Prison, J-Law Stories, & Where It All Went Wrong... | Nico Izzi on the SML Show

Presented by OGIO Powersports and Yamaha
For this week's episode of the SML Show, Donn Maeda sits down with Nico Izzi to discuss his successful amateur racing career, when his struggles with addiction began, why he got arrested, and the future. Plugin those headphones and enjoy this week's episode of the SML Show with Nico!

[@n1k0n_]

As a recovering addict myself I see the pain and shame in his eyes. You can see it's so hard to talk about it and it makes him physically uncomfortable to say all this in public. But in the end it's all part of the healing process and this probably did A LOT of Good. Nico...You're good enough bro. Just keep your eyes forward.

[@allensandven0]

Yea , it give me pain just watch him so shamed and agree you got to get right with yourself then you can be comfortable in all the situations.edit : I hope that this comment didn’t come across as judgmental , I’m a fan and would be the last one to toss rocks in a glass house , I only expressed I could feel his pain it’s not a pleasant thing to share your personal shortcomings with the world , I know from my own battles that the weight will be lifted and you can go on with your journey. I’m pretty sure most of us here within this comment understand and also feel his pain if you’ve ever experienced addiction or just made a poor decision that had a major negative impact ? I hope that cleared up the context and didn’t make it worse .. honestly this is a subject everyone should be having ?

[@austinspired]

i actually wrote him and told him that he used to be my hero, and after this interview he is once again for the bravery. I'm a recovering addict myself I've got 4 years sober. keep on keeping on brother!

[@sobersherpa]

Great insights and observations. Lest we remember; we humans are not Saints

[@sobersherpa]

@@allensandven0 Kindness 🙏

[@Jacob-64]

@@allensandven0 I don't see shame ,I see honesty and someone who wats to get his life back on track. Don't be so judgemental ,same for all the rest of you guys beating on this guy . He didn't have to do this interview but he did .

[@Koned0g]

Huge respect for Nico being honest. That takes balls to spill your guts. Great interview Don.

[@jamest4383]

He wasn’t at all honest. You just got played.

[@repoman28d]

@@jamest4383 sounds like some projection. Why are you so sour?

[@Koned0g]

@@jamest4383 please share your version of his story...so i can get unplayed...

[@davefouquette4192]

@@jamest4383 Nothing like kicking a guy when he’s trying to get his life back on track. Save it.

[@Azmuddogs17]

He beat the livin tar out of his girlfriend ..

[@akatgif]

I'm 5 years off of pain meds. Beyond nightmare scenario. Mad props and respect Nico. 1 day at a time.

[@Zacnv]

Queef

[@keithshoffner1287]

12 yrs on 9/20 !!!

[@ba946x4]

@@keithshoffner1287 congrats Keith. Keep up the hard work. I say hard work because it is. People who’s never had to deal with addiction hasn’t got a clue how much of a full time job it is to stay sober. Keep it up 👍

[@ba946x4]

@Aka TGIF Mad props to you as well. I know the deal with pain meds. What they can do. How addictive they can be. It’s like having the devil as a roommate and he want pay his part of the rent and want move out either. Unfortunately I’m on a form of pain management and I had to be put on a morphine pump. I was in a mixer truck accident I almost died from. Well at one point I did flat line but anyway. It shifted two vertebrates and has got my spinal cord in bind or pinched. The doctors want touch it because they’re afraid if they do it might paralysis me. In actuality that can’t understand why I’m not now. 😂 the wreck caused Ankylosis Spondylitis Disease in my lower back to form. I also need two knee replacement surgery because I have no cartilage in the (motocross days)I’m on a morphine pump and when it gets close to refill time I can tell it. I start going through withdrawals. I’ve tried several times to wing off it several times but it’s really really hard to. After my replacement’s surgeries I’m going to try to get on some kind of a program and get of this thing and you and Nico are good inspiration for me. A BIG KUDOS to the both of you!!!!

[@sobersherpa]

@@keithshoffner1287 mad props and respect bro

[@andrewlange3145]

Dude….nothing better than a good comeback story!!! The freedom of redemption is real!! Great job Nico!

[@Gowza_809]

Inspiring. I grew up watching this guy develop back in MI in the late 90's early 2000's. When he says he dad was gnarly that is understatement. Unfortunately allot of the MI Mafia suffered through the same struggle, some did not survive.... Nico was just the most high profile. I hope this gets a million views. The strong and weak need to hear this story.

[@jordanemede]

RIP Donie

[@Gowza_809]

@@jordanemede #555 was a absolute ripper... tragic.

[@sobersherpa]

yes indeed

[@jordanemede]

@@Gowza_809 did Corey slavik end up having problems with painkillers too? Whatever happened to him?? What about Adam Harden? Remember him?

[@loganchaney5981]

I've been waiting for long time to hear this story.. thank you for sharing with us!

[@eaglemx45]

Would be cool to see him at the brawl coming up but I would understand staying away from Michigan. Always looked up to all our local pros. I broke my back at 15 and pills controlled my life for sometime. I never reached my full potential but I made it on my own and do alright as a heavy equipment mechanic. Didn’t ride much in my 20s after shattered foot and broken sternum. 33 now been back racing 2 years and moved up pretty quick. Been clean since 28. I’m left trying to make up for all my wasted potential in life. This hits home for me in a big way.

[@justinjones4822]

Much love dude. Glad you're back doing what you love.

[@eaglemx45]

@@justinjones4822 thank you brother, greatly appreciated! Been battling bike failures for 2 months but I’m not giving up!

[@bradcimino8955]

His story says it all. I’ve been through the pill deal after breaking my back. Was sober for 10 years until I snapped my ankle. I swore I wouldn’t take anything but fell back into the shame for a few years. Your not alone , still have daily struggles at times tho it’s been years. Only true survivors understand the pain. Hold your head up high , your awsome!!

[@griffithracingteam2412]

mad respect to izzi! coming from a 13 year recovering addict keep your head up bro you got this. so awesome to hear your story and that your back out there ripping it again. best of luck bro!!!!!

[@cmorse28]

It’s good he’s talking ab this stuff. I feel like kids don’t know how serious pain killers are. That era of izzi, J-law, and stroupe was gnarly. They were sooo fast.

[@Eddiemorales408]

This is one of the best SML shows for sure

[@pkmrsb2320]

I heard a Dad tell his son after recovering from a serious opioid addiction: "Don't be ashamed of your past, it's uncomfortable, but you cannot change it. I am not ashamed of it...you beat the worst addiction there is to beat. You should be proud of yourself, I sure am." Very fitting after seeing this interview.

[@Jsrig1]

Thanks Don!!! It takes a lot of courage to come back and face your past. Good luck Nico!!

[@jerrys2346]

Most of us screw up our lives right after graduating high school, or during college...and we don't have near the pressure this dude did. Sounds like he was right on schedule. A guy who can own his stuff - he hasn't peaked yet. My money is on him to do good things.

[@dannysalzer770]

I had similar experiences in my racing timeline. After a long successful amateur career by the time I turned pro at 16 I was burnt out. Throw in a couple injuries and strained relationships with the people closest to you and all of a sudden your passion isn’t really fun anymore. I didn’t feel like training, I wanted to hang with my friends and party etc. Luckily no matter what I haven’t I never ever took pain meds but did get into other recreational drugs and alcohol. I attempted a comeback but it didn’t work out and in 2002 broke my neck while messing around and that was the end of everything. Shout out to Nico for finding the passion he lost!

[@sobersherpa]

Good for you

[@likes2gofast]

The jouney never ends brother. Just learning from our mistakes is key for everyone in life

[@gorgemetz8062]

You weren't good enough to get a ride, and if you were you would have grown up real quick. Many kids get a pro license but that's where the dream usually ends.

[@Ztah7]

@@gorgemetz8062 Nico had a factory ride and it took major mistakes for him to finally grow up. So no, just having a ride isn’t what would have made him grow up.

[@justlucky8254]

@@gorgemetz8062 you're so insightful. Can't wait for your Ted Talk!

[@WillMX114]

Nice to see Nico healthy and racing. Stay healthy my friend.

[@johncilluffo1892]

Nico, way to go bud. Glad to see you back out there. Keep that head up and do what you love!

[@gabe688]

Pulling for you Nico. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing. Keep chasing sobriety dude. Thank you for your testimony and being vulnerable.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

25:18 I've actually heard that's pretty common with addicts. Like the struggle to hang on is so tough than if you relapse you'll go even harder/deeper then before.

[@dougmcgill9294]

All the respect goes to the man who owns his shit, knocks himself down, gets dealt bad cards, goes to a dark place and comes out of it a healthy , positive person maintaining a good life above ground. I was 16 when Nico turned pro and it's really awesome to see him healthy and back having fun living a clean good life. All the respect, this is fucking awesome. Your best interview Don.

[@earl6969]

My dude...there were so many red flags waving that whole era...you just didn't hide it as well as "others. Consider yourself redeemable as your first big step...it's the most important step. Convince others on merit...you know how to win...now go win this my brother!

[@davefouquette4192]

I remember when Nico jumped on the 450 and was consistently setting the fastest lap times in the qualifying practices. Which tells me that he has the speed to beat the entire field. Just so much pressure to put it all together for 2 moto’s. He’s incredibly talented on a dirt bike.

[@soulfulterrain3143]

Nico is one cool decent dude that's survived a lot of shit. I'm pulling for him on and off the track and I sincerely hope that he achieves everything he wants going forward.

[@anthonyrufo5347]

What a Great Inspirational Interview ! He's a power of example to all those who thoroughly hit rock bottom & felt like giving up on life. I stopped drinking alcohol in 2005 at 46 years old. I spent time in jail as well. I am now 63 years old & believe it or not, I feel so good I'm going to get back on a Dirt Bike, something I always loved to do.

[@shanecircle1236]

Donn seems like he's a therapist. Letting Nicco talk and realizing what life has been like. I still have the Transworld mag back from 2007 when Swap raced Loretta's. One of his best articles ever.!

[@jamesanthony3691]

It’s really fun to see the now old school guys coming back & getting it together. I remember being deployed & my girlfriend would send me Racer-X & Transworld MX Magazines & reading about Nicco killing it in the Amateurs & how he was projected to be a future Champion. Crazy all the twist & turns life throws at us.. Respect & Good Luck!!

[@kings17court]

My heart goes out to Izzi. I TRULY wish him the best, and I pray that he can keep it on the straight and narrow.

[@alexgonzalezMI]

Happy to see Nico like this. I remember running starts with him at Freelin in like 2005 when he was still on 85's.

[@A-mechanics-review-4U]

I remember the cameras zooming in on him one time after practice and he literally looked like he was still tripping from the night before kind of rolling back-and-forth with headphones on with a big smile on his face while laying down in the pits. shortly after that we never saw him racing again but it’s awesome seeing anybody recuperate and get a second chance.

[@airborneindustries4987]

From the bottom of my moto-filled heart dude, I've missed ya on the track. You were one of the "shadow guys" that I grew up watching, and I went from rooting for you to wondering where you went. Regardless of what's happened in your life man, you're one of my heroes. I'm pumped that you're back and doing well, and I hope someday I can get the opportunity to meet you in person. Ride hard my man!

[@jeromejeffrey]

Everybody loves a redemption story! Nice job Nico, keep it up! It would be great to see you get a chance to reach your race potential. Also hope you're able to use your experience to coach others, as you could definitely turn this negative experience into an opportunity to make a valuable impact moving forward.

[@josephwyszynski2714]

So much respect. Life is about learning and redemption. Nico puts an exclamation mark on that. Hope he takes it to Alessi in some of the novelty races.

[@marksaylor1938]

Great to see ya back IZZI!!!! And former pain pill addict and others but the pills are the worst! One of the toughest things I’ve been through in my life…so I can understand how tough and a struggle it was for you! You made it back tho! Congrats man!!!!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@S8R1]

struggling myself with addiction and lost riding because of it, this is motivating

[@HP-hm3pn]

I'm not sure I could have done any better having all that money and freedom at an early age. Much love, Nico.

[@fromtoxtosaiyan7814]

Huge respect for you Nico to talk about this on face Cam , have a good days !!

[@markzap5131]

Takes a lot of courage to talk about ones personal struggle with drugs/alcohol addiction. Big respect to you for being so open about your struggle. I hope you conquer this addiction.

[@yz250edub]

Thanks for interviewing Nicco. Glad to see him sober after seeing him at Baja Brawl. Definitely have respect for Nicco and hope the best for him in whatever he does.

[@11DRT]

Thanks thank you for sharing your story Izzy. You seem very genuine and likable and humble person. I would cheer for you if you race pro again. Welcome home. Please stay sober. This is from a 55-year-old old-timer

[@Rimraz]

Big respect for him, made some bad choices, paid the price now and has turned his life around. Wish him the best in life and racing!

[@Sha0linstyle]

Izzi, that tattoo on the left arm means something ; As long as you are still breathing; there's always time. My encouraging verse would be this one : ''Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.'' Matthew 7:7

[@darockofjobralter5046]

Great job Donn and your staff. That was a very inspiring interview and wishing Nico continued success on his journey.

[@whatisaray]

Nico, I’ll always remember living across the street and watching you train in 2012. Riding with you out in Nuevo was eye opening and to watch you fight the bs was gnarly and I’m glad you are on the bright side of life now! Red Rock ct babyyyyy

[@cody9064]

Hope like hell he can keep up his sobriety, seems like a good dude with Tons of skill. I can relate after spending nearly a decade addicted to pain pills and fentanyl. I know how hard it is to stay sober but incarceration and surrounding myself with the right ppl afterwards and living the way you’re supposed to live has been a big factor in me having nearly 2 years of sobriety. I’m pulling for you Nico, keep killing it and enjoying a better life

[@tt4570]

Much respect for coming on here and sharing your story. We all mess up sooner or later, that’s life. Good luck moving forward and stay strong brother 👍

[@henryhillebrecht9589]

Loved watching Nico on his Suzuki. He was so fast. So glad to see him and that he is doing good.💪🏻💪🏻

[@flyin5j]

So glad to see Him healthy and on the right track. Lots of people love you and loved watching you ride. Grace us with that again!

[@MikeDieringer635]

Honestly, it's safe to say that prison saved his life. Fuck the pharmacy though and some of the doctors that prescribe opioids right off the bat, they destroyed so many lives. The Rockstar team not helping Nico Izzi through his addiction is debatable. Glad he is finally sober and riding again, what an amazing story to hear. Would be awesome to see him come back to supercross or even outdoors if it's something that he wants to do.

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

@Brenton well they prescribed me waaaay too many times and I’m a very UNprofessional rider.

[@chrisbuehler6868]

Come back to sx and mx? As a racer? That ship has sailed he needs to buckle down and get an actual career. Trying to hold onto the past is a perfect recipe for relapse

[@markmcmahen9442]

@Lowly-Peasant are you a little kid, if so I understand your comment. You have no clue what you're talking about, comparing motrin to real opiods is absolutely ridiculous. Plus he can't help that he was addicted other than getting clean. He didn't ask for it and now knows better. Shit happens

[@MX-CO]

Have you seen the new show on youth called Pain Killer. These companies totally knew what they were doing, and many people lost their lives to it.

[@jordanonofer3886]

Huge fan of this kid. Keep up the positivity. Awesome your back on the scene. Really happy for you.

[@rogerthompson6418]

The life in front of you is more important than the life behind you. 🙏👍

[@marcusavalos5830]

Thank you Swap and Nico for this interview. Great job guys and wishing you nothing but the best for your future!

[@joshdereus]

That was a awesome listen! Thanks for this

[@br24v92]

Go Nico! Charge forward, you got this. Great piece Donn

[@kjayclowers12]

Rest in Peace Trevor Donnie his death brought back so many memories it made me think of Nicco and how he is doing I'm bummed to hear that he has struggled with addiction so bad

[@Pinballmachine997]

Ps nico’s mechanic at the world minis Vegas 2004 or 2005 gave me a clutch assembly for my rm85. Coolest week of my life.

[@jeffharper456]

great interview, candid expose" with Nico that hits home with some of us guys in the sport.. Truer words couldnt be spoken... Huge respect for Nico to reveal the Hell that one goes through with pain killer addiction and the stages that take place along the way....wish u well Nico...

[@The_Ghost_In_The_Machine_]

Great interview. I felt this one. Love this guy. Pulling for you Nico! ❤️👍

[@budwin21]

Amazing interview. So pumped for him to be recovering and finding his passion again. 2 wheels will save your life!

[@joshadams2377]

Very cool and I think a lot of people can benefit from this interview! It took a lot of courage for Nico to be so open and vulnerable. I have a lot of respect for him for doing such! I hope he stays sober and stays on a path that brings him fulfillment and joy in his life. Great interview!!

[@dirtbikejim3900]

Awesome interview, never easy to air out difficult times in our past. I have no doubt that Nico could come back stronger and faster than before if he chooses to do so. If not, he'll be responsible for having trained some future rippers!

[@Johnny_Hopper]

excellent interview Don thank you Nico for sharing brother

[@scottyfum]

Great interview!! Love the honesty!

[@grantkers2330]

Such a great interview! rooting for Nico!!

[@Pheedub]

❤️ this interview!

[@oosteveo315]

Mad respect Nico! Good luck man. We rooting for you brotha

[@michaelnorris7236]

So glad to see you are doing great!! I’ve got your front fender and jersey on my wall still from Ponca and Lorettas 2005. Life is hard but keep up the great work! I’ll always be a huge fan.

[@race777]

So good to see you Nicco and thanks for the incredible honesty. I remember watching you all the time racing supercross on TV. So glad the industry doesn't forget their own!. Best of luck Nicco!

[@believe8263]

Glad you are back Nico. Stay focused and keep your life on track and you will be a happier person.

[@angelosantaniello4113]

Great interview stay strong Nico!!!

[@cashewcheesedip]

Thank you for sharing your story, Nico! #humbling

[@christianray6939]

Absolutely amazing interview. Just goes to show it can happen to anyone . Swap keep up the good , honest, and real life type content of the sport .

[@ronaldtravis970]

Glad Nico made it through ! I hope he finds his way back into the industry 👍 and continues a good life . He has a real opportunity to help people through his story and experiences . Good Luck Nico 🤘 Never Give up , God Bless !

[@yoryo350mx]

Great interview HUGE respect to Nico hitting rock bottom, being honest about it and fighting to put together his life back.

[@jmr_56]

Great interview. Keep looking forward and best of luck Nico!

[@mattnichols3983]

Thanks for sharing your story, Nico. Huge respect. Every day is a gift. Eyes forward.

[@chadmx6317]

Stoked to see u doing good bro! I broke my back in 08 and got hooked on oxys. It’s a long road to come back from it and not many do! Hats off to ya brother! Stay strong n keep ur head up homie!

[@michaelcomstock3946]

good to see you looking healthy man! hope to see you keep doing good things!

[@edwardvanwormer6993]

Big respect to Nico for being honest and sharing your story. Thank you Don for the great interview.

[@DayGoodwin91]

Good story man, so many of us recovering addicts are overlooked because so many don’t understand unless you’re affected by it!! Keep your head up and keep pushing I’ve definitely gained a supporter after this one I didn’t know and often wondered which riders are affected by addiction just a little light shed on the fact that this is everywhere and ppl try to downplay us but this is real!!

[@ColtonParks14]

So sick! Love to see it!

[@ctune1]

I'm really pulling for Nico, I had no idea of his circumstances and wish him the strength to get back on top. Glad to hear that he has a support system

[@jerrytolley5719]

Great Interview Don! Glad Izzy is back!🙏🏼🤙🏼

[@chasefender7233]

Very good interview. Great to see him back.

[@mdgeroy]

Props to you Nico, you have much Courage to talk about the addiction. It must be hard. Sounds like the love for riding and teaching could lead to a new career. In addition to mentoring young and old about the dangers of addiction. God bless brother.

[@NuvoVision]

Welcome back dude! Good on ya! All the best

[@colcol6766]

This was touching, What a legend for telling his story. Go twist that throttle champ ✊

[@randallgd]

Thanks for your truth Nico wishing you the best going forward!

[@bryceadams1701]

Great interview!!!

[@toddsherman6560]

Welcome back Nico! You still have fans!!!

[@rakejackson7354]

Great video. Thx for sharing your story.

[@blakemullinax5377]

Keep pushing bro! You got people rooting for you! You should show up at the ranch in 2023!!!

[@motox947]

Nico should write a book. He has a really interesting life story that is so teachable and inspiring. His story could be a help to others in need.

[@JS-nf1sn]

So glad he's back. He looks great. Wish him lots of success

[@joekovach2779]

Great interview Swap ….We need a part two !

[@twohotgt4uwarner336]

Long time waiting to hear story. So glad dude is riding and staying strong. Rooted for him when he rode... And always will!!!

[@probuiltatv5271]

This was a great interview.

[@brentnaylor6138]

What a great interview thank you Nico for your story

[@Muzacman02]

Sooo Good to see izzi Back. Stay strong, live Clean ODAT!!!

[@RosinGoblin]

Great interview. Happy he's doing well

[@simonsteadman3276]

Great interview, awesome last question and even better answer from Nico.❤