Hawaii fans over the last couple years. I hope after all of this passes they give me the chance to earn it back."

Vitale was then invited by T.Jay to step forward and say a few brief words. Regarding Miller, Vitale was gracious in saying, "I forgive Jason. I hope the fans will forgive him, too." He also stated, "I'd like to challenge Jason at this time to use this situation in a positive way and become a better person...and to learn from his mistakes." Vitale then spoke about how excited he is to be facing Robbie Lawler once again. "The last time it was a war. I know its going to be another war, but I'm a different fighter now. I learned a lot from my last two fights. I'm still in good shape and I'm still training." "I will be ready."

Lawler stated earlier in the day by phone that his win over Vitale was, "the toughest win I ever had. No one ever hit me or slammed me as hard as Niko."

Icon Sport's February 18th tickets will be honored at the new February 25th date. Fans who have previously purchased tickets may simply show up with those same tickets.

Not too surprising. Glad to see Falaniko isn't giving up yet. Wish it was a title match but oh well. I hope Niko wins because he needs it.

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Unknown

Thanks for this Jonny.

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Billdolfski

I don't care if he's goofy and has plats. He's a pretty damn good fighter.