I’m making a brief return from my sabbatical just to bring some more awareness to something that has evolved over the last 24 hours.
As the result of the tragic death of Charles “Mask” Lewis, co-founder of TapouT Clothing, the MMA community has collectively banded together in support of the late pioneer by naming today “Black Friday.” Simply wear your black TapouT gear wherever you go today (work, school, or out tonight) and show your support.
From a business standpoint, the contributions by Mask and TapouT to the sport of MMA have been invaluable. He was involved from day one: selling t-shirts out of his trunk and promoting every event he could in order to generate awareness. As his company grew in capacity, he escalated his level of commitment in sponsoring events and fighter themselves; and, if you’re a regular of this site, you well understand the vital role that corporate sponsorship plays in our sport. Finally, in recent years, he’d pushed the development of a television show to showcase up-coming talent and further promote the TapouT brand.
While a cynic might suggest that everything he did was to further his business, I argue that he founded his business upon a deep passion for the sport of mixed martial arts and it was that passion that drove the success of his company.
On behalf of MMApayout.com, I’d also like to extend condolences to the family and friends of Charles Lewis in this trying time. May you find the strength and courage to carry on in your darkest hours.
Rest in peace, Charles.