Penthouse Magazine: Sporting America
By April Warren and J. S. Davis

Penthouse Magazine: You played for the L.A. Rams and the Atlanta Falcons. What made you chose to go from the N.F.L. to being a wrestler?

Bill Goldberg: I got hurt playing football.... It's not like I was an all-pro. I had to scrape and work for everything I got. It didn't take me to the position that I hoped for, but just getting there was a great accomplishment. So I took the lazy way out. I tried to find a career that in some way, shape, or form paralleled football. There were positives and negatives when I looked at the world of wrestling. It's nothing that I ever aspired to do. It's not as if when I was a kid every day I was saying, "I hope I'll be a wrestler someday." That's not a knock against wrestling. It's just that the only thing I wanted to do growing up was to play in the N.F.L.

PM: Why are you called the most menacing Jewish lobbyist?

BG: 'Cause there probably aren't any others over 200 pounds. It's a strange position to be in -- talk about breaking the stereotype!

PM: How did you get involved in politics?

BG: I really didn't get involved in politics. I got involved in the Humane Society of the United States. I told them I'd do anything that they needed me to do to open people's eyes, and the next thing you know my ass is on Capitol Hill, in a suit, speaking to people you never thought in a million years would have been listening to me. In my three trips to Capitol Hill, the focus has been on animal fighting -- dogfighting and, in particular, cockfighting. We've made some progress. I wouldn't say I'm completely satisfied with the level of progress. There are still three states where cockfighting is permitted, including my home state of Oklahoma, and that is very upsetting to me.

PM: Do you have any political aspirations?

BG: Not necessarily, but I'm sure if you asked Jesse Ventura during his stint as a wrestler, he would have said the same thing. I know my place, and it sure as hell ain't in D.C. If people want to listen, though, I'm happy to open my mouth.

PM: How do you think Clinton will be remembered?

BG: What a character! I don't think the first thing that comes to mind will be politics.

PM: If you were forced to leave the U.S., where would you go to rebuild your life?

BG: Probably the South Pacific, because then I'm assured I could get away from everyone. My life is a continual pursuit of seclusion. I'd like to say I'm under the witness-protection program wherever I go.

PM: If you could get the same pay for another job, would you change careers?

BG: Most definitely. I'd play football again, because you only have to work 16 weeks out of the damn year. We work 52 weeks a year in wrestling and only get off when we're hurt.

PM: Who are three athletes you especially enjoy watching?

BG: I know I'm going to piss off a lot of people with this answer. It's hard to really nail it down because I have so many close friends in the sports world, but I'll go with [Atlanta Braves pitcher] John Rocker, [Dallas Stars right wing] Brett Hull, and [Utah Jazz forward] Karl Malone. I love Rocker's intensity. He can open his mouth and prove it, and most important, he's a Goldberg fan. Brett Hull, because no matter what's wrong with him, his ass is out there giving 100 percent and he usually does really well. He's very exciting to watch. Karl Malone is not only a great basketball player but a great person as well

PM: What's your fantasy sports moment?

BG: Making a game-saving tackle in the Super Bowl and having the guy's head fly off his body. I'm still trying to do that, just not in the Super Bowl.

PM: What's the strangest request you've received from a fan?

BG: I just got a letter from a couple who wanted me to join them in a threesome, and they were very explicit about what they wanted to do. If you saw the photographs they sent, you'd understand why this is not a pretty picture. The girl weighed 240 pounds, definitely not a candidate for one of your centerfolds.

PM: What one thing would you change about how you were raised?

BG: That my parents didn't split up when I was a kid. Although that helped to shape the Goldberg character you see now, because violence is much more easily attained when I think about certain things that happened. By no means am I saying there was violence in the family ... but just thinking about how frustrating the situation was has lent a lot of anger to my life.

PM: Are your closest friends men or women?

BG: Men, for sure. Women are nothing but trouble.

PM: What do you remember most about the day you lost your virginity?

BG: How much of a big deal it wasn't. I was in a hotel. I knew it was going to happen. Now she's a call girl.

PM: Is there something you wish you had been told that would have made your first sexual experience better?

BG: How to do it.

PM: How long could you last if you were offered $500 a day to avoid sex?

BG: Sex is just a thing to me. I could do without sex before I could do without other things, like sleep and food. Your priorities change as you get older. I could go for months without sex.

PM: What is the first thing that attracts you to a woman?

BG: Before she opens her mouth, it's her breasts. After that, it's her kindness.

PM: How has your girlfriend dealt with your fame as a wrestler?

BG: It hasn't been easy being Bill Goldberg's girlfriend. Though it may seem to be an enviable position, it's pretty unenviable for her at times. All the countless nights that we're not together, like our seven-year anniversary, can be very straining on a relationship.

PM: Would it be more painful if your girlfriend left you for a man or for a woman?

BG: A man. I don't think the woman deal is such a big thing. Actually, I don't think a man could compete with another woman. I would feel much more inferior being thrown to the side for a man.

PM: What do you think about women who fake it?

BG: I've never met one, to my knowledge. As long as it sounds good and feels good, I think they've had a good time.

PM: If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about one thing, what would that be?

BG: [No answer]

PM: Is religion a big part of your life?

BG: I am by no means a practicing Jew. I still follow the faith, there's no question about it. I'm Jewish, I don't hide it. I just don't push it on anybody. I think that's a big mistake that a lot of people do with religion in general. When I get married I'm sure it will be a bigger part of my life.

PM: Is there a particular cause you are focusing on in your fight for the Humane Society?

BG: In my three trips to Capital Hill the focus has been on animal fighting, dog fighting and in particular, cock fighting. We've made some progress. I wouldn't say I'm completely satisfied with the level of progress. There are still three states where cock fighting is permitted, including my homestate of Oklahoma and that is very upsetting to me.

PM: Are you surprised at Jesse Ventura's success in politics?

BG: In the day and age we're in, stranger things have happened. He's a man who speaks the truth and doesn't hold anything back. There are enough people out there who believe in what he stands for to put him in that position.

PM: Could you see Jesse Ventura run for President?

BG: Oh god, oh mighty! I'd be startled to think that the world has liberalized itself enough to give him the support to be a presidential candidate, but that doesn't take anything away from him. That's just the world we live in.

PM: What made you decide it was time to move on from the NFL?

BG: Unfortunately it wasn't that easy. I got hurt playing football. It's not like I was an all-pro. I had to scrape and work for everything I got. It didn't take me to the position that I hoped for but just getting there was a great accomplishment

PM: Are you surprised by the popularity of wrestling?

BG: There's no question. I could never have imagined that its popularity would reach this level.

PM: Are you amazed about the money you've been able to make as a wrestler?

BG: I wouldn't say the amount of money is endless but from licensing and merchandising agreements if your positioned correctly the amount of money is very gratifying.

PM: Are you concerned about the image wrestling sometime portrays?

BG: No question about it. In the past I could say that our competitor, the WWF, was more edgy, pushing the "R" rated type of television. In the past, our organization, the WCW just didn't go for that. The writers now for WCW came from the WWF, so therefore we are making a little bit of a swing. My position on that is that I don't necessarily agree with the implied nudity, the foul language and some of the excessive violence. I just hope I'm not a part of it. I rationalize it in a way that I separate myself from it. It's so important for me to portray a positive image to the kids. I don't ever want us turning into shock tv.

PM: Do you feel your responsibility as a role model has increased as you've become more visible to the public?

BG: I always looked at myself as a role model even when I wasn't as visible when I played in the NFL. I was in a sport/business where we as players were looked up to by many of the youth. Therefore I'm scrutinized and watched closely by children.

PM: Do you have to be more careful now about the choices you make?

BG: Absolutely! I've got a reputation, an image and a persona to uphold. I'm an impulse kind of guy. All the partying, all that bullshit is gone out of my life for the most part and now I'm a businessman. I don't have much of a decision process anymore. I'm pretty much a machine. I instinctively make the decisions that don't put me in harms way. Anytime you see that a kid is wearing Halloween mask of yourself then you have to definitely understand that you're a role model to these kids.

PM: Your memories of Walter Payton, Payne Stewart and Wilt?

BG: It's called a dose of reality. A lot of my heroes are dying. That kind of grounds you. It let's you know that it doesn't matter who you are, TV star, athlete, you're just like everybody else. It's really sad. There are not a lot of things that touch me but the deaths of those three really make you open your eyes.

PM: Would you be willing to execute a man sentenced to death, knowing that if you didn't he'd be set free?

BG: If he did something bad enough to put him on death row then he deserves everything that's coming to him. So yes, I would push the button.

PM: Do you think religion should be a part of sports?

BG: I don't think it should be forced on anybody. I'm not in favor of religion being pushed on anybody.

PM: What's your opinion on someone who crosses a picket line?

BG: I don't think I'd want to. When I was part of the NFL players association we stuck together. Then you also have to put yourself in other people's shoes and maybe this is their only chance to live their dream.

PM: Do you see any justification that the President of the United States earns 250,000 and the president of a car company earns 2 million?

BG: Zero! I think it's appalling. I think it's especially appalling when you see what teachers, fire fighters and policeman earn. I think that's what's wrong with America. Don't get me wrong. I work my ass off but in no way shape or form should I be making more than a teacher. Though I'm a role model I think their job in molding the youth of America is more important than me entertaining people.

PM: Would you favor making drugs legal if greatly reduced violent crime but increased the death toll from drug abuse?

BG: I'd say legalize it. By legalizing it, the only harm it would create is to the drug users themselves and not to any innocent bystanders.

PM: How would you handle it if you were asked to give a job reference for a friend you knew couldn't handle the job?

BG: I'm an honest person. I wouldn't want my reputation to suffer because of the recommendation and I wouldn't want a friend to make a fool out of himself because he was unprepared to handle the job.

PM: Did you have a tough childhood as a result of your parents splitting up?

BG: No question. I had two older brothers and an older sister. My older brothers were grown up and out of the house while I was dealing with it. My sister was there for a short period of time. Between my sister and my dog I had couldn't have had two better friends to help me through that situation.

PM: Most prized possession

BG: My dog. He's irreplaceable. I collect cars and motorcycles but you can replace one of those fuckers in a heartbeat.

PM: If you could choose your child's profession at birth, what would it be?

BG: I'd make him a wealthy heir to my throne. Seriously though, I'd make him a tennis player so he wouldn't have to endure all the pain that I went through playing football.

PM: Is there something you've dreamed of doing for a long time and why haven't you done it?

BG: I've been a very simple person. The only thing that I dreamed of doing was playing professional football and succeeding at it. Not succeeding at it to my expectations would be the one shortcoming in my life.

PM: Would you want to know the exact day you are going to die?

BG: Absolutely! That way I could blow all my money and have a great time doing it.

PM: One thing you'd never do again?

BG: I could tell you but it would ruin my image.

PM: Do you have a bodyguard?

BG: I don't think I need one. The only time that it might be necessary is if there were some religious threats. I'm so visible now that all someone would have to do is target me for some stupid reason. It's not like I hide my name or anything. I'm proud of who I am so I'm not going to cover it up.

PM: Top 3 TV shows of all time

BG: All in the Family, Three Stooges and Dennis Miller Live.

PM: Hardest part about leaving home?

BG: Finding the space to take all my shit with me.

PM: One thing that you believed at 18 that you wish you still believed?

BG: That I was invincible. I wake up every morning like Nick Nolte did in North Dallas Forty. I never imagined that would be me.

PM: Have you ever bought clothes because you were too lazy to do the wash?

BG: Oh ya! Most of the time when I'm on the road. I'll buy socks, clothes and even a suit.

PM: If you could go 4 rounds with someone?

BG: I'd say Eric Bishoff our ex-president. I've wanted to get him in the ring for a long time.

PM: Have you ever gotten out of a speeding ticket because of who you are?

BG: I got out of a couple because I was such a sorry face to look at, at 3 in the morning.

PM: If you could have dinner with one person?

BG: Muhammed Ali. He's the one sports figure that I've always wanted to meet. He's the one person I've always admired.

PM: Yearbook prediction?

BG: To play in the NFL.

PM: Would you consider yourself a bargain shopper?

BG: I would consider myself a convenience shopper.

PM: What's better sex or winning a wrestling match?

BG: Hell, they're both fixed but I'd go with the sex.

PM: How would you react if your girlfriend had sex with other women before you met?

BG: Whatever she did before we met plays no part in our relationship today.

PM: What do you remember most about your first girlfriend?

BG: Her teeth, they were giant.

PM: How would you react if your spouse was both smarter and more attractive?

BG: It wouldn't bother me -- she is.

PM: Worst date experience?

BG: I don't think I've ever had a bad date.

PM: How serious would an affair have to be before you'd want and expect to be told about it?

BG: The initial onset of it.

PM: Do you see any difference in having sex with a prostitute and having sex with someone for future benefit?

BG: One may be a bit safer than another. Morally I think they're both wrong. You're using a prostitute for immediate gratification. But I think the other is worse.

PM: Is sex for you a way to express your love or to gratify your needs?

BG: I'd say to express my love.

PM: Would you feel unfaithful if you had frequent sexual daydreams about someone other than the person you're with?

BG: I'd feel more uneasy than unfaithful.

PM: Where did you learn about sex?

BG: My dad was an obstetrician/gynecologist and that kind of helped. He brought me in his office a couple of times and I think he had an ulterior motive.

PM: If your girlfriend granted you one night of sex with anyone you wanted, would you take her up on the offer?

BG: I would, absolutely.

PM: Would it hurt more never to have kids or never to have an enduring marriage?

BG: Never to have kids because you don't have to be married to have an enduring relationship.

PM: Would you ever ask your girlfriend to take an HIV test?

BG: I wouldn't, but she has. I have to take them frequently as part of the agreement with the WCW organization.

PM: Is there a milestone that you have in your sights?

BG: I think that if I retire tomorrow I'd leave a lasting impression. I don't want to sound like a "pussy", but I want to reach as many kids as possible, and leave them with a positive image.

PM: What do you remember most about your NFL experience?

BG: There were a number of guys like Tim Green, Pierce Holt and Mike Gann who contributed to making my football career a very positive experience. I'm still in contact with all of the guys. Pierce Holt was a guy who had a guaranteed contract and he worked his ass off every single day even knowing that he didn't have to.

PM: How would you feel if you were Barry Sanders's teammate when he retired just before the season?

BG: I'd feel really horrible because I don't think he handled it very well at all. It's a person's own decision to hang it up when the time is right but it's also that person's responsibility to make sure that everybody involved knows the entire story and it's handled in a professional manner. It just seems that a lot of things were left hanging by Barry Sanders.

PM: Anything you keep for sentimental reasons?

BG: My old football jersey from Georgia.

PM: Describe yourself in 3 words?

BG: Pessimistic, caring, perfectionist. That makes for a fucking rocky road.

PM: Tell me two truths and one lie and leave us guessing which are the truths and what is the lie.

BG: I'm not the highest paid guy in the WCW. I once kicked a 51-yard field goal in 9th grade of the city championships. I was a member of the Sacramento Surge of the World Football League.

PM: Your thoughts on school prayer and the posting of the ten commandments?

BG: [No Answer]