- Rampage signed on to coach TUF as a way to heal up from his nagging injuries rather than taking a fight against Lyoto Machida. Part of the deal of coaching TUF is to fight the opposing coach shortly after the wrapping up of the show.

- The casting for the A-Team came after his TUF agreement and while it is a potentially lucrative opportunity it completely put the kibosh on a timely UFC PPV featuring Jackson vs Evans. Also the choice of Memphis as a location for the event was heavily based on Jackson fighting on the card.

- Rather than take the heat from White in private, go film the movie, and come back to fight Jackson started spewing UFC hate and blame. The smarter move would have been to go the Roger Huerta route. Do your movies, keep your mouth shut, and comeback when you're finished to wrap up your contract. As much as it annoyed Dana that a red hot Huerta was leaving to pursue other opportunities White never bashed Huerta's aspirations or tried to focus a fan backlash on the fighter.

We need to remember that these fighters are human beings and do not live in a vacuum. Rampage saw dollar signs, potentially big dollar signs for doing something that didn't require him to get punched or kicked.

In addition this opportunity, if handled correctly could greatly increase his already considerable star power in the UFC, lead to other opportunities, and maybe wipe out the remnants of the negative stigma associated with him because of his road rampage.

Unfortunately the situation wasn't handled correctly and his management is to blame. They should have shut Rampage up, placated White with promises of Rampage taking a more prominent role in promoting the UFC after he wrapped up the movie, and fighting whoever White desired for his next fight.

Instead of a resolution where all parties are at least satisfied we're left with finger pointing, threats, and promotion-fighter bashing. I think it'll be overcome much like the Tito Ortiz situation was but don't look for any hijinks between White & Rampage cageside anytime soon.

When other players retire from their contracts, we hold ceremonies, raise their jerseys and show them respect.

We all are looking for MMA to be accepted mainstream, but how can the sport be accepted when we (the actual fans of the sport) treat the athletes different from other sports.

On July 15, 2008, 10 days after losing his belt to Forrest Griffin, Jackson was arrested and booked on suspicion of felony reckless driving, and felony hit and run after striking several vehicles. He led pursuing officers on a chase while driving on the wrong side of the street and on city sidewalks in his lifted Ford F-350 with his picture painted on the side. During the chase one of the tires blew out on his truck and he continued to flee while driving on his rims. On July 18, 2008, UFC President Dana White gave an interview to Yahoo! Sports in which he said that Jackson had initially been detained for a 72 hour stay, but that had been extended. White was quoted as saying, “I think it's going to be a while before we get him back.”[citation needed] White also claimed that before the detainment, Jackson did not sleep for four days and was not eating, but only energy drinks and became mentally ill from dehydration. According to White, no drugs were found in Jackson's system.[40]

Quinton Jackson has been charged with one felony count of evading police while driving recklessly, one felony count of evading police and driving against traffic, three misdemeanor counts of hit and run with property damage, and one misdemeanor count of reckless driving when he nearly hit several pedestrians. If convicted, Jackson could face up to 3 years in prison.[41]

On August 28, 2008 Jackson pleaded not guilty to the above 2 felonies and 4 misdemeanors; however, on January 8, 2009 he pleaded guilty to one felony count of evading a police officer and driving against traffic and one misdemeanor count of driving recklessly as part of a plea agreement. Jackson will not be sentenced until January 7, 2010; in the meantime, he must complete 200 hours of community service, attend mental health therapy, pay restitution, and comply with other terms and conditions. Based on his compliance, the felony charges may be dropped, or Jackson may be sentenced to additional probation or jail time.[42]

Holly Griggs is one of the victims in the above police chase. She filed a civil suit against Jackson alleging “the impact of her abdomen with the steering wheel caused her amniotic fluid membranes (bag of waters) to rupture, ultimately resulting in the stillbirth of her baby.” She is asking for $25,000 in damages for “property damage, personal injury and emotional distress.”[43]

From what I understand it Rampage wanted to fight Evans as soon as Evans won the title. Rashad did refuse the fight. Rampage was forced to fight Jardine for little money and was named number 1 contender. He was also forced to take the fight on short notice but pulled out due to surgery.

After Evans lost the title, he really wanted to fight for the title. White talked him into still fighting Rashad because of the post-fight trash talking session between the two after UFC 96. Rampage also did not want to coach another season of TUF but he was informed that he had to so that he could fight Rashad and move on to a title shot. Although nothing excuses his actions he did get the short end of the stick.

The fact that he wanted to delay the Evans fight so that he could film the A-team movie angered White and the honchos at Zuffa. They gave him an ultimatum and came out the losers. I personally think that White is just waiting for Rampage to cool off a bit and will re-open discussion about a possible return.

Does anyone know how many fights he has left in his contract?

When Dana said that he didnt always make the best decisions, he was not kidding. If Tito and Dana could patch it up, Rampage can too. But, it is going to take something that I wonder if Rampage has anymore…being humble.

Dana, right or wrong, holds all of the cards, and one cheesey movie remake is not going to pay the bills a year down the road, nor open a ton of hollywood doors. Page, as I see it has no choice…fight for the UFC and shut up, or go broke, like fast.

I might add, most of all, I miss seeing Rampage slam somebody! Its been way too long.

Was Rampage in the wrong for not fulfilling his contract and jetting for Hollywood? Yes

Does DW take advantage of his fighters to benefit the company? Yes

Both have reasons for their actions and both need to be held accountable. I think the situation is ultimately going to work itself out and Rampage will be back inside the octagon by the fall of 2010.