In 2023, PBR (Professional Bull Riders) made the decision to suspend rider Rafael Jose de Brito for both the 2023 and 2024 PBR Camping World Team Series seasons. This suspension was issued due to de Brito’s breach of PBR league rules regarding unexcused absences. Specifically, de Brito failed to return to the United States to participate in the 2023 season after spending time abroad. His failure to notify the league about his absence violated the terms of his rider agreement, which outlines the expectations for consistent participation in competitions.
As a consequence of his suspension, de Brito was barred from taking part in all PBR-sanctioned events for the duration of the 2023 and 2024 seasons. This absence not only affected de Brito’s personal career but also had an impact on his team, the Texas Rattlers. The Rattlers were forced to release him from their roster as a result of his failure to comply with league regulations. With the PBR Camping World Team Series in full swing, the Rattlers had to quickly adapt and replace de Brito to maintain a full, competitive lineup for the remainder of the season.
In response to de Brito’s suspension, the Texas Rattlers signed Dawson Gleaves as a replacement during the roster lock period. Gleaves, along with other roster changes, was brought in to ensure that the team remained competitive for the rest of the season as they pursued the PBR Teams Championship. The roster lock period is an essential part of the series, where teams solidify their final rosters for the season, making any necessary adjustments before the trade deadline.
This suspension highlights the strict rules and expectations within the PBR for rider conduct, ensuring that all athletes maintain professionalism and adhere to their agreements. The decision to suspend de Brito reinforces the importance of accountability and team commitment in professional bull riding.
