Let's Put Blue in Greener Patures

After Note:  I've taken some heat from certain people about the following article and for voicing my opinion on the subject of Code Blue's injury.  Certainly I mean no disrespect to Rick Wagoner and Jimmy Walton by saying what I have said in this article.  Granted, it's easy for me to say what I would do in their shoes, because I'm not in their shoes.  So my wish for them is that they are able to get all of the information they need to make a decision they feel good about.  And the following is just my opinion.  What I hope I would do if I were in their shoes.

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The biggest news out of Memphis this weekend, as far as I'm concerned, is the recurrence of Code Blue's injury. After being ridden by J.B. Mauney in the championship round last night, Blue exhibited weakness in the hindquarters, his back legs gave out, and he fell briefly to the ground before leaving the arena. My questions about the injury started prior to this weekend, but let's just say that I was worried this would happen.

I'm no vet, but if Blue were mine I'd retire him today, whether he gets a clean bill of health to continue bucking or not. First and foremost, if my bull was in this situation, I'd want to give him a chance to live out his life in comfort and safety. I might not have the glory of competition, but he would be safe and I'd still make millions selling his DNA. I don't know how many fans understand the huge amounts of money to be made selling the semen of a bull of this caliber, but it is a lot of money. A bull like Code Blue comes along rarely, and if I had a breeding program, I'd be standing in line. So, if it were me, I'd get this bull out of the arena and wouldn't bring him back. I'd let his sons tell the rest of his story. It ain't my decision to make, but if it was, I'd make it in a heartbeat.