Font Size:

As journalists, we're supposed to be objective, but every now and then you come across a person that makes that extremely difficult. The kind of person who gives you that great sound byte or terrific story; they might even be able to win you over with an infectious personality. You might be required to be objective, but you cannot help but root the guy on. Jesse Brinkley is that kind of guy.

Sometimes, you turn on a camera and it seems like you're stealing an athlete's soul. They go completely numb; give one word answers; or recite cliches. Yet every night, we try to give you at least a glimpse of the essence of the athletes we cover. However, few people really let us in. Brinkley is the exception.

At the end of the day, what most of us want is the kind of athlete who we can sit down and share a beer with. Again, Jesse Brinkley is that guy.

There is no doubt in my mind that what you see on the air is an accurate portrayal of who this guy really is. He's funny; he's confident; yet he never hesitates to criticize himself when necessary.

Brinkley's promoter Terry Lane tells me he is in the process of setting up a super middleweight championship fight with undefeated Lucien Bute in Montreal in April. Yerington and northern Nevada couldn't ask for a better guy to be on the doorstep of a world title. And no one deserves it more than Mr. Brinkley.