10 Most Controversial Motocross Riders Of All Time
10. Ron Lechien
Ron Lechien showed up on the sports radar after winning the Mammoth Mountain 125cc pro class as a fresh faced 14-year-old. By his pro debut in 1983 as a Yamaha factory rider, he was seen as a larger than life character. He amazed the industry by winning the Orlando Supercross at only 16, while he was still in public school. After a blistering start to a seemingly bright career, where the lad from El Cajon battled for titles against legendary riders such as Rick Johnson and Jeff Ward, things started to go south. After making a move to Honda rumors started to fly about excessive partying and drug use. Of course, Lechien still dominated the 1985 Nationals title. The first major incident came late in the same year, where Dogger was arrested for marijuana possession in Tokyo airport, and sacked by Honda. Through 87 and 88, as a Kawasaki rider, Lechien was fast, and managed to notch up wins indoor and outdoor, as well as managing to get disqualified from the 1987 US grand Prix when he overslept and missed registration. It seemed that Lechiens career was fading, and by the start of the 90s, things got worse. More partying, drinking, drug use, and arrests. He served jail time in the mid 90s. Thankfully, Dogger has been able to make an incredible turnaround in his career. He is still involved in the sport through his fathers company, Maxima (although, ironically, it was his father that had often tipped him off to police).
