Ever since “The Flying Tomato” won his first X-Games Superpipe gold in 2002, he’s been the most publicized, criticized, and monetized asset in snowboarding history. However this year, the X-Games decided not to invite the halfpipe veteran in a move that has been both applauded and boo’ed by many in the action sports industry.
While many believe that White is falling into the twilight years of his halfpipe career, he remains a highly visible market presence and an additional Dew Tour win in Breckenridge earlier this year has many wondering if the move was fair or if the snowboarding industry is simply tired of talking about “The Flying Tomato.”
Related: Shaun White Becomes New Part Owner Of Mammoth Mountain
As of today, many are speculating that snowboarding’s decline is due to an antiquated view of the sport that has not embraced a stylistic progression like its older brother skiing has in the past decade. White on the other hand might be channeling the Dan O’Callaghan spirit, saying the sport has become “rigged” to create a competitive tone that appeals to a younger X-Games audience.
Whatever the case may be, Shaun can always go chill at his sick SoCal beach house (as long as he’s not renting it out) and take $100 dollar bill baths with one of his former super model girlfriends that include Bar Refaeli, Summer Spiro, and Elisha Cuthbert.
Not too shabby…
What are your thoughts?
Should Shaun have been invited or should “The Flying Tomato” say goodbye to organized competition?