The motocross community has been buzzing with tension in recent weeks following the ongoing controversy involving Ricky Carmichael, Ryan Villopoto, Eli Tomac, and Malcolm Stewart. The drama has stirred up heated discussions among fans and riders alike, but Ken Roczen, one of the sport’s top athletes, has now weighed in with his thoughts on the matter. While Roczen doesn’t want to point fingers or assign blame, he has shared his perspective on the situation, urging everyone involved to take a step back and reflect on their actions.
“I don’t want to blame anyone, but I feel like Carmichael started the whole thing,” Roczen said, referencing the ongoing back-and-forth between the riders. “He always refers to himself as the GOAT, which, in my opinion and the opinion of many others, is untrue. But the problem isn’t just the claim, it’s that he doesn’t always behave like a true GOAT should.” Carmichael, widely regarded as one of the most dominant riders in the history of the sport, has often referred to himself as the “Greatest of All Time.” However, his recent actions and comments have drawn criticism, and Roczen suggests that, in some ways, the way Carmichael carries himself may not reflect the standards one might expect from a rider of such stature.
Roczen didn’t hold back when addressing Eli Tomac’s role in the drama. “I respect Eli so much; he’s one of the best riders out there. But in this case, he too acted childish,” he said. While Tomac is undoubtedly a fan favorite and a powerhouse in the sport, Roczen believes that even the most seasoned riders can sometimes get caught up in emotions, leading to less-than-mature behavior. His message was clear: it’s important for everyone to rise above petty conflicts and act like the professionals they are.
Roczen also called out both Ryan Villopoto and Malcolm Stewart for their roles in the controversy. “Ryan and Malcolm should also put themselves to check. They should all put themselves to check and act like mature adults,” Roczen said. “We’re all in this together, and we need to set a good example for the younger generation.” Roczen’s statement reflects his belief that the sport is bigger than any individual rivalry or disagreement.
Finally, Roczen offered a strong defense of Malcolm Stewart, who has come under fire throughout the situation. “Stewart won fair and square, and nobody can take that away from him,” he said. “So you all should stop.” Roczen’s message was clear: it’s time to put an end to the drama and focus on what really matters—racing and sportsmanship.
“I’ll see you all in Detroit,” Roczen concluded, signaling his readiness to put the controversy behind him and move forward with the racing season. His call for unity and maturity serves as a reminder that motocross, at its core, is about competition, respect, and mutual support.
