The sports world was dealt a crushing blow this week when news surfaced that legendary NFL figure John Madden had passed away suddenly at the age of 85. A former NFL coach, Madden furthered his legacy with one of the most memorable broadcasting careers in sports history. On top of that, Madden became the namesake of EA Sports line of NFL football games, dating back to 1988.
There were a lot of endearing qualities about Madden, one of which was the fact that he travelled around the country by bus because he hated flying so much. Thus, the “Madden Cruiser” was born.
Madden was pretty laid back when it came to his Cruiser, often conducting interviews from the comfort within. He only had one rule for those aboard his custom set of wheels…
No pooping on the bus!
While most aboard the bus followed the rule, three people decided to do their business on the Madden Cruiser. One was former football player, executive, and broadcaster Matt Millen, who is responsible for providing this story to The Athletic, another was FOX Sports producer Richie Zyontz, and the last… none other than The Great One himself!
Not only was Wayne Gretzky one of just three people to allegedly break Madden’s rule, but he was the ONLY one that seemed to get away with it.
“He would always bring that up,” Millen continued. “Somehow, Wayne Gretzky got a pass. Richie and I bore the brunt, but in particular, it was me because I broke the rule a block away from the hotel. He always said he had to carry that turd around the rest of the country.”
There you have it. Wayne Gretzky; the greatest hockey player of all-time, and the greatest Madden Cruiser pooper of all time as well!
(H/T The Athletic)
