By Kyle Jorrey
Sports Editor
Ever panic at the sight of a white Honda Accord creeping by you on Seaver Drive seemingly without a driver in the front seat?
Don’t worry, put down that cell phone and tell Public Safety to return to their cars — it’s only Matt Slaughter — you just can’t see him.
With his seat down, sunglasses on and one hand on the wheel, this Pepperdine junior is just cruising. A native of San Diego, the business major is right at home here in Southern California, and he’s not afraid to say it.
A lover of people and music, chances are if you run into Slaughter, one of those, or even both, will be present. As eccentric as he is funny, the former Sigma Pi fraternity member isn’t afraid to speak his mind. Especially on subjects that make him mad, like parking tickets and attendance policies.
Despite his laid-back approach to life, Slaughter is also a workingman, holding a job at the Home Depot down the U.S. Highway 101 from his home in Calabasas. If you’re lucky, he just might show you to the way to the selection of fine brass faucets or recommend a brand of deck stain.
Either way, Slaughter stands out of the crowd, a member of the Pepperdine community with a personality and humor all his own. Word to the wise — whatever you do — don’t take him seriously.
So, tell me something interesting about when you were born.
I was a Caesarean section. I just popped right out. Here’s something interesting, when I was being born the doctor looked down and laughed. My mom asked the doctor why he was laughing and he said, “Uh, Sue, it’s definitely a boy.”
You were raised in San Diego, what was that like?
I was from the East side where there’s hot, hot weather. Me and my church homeboys used to cause mad ruckus. Manifest crew, what.
What’s up with this “Manifest” business?
It was the original gang of our church. We had other names before then, but Manifest just stuck. It spread to all East County schools. People were making T-shirts, hats … we even had Manifest videos.
I heard you had a pretty “dope” ride, what’s that about?
His name is Juice. You know when I roll by because you’ll see me sitting on the “seventeens” (the size of his rims). Holla at me.
I heard you had a reputation with the ladies … any truth to that?
Oh, you heard that, huh? Well, you heard wrong. I don’t have mad game for the ladies, they have game for me.
I see. Tell me about your last name. Any relation to that pro-wrestler guy?
No. Sergeant Slaughter was an original G.I. Joe. When I was a kid people used to call me Sgt. Slaughter.
Do you think your name makes people frightened of you?
I think people are more scared of my intimidating size.
So exactly how big are you? You don’t look very tall.
5’11 and a buck and a half (155 lbs.): All muscle. I eat my Wheaties.
You used to be a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity, what ever did happen to you guys?
My brothers and I, after weighing the pros and cons of being in a fraternity and not being in a fraternity, decided the best thing was not to be. We owed past dues that were not even from our pledge class and we believed that being in a fraternity wasn’t worth paying all the dues.
We can still be friends without having two letters on our sweatshirts.
Then you guys didn’t leave to start an underground mafia racketeering ring?
I’ll take the fifth on that one. Practicamo omerta.
Oh, you speak Italian?
Si, certo. I’m in my fourth semester. I’ve always been fascinated with the Italian culture so I decided to learn the language. I’m going there next summer and never coming back. Chao.
How do you plan to make a living?
I’ll open a winery, make fine wines. I’ll call it “Don Sliza.”
What’s your favorite Mafia movie?
“Godfather, Part I.” For the fact that the godfather (Marlon Brando) becomes a godfather to look out for the ones he cares about without the help of the police. He practices justice without the judiciary branch. His name is respected, and he is feared because he has so much power.
What’s your favorite activity to do when on a perfect Malibu day?
Play golf, man. But I have to play through the canyon because Malibu is too expensive. Nothing is sweeter than walking around on a big grass field and playing a highly technical sport with your friends. My dad and I say, “Your worse day at golf, is better than your best day at work.”
What about those golf course dress codes? For or against?
I’m pretty against them even though I abide by them. As long as you’re wearing something you should be able to play. Even if I’m wearing a T-shirt and jeans I’ll still wipe the floor with you in your suit. Clothes are irrelevant.
You live off campus now? Is there anything you miss about living on?
Yep, I miss seeing the people you know everyday just walking to and from class. And I miss having the majority of your friends within walking distance.
So I take it you’re a people person.
Absolutely. Nothing gives me more joy in life than to be with people because you have something to learn from every person in the world.
Even Michael Bolton?
Yeah, Michael Bolton teaches us all it doesn’t matter how long your hair is in the back, if it’s bald on top, you’re still bald.
I heard someone saw you at a Tool concert this summer making a complete scene, what’s that about?
That person was you. Tool is my favorite group. They rock, they’re trippy and I’ve never had music speak to me like that before. Everybody was rocking out at the concert.
I have to have a healthy dose of Tool everyday in order to survive.
Didn’t you win the “Hear No Evil, See No Evil” award for your dorm freshman year, what’s that all about?
Let’s just say we appreciated our (Residential Advisor) never coming up to check on us. We were void of room checks, but it was best for the whole school. Jimmy (Maddox) and I had fun in 7 E3. Sometimes we even go back there to reminisce.
I heard a rumor this weekend, something about an Ace Ventura costume … (in his best Ace Ventura voice) That’s what’s turns me on about you — your attention to detail. Take care now, bye, bye, then.
October 31, 2002
