http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/3/2...t=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter "In Search of Strange Brew" by Chuck Mindenhall. Mindenhall tells the sympathetic story of Jason Thacker, former Ultimate Fighter cast member, including an interview with the man himself. This is a very well written piece and I recommend it.
If you haven't read it yet here are some highlights that might convince you to do so... -- Thacker talks about how some smoker Muay-Thai fights and a single year of grade school wrestling became his MMA credentials for the show -- How show producers were enamored with his accent and eccentric personality and not concerned for his well being -- Getting flown out to Vegas to film the show literally the night prior, leaving behind his anxiety and depression medication and suffering from withdrawals -- Sparring with Dana White (!!) in order to get licensed -- The fallout from "embarrassing Canada" ruining his life
Thacker has become the full-time caretaker for his ailing parents and sibling. Someone who read the article has started a gofundme to raise $1,000 for him to help him out. Almost at $600 already. http://www.gofundme.com/JasonThackerTUF1
$7,700 and counting Bas Rutten just gave $100 They were able to get in touch with Thacker and he is thrilled.
The Thacker fund raised just under $13,000. Should be a big help for him and his family. In related news, Mark Coleman's GoFundMe, which is apparently still open, has raised about $45,000 for Hammer's hip surgery and aftercare.
^ Thacker was going for a Trailer Park Boys parody there at the end but it didn't come off, for anyone wondering.