Welcome to AM:
LAS VEGAS. This is the place where the
houseguests who have just been evicted get to come
and talk about their time in the game. Check back
shortly after each eviction to see the updates.
Today we are joined by
the eighth houseguest evicted from the house, Matt.
Matt was evicted by the Head of Household, Ian.
Did you have any strategy going into this game?
MATT: I did have a strategy coming
into the game; one that I feel served me quite well
throughout my stay. From the start, I just wanted to
treat people well and play fairly. I showed everyone
the respect I felt they deserved, and I tried to
avoid arguments and confrontations if at all
possible. Some of the most outspoken players in the
game went out early, which showed me that a
non-aggressive and non-threatening approach was the
best way to do it. I’m passive and generally
friendly by nature, so I just wanted to be myself and
treat people the way I’d want them to treat me.
I made promises to people that I would not evict
them, and I never broke a promise to anyone in this
game. In retrospect, I don’t think I was
strategically ready for a game of this caliber. When
it hit the final five, it got really ugly, and now
that I understand things a little better I think
it’s best I am no longer a part of such an
environment.
What were your impressions of everyone when you first
entered the house?
MATT:
JUSTIN: I was only able to talk to Justin once, but
he seemed like a really good guy. I wish his computer
problems hadn’t hindered him from the game, and
I hope we can meet up again and play together
somewhere.
LISA: Lisa is an incredible woman and I admire her
very much. She handled herself so well, and showed a
lot of class and dignity in the face of the cruel
things certain people said about her. I’m very
glad that we still talk, and I wish her well in
everything. I’m sorry I couldn’t win for
you, Lisa, but I gave it my best shot and had fun in
the process.
KIMBERLEY: Kim went WAY TOO EARLY! I was heartbroken
when she was evicted, just because I felt like she is
one of the most caring and genuine people this game
had. We clicked immediately on almost everything, and
our deep philosophical chats always made me feel
proud to be who I am. She deserved to be here in the
end, but she’s a true winner and a true friend
regardless. Good job in the Masters babe!
LEO: Despite the differences we had, I think Leo is a
good person and I wish him well in life. Keep singing
and making people laugh.
JEREMY: Jeremy was a walking roller coaster. When he
was in the game he was a great friend. When he was
evicted, I couldn’t stand him for the terrible
things he said about my friends. But now, I am glad
we are back to the normal state of our fun and random
chats. You, my friend, are nuts. ;)
GRACE: Grace is one of the sweetest girls in the
world. She played really well and it really hurt to
see her go, but she took it well. Grace babe, no one
was ever against you, because you’re too lovely
to hold a grudge against. I’ll always be here
for those “work sucks” stories.
DIANA: You are such a wonderful girl, you played
honestly and fairly and I’m proud of how you did
it. You’re going to be successful in whatever
you do, because you have a pure heart and a good soul
and that will get you very far in your life.
IAN: Though he was my closest friend, I was always
wary of how intelligent Ian is. I knew that
eventually he would start playing for himself and
only himself, but I was surprised and disappointed at
how early he started.
JOSH: Though he may have hurt others, Josh has never
hurt me. Josh was always a good guy, very easy to
talk to and trust. I am glad to consider him a
friend.
TIFFANY: When I read Tiffany’s biography, even
before meeting her for the first time, I knew that
she and I would click instantly. Not only are we both
religious and spiritual, but she has the best
attitude about playing the game and what is really
important in life. I am leaving proud of Tiffany and
blessed to have her as a friend.
LIZ: Liz is so great, I can’t even describe it.
She was always wildly entertaining, good-natured and
trustworthy. I always looked to her like a sister,
and even though the game is over for me I still
absolutely feel that same way. Thanks for kicking
ass, Liz, and stick it to the ones who are out to do
you wrong.
You were never nominated, even before your eviction.
How do you think you managed to avoid the
"chopping block"?
MATT: It was very flattering never to
be nominated. I really did expect to go much earlier
than I did, so every week I saw my key come out of
the box I was floored. I’d like to think I
avoided being nominated by playing the game the right
way. I was honest with people, I kept my word, and I
had close bonds with each person in the game. Above
all, I knew it was a game and I played for fun.
Is there anything you would change about your game
play or strategy?
MATT: I would absolutely change how
I played, if given the chance to start anew. My
greatest flaw in this game was being too trusting.
I’m a happy-go-lucky guy, but when I give my
word to someone I am putting my honor on the line. I
would never have broken a promise, simply because I
could not have been proud of the way I played the
game anymore. I live by a strong moral code, and my
word as a gentleman is everything that I have to
offer. I was idealistic and naïve enough to assume
that other people played on my scale of ethics, which
I quickly found out was not true. To me, this is a
GAME—something meant to be enjoyed and
cherished, not a life-or-death win at all costs
scenario. I believed with all my heart that even in a
game, integrity mattered and self-respect and
friendship were not things easily sacrificed. I would
not change my outlook on the game, even if it means I
wouldn’t be able to win. If the reason I did not
win this game is because I would not sacrifice myself
to do it—there’s no loss there. When it got
to that point, it became a game I wanted no part of
anymore. If I cannot leave the game full of pride and
respect for myself, I would do the same thing that I
did before. No shame.
What would you like to final four people still in
this game?
MATT:
To
the group as a whole, don't let the game consume you.
Remember who you are, who you are with, and what
you've done to get where you are. Take the
higher-class road and make the world watching proud
of you.
TIFFANY: Without a doubt, you are
the genuinely sweetest and most kind-hearted person
in this game. Maybe it was our faith, maybe it was
our outlooks on love and on life, maybe it was just
that you are an amazing person with an amazing heart,
but I really feel like you and I had a special
friendship that went above and beyond the game. I
could sit here for hours and say every little thing
about you that I absolutely adore, but you already
know that and that’s what matters. I thank the
Lord that I have managed to meet someone as truly
special and incredible as you are. I’m gone and
I’m okay with it, but there will be serious
repercussions if they do anything to hurt you or make
this game less of a positive experience for you.
Please don't give up. If the worst case scenario
happens and you do wind up next to me on the jury,
it's only because you were the best and they were too
cowardly to face the best. I’m always here, for
everything, and thanks for being there for me as
well.
LIZ: I don’t even want to get
started or I might seriously start tearing up. You
are the younger sister that I value and cherish and I
absolutely will until the very end of my days. I love
you for who you are and I’m glad you can be
proud of it too. You do whatever it takes to make it
to the end and claim your rightful place in the
Winner’s Circle. From the first day I knew you
were special, and I am leaving knowing that I was
absolutely right. Sing, laugh, joke, do whatever it
is that makes you happy and makes you Liz. Like I
said to Tiffany, I’m always here if you need me,
and I’ll be watching and cheering for you. I
LOVE YOU!!!
JOSH: You’re a genuinely good
guy. Don’t let yourself get too wrapped up in
the game, because you’ll only wind up hurting
yourselves and others. I have faith that you can keep
the game in perspective but make the right decisions.
The fate of the game is resting on you at this
moment, and I hope you can make me proud.
IAN: As much as I really hate to
agree with Jeremy, he did hit the nail on the head in
this case. I really wanted to write off what he said
as the ramblings of a bitter lunatic, because I was
blinded by our strong friendship and the respect I
had for you. But now, it really looks like he had a
much stronger grasp on the game than I did (though he
still was a bitter lunatic ;) ). You told me you
hoped we could stay friends, and we can. I really do
want to stay friends with the friendly, witty, caring
Ian that I felt was a brother to me. But when the
final vote comes, I will be judging the OTHER
Ian--the manipulating, lying, backstabbing Ian that
appears to have kidnapped and locked away the one I
consider my friend. I am only an addition to the
growing list of jury members unhappy with the way
you're playing this game, but you have the power to
change that. There are two evictions left, and two
chances for redemption. I really suggest you utilize
those, because I'm not giving up on you yet. .
JOSH AND MEL: Love you both always.
You run a wonderful game.
This
was well worth it. I'm leaving enriched by all of
you, in one way or another. Enjoy life, smile, and
play fair.
Thank you for joining us Matt. Good luck in the
future.
Stay tuned for an interview with the next
houseguest evicted from the house.
