“mohr” Exposure
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"Mohr" Exposure An Exclusive Interview with ESPN’s Jay Mohr at the World Fighting Alliance’s Level 2 event By Loretta Hunt  I got the call the morning of Friday, July 5th saying that I’d get five minutes with Jay Mohr. Mohr, the host of ESPN’s sports comedy show "Mohr Sports", had arrived into town the night before and I was told that his schedule would be very tight. Mohr was the guest of John Lewis and his World Fighting Alliance show, and had come to record some footage of the MMA event that night for an upcoming show. I was told that only one other mixed martial arts reporter would be granted time with the celebrity, so I knew I had to make my short encounter with him count. Thoughts started to rattle through my head as to just what I would ask him. I was anxious to find out what he knew of the sport and to reveal his intentions, but all the while knew that I would be representing not just myself, but thousands of MMA fans around the world. My words would have to be chosen carefully. As I got off the phone and quickly prepared my questions, I tried to think of a good "icebreaker" for the film, television and stand-up comedy star. His role as a sleazy sports agent opposite Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire," although highly entertaining, was too obvious to mention. Everyone had seen that movie. As I gathered my things, I remembered his highly acclaimed yet short lived TV show "Action" and a smile came to my face. I was off. I arrived at the WFA offices to find Jay Mohr, surrounded by assistants and admirers, trying on wardrobe for the evening’s festivities. There was a heightened sense of excitement in the room brought on by the celebrity’s presence. Jay approached me with an extended hand and gave me the once-over. The first thing I noticed were his piercing blue eyes. The second — this dude was pretty small. Jay was immediately pleasant and surprisingly anxious to talk to me and as we were guided to a quiet corner, I was again reminded that I had only five minutes (Jay, himself, would later milk it to ten.) He started by explaining that he had been on the sinful streets of Vegas with John Lewis, Frank Shamrock and Jermaine Andre (slated to fight that night) the night before, and his breath might not be up to par. I chuckled and responded that I would keep my distance. Then, with the clock ticking, I took a deep breath and began. FCF: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me Jay and to come out and see this MMA show. How did ESPN and your sports show "Mohr Sports" get involved with this upcoming WFA 2 event? FCF: Did you have any knowledge of mixed martial arts before the e-mail? Click here to continue the interview |
