Congratulations Guilherme Marchi!

[CThrash13]

Congrats to Guilherme Marchi on winning his first World Title. He had the most dominant season I've ever witnessed, and he deserves every bit of the accolades and respect coming his way. It's been a pleasure watching him ride the last several years, and I'm glad he won the big one.

Oh yeah, he might go 8 for 8 and win the World Finals as well! That would be fitting for sure.

[teagan]

Watching him this season was definitely something to behold. I'm so glad he didn't lose it at the end and stayed calm and focused instead.

Can you tell me: How many riders over the years have won both the event title and WC? I know Mike Lee has. Anyone else?

[Homeslice]

Nope, just Mike.

Anyway, congratulations to Marchi! I was seriously pulling for him all year long after all he had been through. I mean, JB and Valdiron were among those that gave him a good battle but now he bested them all. I'm so happy to see him finally reach the pinnacle. Now we'll see if more will come for him.

And also, this is an interesting article concerning him: www.pbrnow.com/wf08/news/index.cfm/news/4482/6/

[k9stylist1968]

After reading the comments on Guilherme's blog on the PBR site, I don't believe that any of Adriano's comments were directed toward any of us on Probullstats, gibsonprorodeo, or this site.

There is a person (I'm sure it's one person posting under multiple names: JMfan, Martha, and one other name--absoluteBeotch would be ideal) making horrible comments about GM only choosing "easy" bulls and that he doesn't deserve the buckle for that reason AND because his English isn't great. Adriano was right in saying that if those bulls are "easy" they need to step up and show how "easy" they are. And if he/she/they think Guilherme's English (which has improved steadily over the years--and even more this year) is so atrocious, I say let's hear their Portuguese!

Like many, I've had the pleasure of meeting Guilherme at several events; and you won't find a more genuinely friendly, gracious, and humble man. The first time, I had a brief conversation with him and his lovely wife, Patricia when they were asking about Arthur (my KSDS pup) at the Kansas City event. I explained how Arthur (then a 5 1/2 month old pup) was a foster puppy with a possible future as either a guide, service, or social dog. They told me about their poodle. He apologized that his English wasn't good, and we all had a good laugh when I said "Believe me, it's way better than my Portuguese!"

As I posted on that blog--he needs to ignore his few detractors and just continue to be the God and family loving man he is who truly enjoys his life, his career and his fans.

[CThrash13]

It's tough to call bulls that help produce an average score around 90 easy bulls. My only problem from the week was him picking Copperhead Slinger for the millionth time, but even that resulted in another 92.25. The announcers said it numerous times, and I'll say it again. The quality of bulls at this year's PBR World Finals was second to none. He has ridden 6 for 6, and that is saying something.

That being said, there will always be the fans who rain on the parade. It will happen, and Guilherme and every other athlete have to deal with it. It's part of the territory.

[k9stylist1968]

I understand that, Cody. But sheesh, I don't want to see this sport's fans acting like many NASCAR fans. Many (probably a small but obnoxious minority) seem to think that if one likes Dale, Jr (for instance) he has to hate Jeff Gordon--just the first two names I thought of; I'm not a NASCAR fan so I really don't know many of the drivers.

Can one not be a fan of both Marchi and McBride? I certainly am. As I've said many times, you could take me down the list of the top 45 riders, and I can find something admirable in every one of them; and having met them, I can honestly say that the vast majority are very LIKEABLE, friendly young men. The couple that I haven't found very friendly/likeable I wouldn't take anything away from their riding ability but will say they are jerks in person--or at least were the times I've met them.

And I for one, am glad that the normally-gracious Adriano spoke up and called that bozo on his/her ignorance, even though he was far more diplomatic than I would have been toward someone insulting a friend of mine.

[CThrash13]

I'm not a fan of either Marchi or McBride, but my respect level for both is very high. My point was mostly the fact that there are going to be people raining on the parade every time an accomplishment like this is achieved. We can dislike it all we want, but it will happen every time. That's why I don't really get bothered by things like that anymore. It happens in all sports, even bull riding.

[teagan]

There is a person (I'm sure it's one person posting under multiple names: JMfan, Martha, and one other name--absoluteBeotch would be ideal) making horrible comments about GM only choosing "easy" bulls and that he doesn't deserve the buckle for that reason AND because his English isn't great.

Oh you're kidding. Was this posted on his blog on the PBR website? That kind of viciousness should be left out--they monitor for a reason. Saying you don't agree with his choices of bulls or the draft in general is one thing, but personal things like attacking his English is something else altogether.

Personally, I think he chose wisely. I said in another thread that the minute that the PBR instituted the draft, they made it into a strategic game and he used that to his full advantage. I was happy to see him finally get the buckle last night.

Now, having said that, I wish that, if they PBR really wanted a draft int he finals, they had limited it to something like every other round or just the first weekend.

[Homeslice]

Well, Finals over, and Guilherme didn't ride 8. But congrats to him, still coming in 2nd there and most importantly, claiming his beloved World Title! And you gotta congratulate his fellow countryman, Robson Palermo, for getting the World Finals event win! I'm glad Robson was able to bounce back after a year riddled with injuries. He definitely rode like he deserved it.

Congrats to Chris Shivers for his comeback here. I was sick for him when he bucked off of Troubadour, but that was still a match-up for the ages, and despite his hit in round 7, it looks like he is back for sure.

And so we say goodbye to Moraes and McBride. I liked McBride's interviews throughout the course of the event - he was humble, yet he really seemed to mean what he said on retiring. He looks relieved, probably. I still hate seeing him go this early, but I'm glad he's doing it while he's on top. And with all the money he's made, I'm sure he's set. Who knows, we'll probably hear more from him on future music releases!

Now, is it me, or did anyone want to SMACK Donna Brothers when she ran to a crying Adriano? I know I sure did, and I'm a guy. I was about ready to cry myself when he bucked off and started to cry. "Adriano, I hate to bother you at a time like this...." Then why in hell did you bother him, Donna? Leave him be! Adriano, thanks for all the memories you've provided for us. It won't be the same without you here. Good luck, man.

[fraudbroad]

Congrats to Guilherme and Robson. I have met both of them and they are real gentlemen.
They stayed on their bulls and got the job done. Enough said!

I cringe when the PBR is going to be on NBC, Donna Brothers has a nails on the chalkboard quality to her for me and the events lose alot of their flavor compared to when Versus has them.

[mobull]

Kudos to Guilherme for his determination and talent. That was a well-deserved win and a touching celebration last night. Congrats also to Robson, Chris, JB, Renato and Reese for bringing it to the finals and giving Guilherme a run for the money. This was the first world finals I've watched and thought it was incredible! Glad I got to see Adriano and Justin Mcbride in their last season.
The PBR would not be the same without the boys from Brazil! Forget the haters and their small, closed minds....
As for Donna Brothers... what IS WRONG with that woman? I hope Adriano's lovely wife caught up with her later behind the chutes and taught her some manners! hehe

[teagan]

Now, is it me, or did anyone want to SMACK Donna Brothers when she ran to a crying Adriano?

I did! No one needed a comment at that moment. We'd heard one from him earlier and between that and his reaction after his last ride, that's all that was needed. His face said it all. She ruined the moment for me and I'm sure for him, too.

Congrats also to Robson, Chris, JB, Renato and Reese for bringing it to the finals and giving Guilherme a run for the money.

I agree! They were all outstanding. I can't imagine what it's going to be like for them being behind the chutes w/o Justin and Adriano next year, but the old guard is passing the torch (sorry about the tired, old phrase) and the riders you listed are going to be the ones to carry on into the next decade (yes, I know we still have some greats left, but I wonder how much longer we'll see them around?). I'm looking forward to seeing what next year brings.

[BucknSpin]

While I admit that - for me - this wasn't the most exciting Finals I've ever seen, it was a very emotional one. It's tough for those who've been watching the PBR since it's infancy to see icons of the sport retire, but to have two retire at once is really hard.

Adriano has been an on&off favorite of mine over the years, but I've never, ever doubted or questioned his talent, and what he means to and has done for the sport of bull riding. I truly wish he could have covered his last bull, but no matter - he's still a hero in my eyes. And because he craves the attention, we'll probably still see alot of the guy in years to come!

I was VERY offended that dippity Donna got in his face after his last ride. Yeah, her job was to report the event, but those few minutes after Adriano's last ride should have been a private moment. She had NO business asking - no, demanding - an interview at that moment. There's no excuse for what she did. None.

I wonder why NBC felt that the team of Hummer, McKee, Murray, Hart & Gaffney were perfectly fine, but they felt the need to replace Leah with that woman who apparently has only a brief knowledge of the sport and its riders?? Did anyone catch the comment she made to Justin about enjoying his retirement and his children? Last I'd heard, Justin had just the one daughter. NBC needs to lose this "talent".

On Justin's retirement - he was never one of my favorites, mostly because of the PBR's intent to make him their golden child. However, I never questioned his ability/talent, either. He truly was a champ. And I was sad to see him retire, too, but it was easier to listen to his interviews because you could tell that he wasn't nearly as torn on his decision to retire as Adriano was.

Glad to see Chris making a spectacular return. He seems to be healthier than he has been in a LONG while. He'll definately be one to watch next season!

And KUDOS to Marchi for finally winning! I've pulled for that guy for the last several seasons, and am so glad he finally got it done!!

[margalo]

I thought Donna Brothers hounding of poor Adriano during one of the most trying moments of his life was unkind, and a type of voyeurism that needs to end where this sport is covered. Ditto dragging a camera into the locker room when a rider bucks off--why would you make a hard moment harder for a person? Do they get feedback from viewers that it makes good television? I've never heard anything but negative reaction to it.

As for the coverage of this Finals in general, whatta bull pen~thank goodness they haven't found any reporters who speak bovine!

[Homeslice]

I was happy that Kenny Rice was substituted with Craig Hummer, but honestly? I think NBC should fire Donna Brothers. She wasn't good to begin with, but her butting into a sobbing Adriano's tender moment really snapped the rope for me.