BIONIC BULLRIDER BETRAYED

How Barry Brown's Bestselling Book Was Hijacked and His Fight for Justice

Jul 25, 2024

By Richard Luthmann

Barry Brown, famously known as the "Bionic Bullrider," has lived a life full of high-stakes drama and resilience. A Naples, Florida, resident, Brown, now an octogenarian, entertained rodeo crowds in Southwest Florida, the South, and across the continent.

I happened across the Bionic Bullrider at Seed to Table, Alfie Oakes’ “Disneyworld for Patriots” on Immokalee Road. Brown and I struck up a conversation. He told me about his unlikely yet purely American story. After a rodeo accident in 1968, doctors said he would never ride again. By 1971, he was back in the saddle and remained there for half a century.

Now, having hung up his boots, Brown faces a new challenge and is looking for justice. An unscrupulous purported book publisher named Don Decker robbed the royalties from his best-selling memoir, “The Bionic Bullrider.” Amazon doesn’t recognize Barry as the author of his own life story.

For over a decade, Don Decker robbed Barry Brown. Recently, Decker dropped dead. Now the Bionic Bullrider is looking for answers.

The Backstory

Born in Michigan in 1943, Brown's passion for bull riding started early.

"My older brother took me to my first rodeo at 15," Barry recalls.

This initial experience sparked a lifelong love for the sport. Barry began his professional bullriding career soon after.

"I rode across the US and Canada," he says.

His career, however, was almost cut short by a life-threatening accident in 1968. A bull broke Barry's sternum during a rodeo in Minnesota. The injury was severe, but Barry's will to continue was stronger.

"The doctor told me not to ride again," Barry recounts.

But Barry defied the odds and underwent a groundbreaking surgery in 1971. Surgeons wired a piece of bone into his chest, allowing him to return to bull riding within months.

"I was back on the bull two and a half months later," he says proudly.

Barry's remarkable comeback earned him the nickname "Bionic Bullrider." His resilience and dedication led to numerous titles, including the 1973 Florida State Champion and a spot in the 1974 National Finals Rodeo.

"I proved that nothing could stop me," Barry states.

Bionic Bullrider Turned Author

In 2011, Barry decided to share his extraordinary life story in a memoir titled "The Bionic Bullrider." He connected with Don Decker, a man he met on Facebook, who offered to help publish his book. Decker had published cowboy books before with Basic Western Books.

Barry sent Decker his manuscript. The book was organized, edited, and put to print. It quickly became a bestseller. But despite its success, Barry has not seen a single royalty payment.

"Decker published the book and claimed to be a good friend," Barry explains. "I found out years later he was keeping all the money from the sales."

Barry's frustration is palpable. He only earns money from the books he sells personally.

"I sell them at rodeos and tractor supply stores," he says.

Decker's betrayal hit Barry hard. He describes his attempts to get answers from Decker as futile.

"I called him, emailed him, but nothing," he says.

Decker's evasiveness only added to Barry's frustration.

"He moved around a lot and told me he never paid taxes," Barry adds, painting a picture of a slippery character.

Barry’s struggle continued when he learned of Decker's death a few weeks ago.

"I don't know where the royalty money went," Barry admits.

He is now determined to pursue the missing funds, potentially worth a decade's worth of bestseller earnings.

"It's a sizable amount," he notes.

The Bionic Bullrider Bucks On

Despite the betrayal, Barry remains optimistic and continues to sell his book directly to readers.

"People can find me on Facebook," he says.

Barry offers signed, personalized copies of "The Bionic Bullrider" for $30, plus $5 postage.

"Every copy is signed personally," he ensures, maintaining a personal connection with his readers.

Barry’s story is one of resilience and dedication, both as a bull rider and as an author. His journey from the rodeo to the literary world is inspiring, but it also highlights the darker side of the publishing industry. Barry’s fight for his rightful royalties is far from over, and he hopes to bring attention to his plight.

"I've been in touch with publishers and Amazon, trying to track the money," Barry says.

But the path to reclaiming his earnings is filled with obstacles.

"Decker's death complicates things, but I won't give up," he vows.

Barry’s supporters have rallied around him, encouraging him to keep fighting.

"People love the book," Barry says. "I've received messages from readers all over the world."

One memorable message came from a young girl in Africa.

"She told me my book changed her life," Barry shares, his voice filled with pride.

Barry encourages those who want to support him and get a copy of his book to reach out to him directly.

"I guarantee you'll love the book," Barry says, offering a money-back guarantee if readers are not satisfied.

Barry's unwavering spirit and determination shine through in his life story and his ongoing battle.

A Fight For Justice

As Barry continues to fight for what is rightfully his, he remains a symbol of perseverance and strength.

"I've played on my own all the time in the world," he says.

Barry's story is far from over, and he is determined to see justice served for himself and the many readers his incredible journey has inspired.

Stay tuned as Barry Brown, the Bionic Bullrider, seeks the truth and the royalties he deserves from his bestselling memoir.

"I'm not done yet," Barry asserts.

His fight continues, and he is ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. Barry's life has been a wild ride, from his early days in Michigan to his triumphant return to bull riding after a near-fatal injury. His story of resilience and betrayal in the publishing world adds another layer to his already remarkable life. Barry's determination to reclaim his royalties is a testament to his unbreakable spirit.

For Barry, the journey is about more than just money. It's about justice and ensuring that his story is told fairly.

"I'm fighting for my rights and for the truth," Barry says.

His determination to see justice served is unwavering, and he won't stop until he gets what he deserves.

Barry Brown's journey continues, and he remains hopeful that justice will prevail. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up, no matter the odds.

"I'm not giving up," Barry declares.

His fight for justice is a testament to the resilience and determination that have long served the Bionic Bullrider.