From the Archives - Interview with Tom (2005)
11.18.2008
I sat down with Tom Meleagris over the weekend. His quiet demeanor was contagious and much
needed after a stressful end to the tryout period. Tom isn't one of those icons who
allows the label of "celebrity" to pollute his personality. He takes things one day,
one step at a time and loves keeping a low profile despite his overwhelming popularity.
It was an honor to sit down with an American icon and I am so pleased to bring this interview
to the Sting family.
Sting: So, some say you are a bit of a recluse; are you?
Tom: No, not really. I love to strut around but there is a time and place for it
you know what I mean. It's like, yeah, I love going out in public and being seen and
all but right now, I just like laying low. It's a timing thing I guess.
Sting: I see. What would you say is the most mis-understood thing about you?
Tom: That's a good question. Despite what many people say, I can really get up.
If I get a good approach going; it's up and away.
Sting: Wow!
Tom: Yeah, you should see the look on my opponents face sometimes. They look at me
and think, "He's too fat to get up like that." Don't ever underestimate the skills of Tom,
that's what I'm talking about, yo.
Sting: So, do you feel disrespected sometimes?
Tom: Oh sure. When you are a guy like me, it's constant. "He's fat," "He's stupid,"
I've heard it all. I'm just out there doing my thing you know. Representing the Wood is what
it's all about.
Sting: The Wood?
Tom: Yeah, the Wood. That's where I'm from.
Sting: Gotcha. So with you're on again, off again celebrity status, do you find it
hard to keep true friends?
Tom: Nah. See back in the Wood I still hang with my boy Jake. We have been through
it all together. I keep it real as I can. Some people say I am flamboyant and at
times I "display" and it gets a bit much.
Sting: "Display?"
Tom: You know, show people what I've got. Show them what it's all about. I'm all about
a strong presence. I'm all like, "What's up now, yo?" It's hard when you lay low for a while but
sometimes you just have to remind people who you are.
Sting: Not familiar but I'll take your word for it. So, do you think those people have a point?
You just seem so quiet. Do you think your flamboyancy makes you an easy target?
Tom: You know, some people are just jealous. They don't understand that is how things are where
I'm from. If you don't put yourself out there for everyone to see, you don't amount to much in the Wood.
Yeah it makes me an easy target but what am I supposed to do? Stay hidden from society? A man like me has
to stretch his legs and strut every once in a while. I just have to be me, you know what I'm saying?
Sting: But most of the time, like right now, you stay low. It seems so odd to live life to such extremes.
Did you ever think the trouble would pass you buy if you didn't feel the need to "display?"
Tom: Man, you have to live in the Wood to understand.
Sting:Ooookay. So, what are your Thanksgiving plans this year?
Tom: I'm a Vegan.
Sting: What does being from Vegas have to do with Thanksgiving?
Tom: Nothing, Vegans don't eat meat.
Sting: So you are a vegetarian from Las Vegas, I get it. So Thanksgiving dinner at your house isn't what
you would call traditional?
Tom: We don't celebrate Thanksgiving.
Sting: You don't? Why not?
Tom: It's a Wood thing. You wouldn't understand.
Sting: Gotcha. Well, Tom, it was great shooting the breeze and talking turkey with you.
Thanks for your time.
Tom: Was that supposed to be funny?
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