World Boxing Council Expels Ryan Garcia Following Racist Statements
The World Boxing Council expelled Ryan Garcia on Thursday 4th July following his racist statements during a social media livestream. The 25-year-old reportedly used several racist and discriminatory statements against Black people and Muslims.
Declaring the Council’s decision to expel Garcia from the organization, the Council’s president, Mauricio Sulaiman, posted on X, “Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization...”
The president also remarked that the Council rejects any form of discrimination in an action that could serve as a notable deterrent to other athletes against unbecoming public behavior. The boxer made these statements on X during a livestream, to the dismay of the general public.
Garcia, Family Apologize after WBC Expulsion, Cite Mental Health Issues
Soon after his famed discriminatory remarks, Garcia, one of the most influential boxers on Instagram, tendered some public apology on X. “I was trolling… I want all the killing to stop,” he posted. “I love everyone, sorry if I offended you.”
However, his family has also reportedly issued a public apology concerning his actions after the disciplinary action from the WBC. “Our family unequivocally does not support any statements [Garcia] has made regarding race or religion – these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised,” Garcia's family spokesperson said, according to an ESPN report.
Explaining the possible cause of his online troll, the boxer’s family highlighted a mental health condition. "Those who know Ryan can attest to this fact. Ryan has been open about his ongoing struggle with mental health over the years and as a family, we are committed to ensuring and encouraging that he receives the necessary help to navigate this very challenging time and address both his immediate and long-term well-being."
It appears that his family's claims of Garcia's mental health situation are valid, with the WBC President indirectly affirming it in another communication. Sulaiman added in his disciplinary post on Garcia that the boxer refused “multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse.”
A History of Wrongdoings
Just last month, the New York State Athletic Commission suspended Garcia for allegedly taking performance-enhancing drugs before his April 20 victory over Devin Haney. Garcia tested positive for banned substances, and the Commission changed his win to a "no contest". The suspension was to last a year, retroactive to the fight's date.
In the same month, the boxer was arrested on a felony vandalism charge. He allegedly damaged a hallway and guest room belonging to the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Beverly Hills, according to reports from the Beverly Hills police department.
Expelled Garcia Turns to Rehab for “Positive Influence”
Garcia announced that he's considering getting help from rehab while attributing his unbecoming actions to a "hard time" in his personal life. Announcing his decision to seek help, Garcia announced: "I just want to be a positive influence now. I’m headed to rehab and I’m going to make a real change in my heart. Like I said, all I can do is be better.”
He also hinted at several events in his personal life that may be linked to his irrational behavior.
"A lot of things are happening in my life man. I feel falsely accused of doing steroids. They banned me from a sport I love so much. I'm going through a divorce … and my own mental struggles in itself. It's not fun for me… life is not fun right now," the boxer said, hinting at a willingness to return a better athlete to the sport.
In a Nutshell
The World Boxing Council expelled Ryan Garcia for racist comments against Blacks and Muslims on an X space. He and his family have tendered apologies citing his well-known history with mental health conditions linked to personal life challenges. Garcia’s getting rehab and looks towards a return to boxing.
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