CrossFit CEO Greg Glassman saw immediate backlash after posting a racist tweet that mocked the murder of George Floyd, as well as the coronavirus pandemic.
Writing on Twitter in response to a tweet from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which called racism a public health issue, Glassman replied, “It’s Floyd-19.”
Racism and discrimination are critical public health issues that demand an urgent response. #BlackLivesMatter
— Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (@IHME_UW) June 6, 2020
Read our director’s statement: https://t.co/kZkP2s82oV pic.twitter.com/0A7VEqoHkq
Far from immediately apologizing for his tweet, Glassman doubled down on his stance.
“Your failed model quarantined us and now you're going to model a solution to racism?” Glassman continued. “George Floyd's brutal murder sparked riots nationally. Quarantine alone is ‘accompanied in every age and under all political regimes by an undercurrent of suspicion, distrust, and riots.’ Thanks!”
Reaction to Glassman’s comments was swift, as Reebok announced that the brand would end its partnership with Crossfit in 2020 once its contract expires.
“Recently, we have been in discussions regarding a new agreement, however, in light of recent events, we have made the decision to end our partnership with CrossFit HQ,” Reebok said via Business Insider. “We will fulfill our remaining contractual obligations in 2020. We owe this to the CrossFit Games competitors, fans and the community.”
A number of affiliate gyms that pay to use the CrossFit name have also pulled their support of the business due to Glassman’s comments. Many owners of CrossFit boxes posted their reactions social media.
We sent our letter today pic.twitter.com/TRqf6bItnJ
— Nick H (@NickHurndon) June 7, 2020
Losing Reebok seemed to have forced Glassman’s hand. Shortly after losing his sponsor, Glassman issued a statement apologizing for his comments, stating, “I, CrossFit HQ, and the CrossFit community will not stand for racism. I made a mistake by the words I chose yesterday. My heart is deeply saddened by the pain it has caused. It was a mistake, not racist but a mistake. Floyd is a hero in the black community and not just a victim. I should have been sensitive to that and wasn’t. I apologize for that.”
Rogue Fitness, another CrossFit sponsor, also reacted to Glassman’s comments, saying the CrossFit CEO’s “comments are unacceptable under all conditions,” adding thatRogue Invitational will remove the CrossFit Logo from the 2020 event and will only allow discussion of sanctioning with real discussion on the future. Rogue said it will also work with the CrossFit Games leadership to determine the best path forward.
“We will fulfill the 2020 season for the athletes and the community,” the statement read. “The future is dependent on the direction and leadership within CrossFit HQ. Rogue has been the equipment provider since 2010 and we believe it is part of our DNA. We hope there is a path forward. We stand behind the community.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Rogue Fitness (@roguefitness) on Jun 7, 2020 at 3:22pm PDT
