I kept waiting for someone rodeo to chip in, but not yet. (Yes, UM does have a rodeo team.) A pro rodeo "clown" is a very special person, and vital to the safety of the riders, particularly the bull riders. His job is to distract the bull (big and mean on purpose) before he can slam-dunk the rider who he bucked off or who made time and bailed. It's no joke because a bull even with stubby horns can cause serious injury or even kill the rider ... or clown. Good clowns (deservedly) command huge respect in the sport.