Outrageous Budweiser Ad Blows Lid Off Spoiled Athletes

LOS ANGELES--A new ad series from Budweiser offers a scathing satire on today’s spoiled, selfish athletes. The hilarious, original spots feature a familiar looking multi-sport athlete named Leon who seems to care more about himself than the well being of the team. The outrageous and innovative commercials are bound to stir controversy.

“This is the kind of daring, socially relevant satire that makes Bud commercials stand out,” said George Nelson, director of marketing for Budweiser. “I know a lot of people are afraid to come out and say that today’s athletes are selfish and overly coddled, but not us. With Leon, we’ve created a character that embodies all the traits of today’s me-first superstars. Not only that, it’s hilarious. This is a commercial that had to be made.”

Budweiser executives were aware of the risk of tackling a taboo subject like spoiled athletes. But true to their subversive from, they went through with the commercial anyway.

“You can’t go through life afraid of offending people, “ said Nelson. “Sometimes you just have to tell it like it is. We’re making a statement here. If America can’t handle our hard-edged, brutally honest social commentary then they shouldn’t be enjoying the bold, rich taste of Budweiser.”

Rich Henkle, who wrote and directed the spots, complained that today’s millionaire athletes are not held accountable for their actions and that people shouldn’t be afraid to criticize them for their selfishness.

“I know everyone’s pretty nervous about offending these pricks, but I’ve never been the kind of person to shy away from controversy,” said Henkle. “I like to shake things up and rock the boat, you know? So when I came up with this brilliant idea of spoofing sports stars that are only in it for the money and fame, I didn’t hesitate to call the people at Bud and tell them my idea. Yea, I could’ve gone to Coors or Miller, but those guys are too wishy washy to do something this edgy. Needless to say, the Bud people were on board in an instant. Their beer may taste like pee, but their commercials kick ass.”

Henkle also detailed the lengthy casting process that took place in the weeks before shooting.

“For something like this, casting is of the utmost importance. We needed someone who could be the epitome of all that is wrong with sports today. But we wanted it to be funny too, because good satire must invoke laughter to get its point across. We also needed someone black because, let’s face it, we’re not talking about white people here.”

After the commercial hit the air, shocked and embarrassed professional athletes vowed to change their ways.

“Whoa, that one really rings true,” said the Vikings Randy Moss. “I never realized what an asshole I am. Thanks, Budweiser.”

The Ravens’ Deon Sanders couldn’t help but see a little bit of himself in Leon.

“When I first saw that commercial, I laughed my ass off,” he said. “It’s really funny stuff, especially when he refuses to do an interview from the right side because it’s not his ‘good side.’ Man, that’s outrageous! But after I saw it a few times, I couldn’t help thinking ‘Is this supposed to be about me?’ I have been a little boastful at times. Maybe I should try to have a little more humility from now on. I don’t want to be a target of Budweiser’s razor sharp satire anymore. It hits a little too close to home.”

The ads also made had an impact with sports fans. Sales of Budweiser skyrocketed as millions of television viewers around the nation applauded the sheer audacity of the spots. Judging from the positive reaction, it looks like the folks at Budweiser have struck a nerve.

“Holy shit, that new Bud commercial is awesome!” shouted “Dan” a caller to Chicago’s Mad Dog Mike show. “Those guys are really pushing the envelope. Nobody has ever observed that pro athletes can sometimes be egotistical. Are they even allowed to say things that provocative? My favorite one is when the coach asks Leon to go into the game but he says 'no' because he’s got to a photo shoot later. Bullseye! That is so true. Man, it’s about time somebody opened their mouths and spoke out against these jerks. Take that, Terrell Owens!”

With the popularity of the “Leon” commercials growing daily, some are wondering if the spots may transform the face of professional sports forever. By blowing the lid off modern day sports superstars and their gargantuan egos, Budweiser may have unwittingly effected a tidal wave of change in the way athletes behave.

“Effective satire can have long lasting effects on its targets as well as on society in general,” said sports psychologist Dr. Richard Robbins. “When someone like Budweiser comes around and shocks the nation with their stunning and accurate commentary, it may force people to change the way they view their favorite athletes and change the way the athletes view themselves. And I, for one, think it’s about time. Those African-American athletes are getting way out of control.”