I for one am interested. What was the problem with Yates?
Well, you want the truth, here it is.
I believe the year was 2003 because we went into NYC to see Dexter the day before Craig was to compete in the Night of Champions. It was his first time doing the show and Dex was going to check out his condition. We met Dex, Dennis James and Stan McCrary at Dex's room where Dex checked out Craig and warned us that Victor Martinez was looking very dangerous. I later ate a big plate of crow as I pronounced that Victor would only be allowed to carry Craig's trophy. For those who don't know me, I like to talk more trash than Gary Payton but only with people who know I am joking and know that I too have thick skin.
After leaving the room, a whole bunch of pros went to a diner down the block. We all sat together and Dorian happened to be across from me to my left. I engaged him in conversation as I had just finished reading Winston Churchill's "The Gathering Storm." I told Dorian how much I enjoyed London and how much I admired Churchill.
To my huge surprise, Dorian started denigrating Churchill and Prime Minister Tony Blair. He then went on a tirade attacking President Bush and then America itself. He said that America was a coward and a bully for invading Iraq. He said that President Bush and the American society were stupid.
Craig immediately got nervous as he knew I wasn't going to sit back and not respond. I asked Dorian if he had first, ever read any history, let alone Churchill's own words. I reminded him that the same group of people he forever imprinted on his forearm were the ones who mercilessly bombed women and children living in London during WWll.
I then moved on and asked him if when he was paid by Weider the check was in dollars or pounds. I brought up that virtually everyone who helped him was an American and most of his guest posings were due to American promotors or Americans with influence on overseas promoters. I reminded him that although he really isn't a well-known person, the only people who kiss his ass are predominantly Americans. I then also noted that all his success occured in America itself.
At this time, Dex was laughing aloud and waiving his arms. Dennis James was warning me not to start an argument with a guy so big. Craig was pleading with me to stop and not let it escalate any further.
Well, I let it. I then asked Dorain if he thought the guy speaking to him now was an American coward. Before he could answer, I said, "Why don't we go outside right now in front of all your friends and see if all Americans are cowards. C'mon, I'm a small guy, show all your friends how tough you are and crush me right outside."
At this point, Dex tried to calm the situation. Craig knew there was nothing he could do. I apologized to Craig because I knew that Dorian still had some political clout and I didn't want Craig to suffer any damage. I stood up, looked at Dorian, said to him, "well?" and then got up and walked out.
It should be noted that I don't condone violence nor fighting without a legitimate reason. My actions were immature. I let my emotions get the better of me. That is not how I was brought up.
I am sure some of you will find a way to audit me and I welcome that as this was not intended to be some act of bravado, just a truthful recount of a sad situation with two people who should've acted better.
Harley