Jim Ross Clarifies His Comments On Bill DeMott – Details

Mar 9, 2015

UPDATE: Jim Ross has revisited the Bill DeMott controversy today after he posted a lengthy blog post on the topic yesterday. Ross’ comments drew a strong reaction and he addressed that in the new blog:

Perhaps because my lack of writing expertise or maybe some simply wanted to believe what they chose to believe regarding what I wrote in my last blog about former WWE NXT Head Coach Bill DeMott so I will attempt to clarify my stance on this matter.

Firstly, I do not endorse the old school method of coaching whether it be on an athletic field, the gym or in pro wrestling classes. I do believe in pushing students to improve in all areas of their game and their presentation and to challenge them to achieve every thing that they envision earning as it relates to their career. The physical and mental toughness that is required to be a successful pro wrestler can be ascertained during drills and other exercises in the camp quite easily. Most talent evaluators can determine rather quickly, as in a few days, if someone has what it takes to thrive and grow in most pro wrestling camps.

I do not endorse any type of bigoted or bullying behavior in any walk of life and not just in sports or entertainment. How could any reasonable person embrace such behavior?

Many people have taken me to task about what I wrote recently about Bill DeMott and some reacted very callously and with no respect, apparently not practicing what they preach. Many of these people I’ve answered and very few have I ‘blocked’ even though their expressing themselves was often times hurtful.

ORIGINAL: Jim Ross has weighed in on the Bill DeMott story in his latest blog. You can read his comments on it below:

Bill DeMott, formerly the head coach at the WWE Development Center, has resigned amid controversy even though none of the allegations against have been proven to be true at this time. It’s been way too long since I was in Orlando to observe that operation but I was nothing but impressed with it the many times I was there. I even thought at one time of volunteering to move there and help in a more hands on manner I liked it so much. Some people who have never been that involved in organized sports often times take stereotypical locker room talk or hard coaching in a negative way when that technique of motivating athletes to become their best was the norm in the past. I vividly remember some ‘lectures’ that I received from my late father after arriving home on a Friday night after high school football games in which I played. This whole matter of the allegations against DeMott somewhat reminds me of how Adrian Peterson disciplined his child by using a switch on the child that got AD in major trouble. Obviously, times have changed because my Mom & Dad would both have gotten in big time trouble if spanking or using a switch on their only child was treated as it is today. I’m not condoning child abuse in any form whatsoever but one has to wonder just what is the proper method to discipline children in today’s society? One thing I know is that most parents who want to be their children’s best pal often times regret that philosophy later in life. But I digress.

Bill DeMott was a hard nosed, demanding coach somewhat along the lines of men like Bill Watts, Verne Gagne, Ole Anderson, Eddie Graham and others who trained some of the biggest stars in the business but in different eras Certainly DeMott wasn’t sort on passion but, according to some that have accused Bill of less than professional behavior, based on today’s standards, and that’s what we all have to abide by in every walk of life, was abusive them. I like being somewhat demanding on rookies because it has to be ascertained if the prospect truly wants to be in the business or not. It’s better to find out early so that the prospects in question can move on, train elsewhere, or simply move to the next phase of their professional lives.

This I do know and we see it virtually every day in sports and entertainment as well. Younger people are noticeably different than the same age individuals were not that many years ago. This generation of 20 something’s often times bring with them complex personalities and at times a feeling of entitlement and a certain level of defiance. These traits often times complicate the training or coaching in a variety of sports as well as in sports entertainment.

Let me make this clear, I do not condone abusing any one in any ‘arena’ of life whatsoever but in challenging endeavors such as WWE, NFL, etc where mental and physical toughness are required, it seems to continue to be increasingly challenging to train potential talents in a manner that today’ s society accepts similar to the Adrian Peterson situation which I can identify with wholeheartedly. I even had to go pick my own switch to be disciplined with back in the day. I’m a huge Adrian Peterson fan but AD, not AP, please, has to learn to discipline his children when they need it in another more acceptable manner that’s seen as OK in today’s world.

If the goal was for some of the disgruntled ‘whistle blowers’ or “victims” was to get DeMott replaced, then they succeeded and now let’s see where else it goes as the next shoe to drop may indicate the true motive of the accusers. This I do know, Bill DeMott was a hard working, die hard wrestling guy whose track record of developing talents is hard to ignore. Was he tough and demanding? Absolutely he was but that doesn’t necessarily make him the person that some are attempting to make him out to be. He was in a role that brings with it naturally a level of angst and controversy at times especially from talents who do not get “live their dream” when all is said and done

Always remember this….there are two sides to every story and don’t convict and/or execute any one until all the info is on the table. Rushing to judgment on any aspect of this matter or any is a mistake.

Also, we’ve obtained an exclusive photo of Roman Reigns and The Uso’s from when they were on the same HIGH-SCHOOL football team! What did Reigns & The Uso brothers look like when they were in high-school?!?! If you’re interested, you can click here to find out!

100% DIRECT LINK (PHOTOS): Jim Ross w/ Hall, Nash & Cody Hall!!