JB Mauney is one of the most legendary bull riders of this generation. The professional rider is the third bull rider to reach 500 rides and has won over 7 million dollars in prize money. Mauney is a staunch performer who also faces injuries every now and then while tackling the four-legged beast in the arena.

However, the athlete is currently facing a backlash for doing permanent damage to his body. Recently a picture of the rider smoking was posted by professional bull riders. The image has gone viral on Instagram, with many fans criticizing the rider for this habit.

JB Mauney criticized for a widely frowned upon habit

On July 12, an official professional bull riding (PBR) account posted a picture of Mauney celebrating the national day of the Cowboy as the post was captioned “Caption this National Day of the Cowboy.” In the picture, Mauney, wearing his signature cowboy hat, is seen keeping his one leg up on a chair and smoking while holding a Coca-Cola can.

The 36-year-old rider is currently participating in the Calgary Stampede and recently suffered a gruesome injury in his left leg. Mauney, while riding the bull, Sky Fall, tasted the dirt as the athlete landed on his legs. In an interview, Mauney revealed that the landing was truly accidental and that the rider never lands on his feet. However, despite his broken leg, Mauney is still competing in the event. Due to the athlete working through his pain, many fans criticized his habit of smoking. As they reminded the rider, he works too hard just to risk his life by smoking.

Fans criticize JB Mauney’s smoking habit

After PBR posted Mauney’s photos smoking, fans were quick to react. Many fans reminded Mauney of the dangers of smoking. One fan requested the PBR to choose another photo of the rider, as he wrote, “Pick a non-smoking photo”. While one fan requested Mauney to quit smoking as he works hard, “Quit smoking JB, you work too hard to crunch up your lungs.” One fan shared a personal story to remind Mauney of the risks of smoking,  “watched my beloved Dad die a horrific death from lung cancer at only 55. I sure wish JB would quit smoking for his precious son and beautiful wife; they need him around for a long time. He’s a heck of an athlete and a heck of a good cowboy. Please, JB, lay down the cigarettes for good and be here a long time for your family.”

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Moreover, one fan wrote, “Don’t smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol.” The picture certainly stirred up a bit of trouble for the rider. What do you think of the cowboy’s move?

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