In Memoriam: Eddie Constantine

R.I.P. Eddie Constantine.

I started covering live MMA shows when I was 17, and shortly after I started, I had the opportunity to cover Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz. I spent most of the event having a good time at a major show, like a kid in a candy store, but a portion of the night was spent hanging out with some of the veterans, most of whom were happy to talk about the sport with a wide eyed kid. Of all of those journalists, the most friendly and lively, was a guy named Eddie Constantine. Most of us knew him as Fast Eddie.

The best friend a teenage guy looking to make a career in journalism can have is a guy with a well established career in journalism, especially when its clear, just talking about the sport, how much he loves MMA. Eddie was that friend for me.

As people go, there are few who get into a hardscrabble business and manage to keep from getting jaded. Most of us are cynical about the business side, all of the smack talk that goes on during events and so much of the power politics, but from bell-to-bell, being able to put that out of your mind and enjoy the fight, remember why you love the sport in the first place, that’s more than worth it.

I lost a friend today, and so did many others, and the world of MMA lost a great journalist. We will all miss him, and the press section will be a little less vibrant without him.

R.I.P. Eddie. You will be missed.For those who are asking, Eddie committed suicide. There are some people putting together a commemorative fund, like Danny Acosta at FIGHT! who has a similar story.

Donations can be made by mail to:

Fast Eddie’s Fighters
Care of: Status 5 Studio, Inc.
1250 Oakmead Parkway #210
Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Or by paypal to: fasteddiesfighters@gmail.com

If you need help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)