Is there any more maligned villain than “Money” these days? No figure in sports, this side of Tim Tebow, draws out the raw passion of sports fans the way this guy does. Can Floyd Mayweather get a break?

Sure, he has been the focal point of controversy lately. In the ring, his recent bout with Victor Ortiz caused the majority of the boxing world to label him a “cheap-shot artist”. Heck, resident HBO mummy Larry Merchant even got riled up enough to challenge him to a fight:

He has also been in and out of the news in recent years for doing the best impersonation of Ike Turner on the small screen, well, ever. Rumors of his wife’s infidelity have led him to semi-regular visits to local jails for domestic violence, leading to infamous mug shots like this:

And who can forget his infamous recent audio tirade against radio host “Rude” Jude, which brought him even more criticism from everyone from gay right’s groups to the Pope*

[via BlackSportsOnline]

Look, let’s not mince words. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not a nice guy. He doesn’t pretend to be on your level, revels in the fact that he is richer than most men can even think of being, and doesn’t care whether you like it or not.

He may also be one of the most brutally honest athletes you will ever across. There is no grey area with him, and people have a hard time dealing with someone who thinks of conversational tact as a suggestion reserved for others. He really doesn’t give a crap.

And that’s ok.

See, Floyd Mayweather is a fighter, to the core. He has made his fortune entertaining all of us by pummeling his opponents in front of millions of eyes for the majority of his adult life. In a twist that defies logic, America wants its modern day gladiators to be “warm and fuzzy” life ambassadors whose exploits can be used to help inspire their children. They want these, well, animals, to be friends.

There may come a time, long after his time in the ring is done, when Floyd Mayweather can play that role in society. Making people laugh, sharing his knowledge and doing the play-by-play for big fights. Becoming America’s buddy. That just won’t be happening anytime soon.

Athletes are not role models,and never should be. Stay classy, Floyd Mayweather