UFC Fighter Still Under Fire for ‘Rape’ Tweet…Even After Apology
- Posted on November 14, 2011 at 12:11am by
Christopher Santarelli
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Forrest Griffin sits in his corner between rounds during a mixed martial arts light heavyweight bout against Tito Ortiz, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, in Las Vegas. Griffin won by split decision. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Forrest Griffin had been a favorite among Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fans but now cannot escape criticism from a recent tweet, even after a thorough apology. The UFC fighter’s tweet said: “Rape is the new missionary.” Griffin told Fox 13 that he was responding to the number of recent high-profile cases in the news involving rape, such as the Penn State scandal, and was commenting that rape has become commonplace.
“I feel bad, I want to apologize, I feel like a should be punished a little bit,” Griffin said Thursday after going to the local Rape Crisis Center in Las Vegas to apologize to the center’s Executive Director Hannah Brook. Fox 13 says Griffin also took a tour of the facilities and made a donation.
Apparently that’s not going to cut it.
Fox 13 reports that Nevada survivors of sexual assault, concerned parents and Las Vegas casino workers met Saturday outside UFC’s headquarters to protest the incident:
Saturday was the same day that the UFC made its prime-time network television debut, with Junior Dos Santos defeating Cain Velasquez for the heavyweight title.
Fox 13 reports that protesters demanded that advertisers and FOX Sports “drop the UFC” until the UFC makes it evident to the public that it no longer tolerates “violent, sexist and homophobic language.” Protesters demanded that the organization adopts and enforces a code of ethical conduct similar to those that exist in other professional sports.
UFC officials did not immediately respond to an email request for comment from the Associated Press. A UFC spokesperson had told Fox Thursday that they held a social media training seminar earlier this year to teach fighters the impact of their posts.
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Comments (77)
JLGunner
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 9:13amThis whole story is not only dumb, It’s a complete waste of time. I have no idea who this guy is and nor do I care, I don’t care what he has to say either. I’m going to continue my life now.
Report Post »Epic Fail
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 9:19amIt is funny how people who are clueless on a topic feel the need to tell everybody that they are clueless on the topic.
Report Post »Bill in Texas
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 12:59pmI’m with you Gunner.
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 8:52amThis SO ignorant! To make such a big deal about the statement, rather than let it be a discussion starter, is a WASTE! Actually I would like to see the entire tweet track, rather than judge based on that one line. And additionally, with all the music, movies, and other media that mention rape, I wouldn’t zero in on this ONE MENTION too soon.
So we’re going to Punish someone who TALKS ABOUT rape on-line, but someone like Bill Clinton, who actually commits it is an honored member of our society? We have a very twisted News Media!!!
Report Post »ishka4me
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 9:09amhe was quick to apologize and he himself said it was a dumb thing to tweet. Let it go. Most of us have said dumb stuff we would like to take back.
Report Post »Phoenixsoulfire
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 10:06amThey made a big deal of it because he isn’t a progressive democrap. Now if he was hanging off Odumbo’s taint they would have just giggled shrigged and said “oh that Griffin”
Report Post »UnrepetantCurmudgeon
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:20pmThis is the problem in our society: sexual offenses (actually, heterosexual sexual offenses — observe how references to Sandusky molesting “young boys” are gradually disappearing from the stories) are the legal “onion.” Peel them, slice them, dice them, liquefy them, the stink remains. This is the whole subtext to the Herman Cain story: none of the allegations are worth the bandwidth it took to broadcast them, but they will live as part of his media-imposed legacy forever. Our society is pathetic.
Report Post »TheBMT
Posted on November 15, 2011 at 2:55amone of those times when something in your head sounded alot better then when it came out.
Report Post »JustJason
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 8:25amIt is kinda funny really… The man is a former school teacher. I am sure he is frustrated with recent events regarding children, from teachers to coaches. I think it’s funny that this so called “knuckle dragger” makes a thought provoking statement too high brow for you all to understand. You fail to think and reflect on that statement. I think its good he uses his status to create this discussion and criticism. I am disappointed he backed down and apologized. I think maybe you think people who follow this sport are too stupid or ignorant to understand what he is eluding to and may take his statement as permissive behavior. Which in itself is condescending… Most the guys I have rolled with are educated professionals at the day job. Believe it or not it is a thinking man’s game. Just because you are afraid doesn’t mean it is a mindless and useless endeavor.
Report Post »Lesterp
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 8:51amRich Franklin is the former teacher, not Forrest!
Report Post »Longshot35
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 9:31amForrest is a former Police Officer.
Report Post »ares338
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 7:30amUFC fighters should never followed for their intellectual prowess. They do one thing. They beat the crap out of someone else. He has a right to say what he says. Obamas’ preacher can say “Gawd Dam America” but this guy can’t speak? Screw everyone one of them!
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 8:16amWater finds it’s own level!
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 7:16amForrest Griffin was bringing attention to the fact that rape is a growing problem – I don’t understand the criticism.
Report Post »Lesterp
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 8:53amNor do I. Every OWS treats it like it’s no big deal.
Report Post »Shiroi Raion
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:44amSo what? He used a metaphor to say rape appears to be common these days. There’s no way theyse protestors can get me to believe he meant it was okay. Oh wait… I read it a second time. They’re want a boycott on FOX Sports for what a guy in the UFC tweeted. I see what’s going on here… FOX Sports. This was probably started by the typical suspects. They’ll go after anything with Fox in the name.
Report Post »Rowgue
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:44pmThat was his explanation for his comment AFTER THE FACT. The actual comment he made that some people got all in a tizzy over was in no way attempting to make the point he made in his explanation after the fact.
The truth is he made an idiotic remark that he thought people would think was funny, and he meant it exactly the way he said it. The explanation after the fact for why he said it was just damage control.
Report Post »UrbanCombatSurvivor
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:24amWhere Forrest went wrong was giving these morons any attention at all.
He said something, they didn’t like it. Tough ****, look at something else.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:42amObama rapes this country everyday he is in office………
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:22amIt sounds like something taken out of context – just an out of place remark .
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:25amNot going to a talk site – enough trouble here.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:32am“that it no longer tolerates “violent, sexist and homophobic language.”
Ahhh, you have to read down in the article a ways to see the real deal. Basically, the entire UFC must fall behind feminists and degenerate sodomites, or get hounded by the MSM. How long before the progressives and libs try to force these same rules on churches and private schools? How long before they just watch and see where a person worships, then want to fire them if that church actually preaches Biblical definitions concerning homosexuality, marriage, child rearing, abortion…… The left hates our first amendment. It is always about the collective, and they despise rights for the individual.
Forrest needs to tell them to pound sand. He is good fellow. I trained with him when he was still with Hardcore Gym in Athens. He has a lot of heart and drive.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:01amThere does come a tio walk around me when one begins t wy –alk around in a stupor – sorr – sakesorry t the mist the mistakes are not mine.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:06amTakes a long time to correct the type that someone is typing over – is any of this happening to anyone else on this site?
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:09amOther than me?
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:28amMy page jumps and leaves out letters that I type. I have to reread every post to make sure what I typed made it on the screen. I once typed Oma instead of Obama.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:42amThanks, just curious – sometimes , not often – a whole comment will appear , not often, but not mine.
Report Post »Lesterp
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 8:56amThought it was just me!
Report Post »freedomofspeech
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 5:30amoh for pete sakes, get a life. for real? over that tweet? ban UFC until certain demands are met? don’t like what others say? offended by words? I say “ take it to the octagon”!
Report Post »MyPostingName
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 5:21amFirst, this tweet was bad choice for blow-back from the offended, obviously.
Those who don’t know Forrests personal story, look into it before making broad stroke character comments. The dedication and commitment he’s had over the last 8 years to achieve what he has as a MMA fighter is remarkable. Most people wil never commit or dedicate themselves to anything more then he has from where he came, read his story.
These wuss people who are criticizing the most are against anything that resembles self defense, particularly physical. “True” Mixed Martial Artists are the humbleness you will find. Give Forrest a break, Politicians get away everyday with worse.
Just happened November 2nd, Here is a video of 2 MMA fighters taking down armed robber in hotel.
http://www.wickedhype.com/videos/details/8518/MMA-Fighters-In-L.A.-Choke-Out-Robber-
Report Post »citizen_brain
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 5:42amForrest Griffin is a good man, you can tell from reading his books. He’s a crude foul mouthed guy, but you can tell that he’s a decent person from watching him over many years in the UFC. He basically went from living on his friends couch with no money to become a UFC fighter and legend. He has an amazing story and deserves a pass on this. I’ve read both of his books and he just has a sort of sick sense of humor which is really funny if you know how to take a joke. He is also very intelligent, most UFC fighters aren’t dumb angry barbarians so quit stereotyping them. its their JOB to fight and to be good at MMA takes brains and athleticism. When you see interviews where they talk smack about their opponent etc most of that is just for show, most of these guys are friends they have to make it seem like there is some grudge between the fighters to build up the fights.
Report Post »Jeff1000
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 5:06amTime for Anderson Silva, your daddy, to pay a visit hahaha.
Report Post »RevDarwinEllis
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:31amSo I guess freedom of speech is good for burning a flag or men dressed up life woman dancing through the streets of modern day Sodom but if it’s a “straight” “white male” then no speech is free right!!!! Did I offend someone? GOOD!
Report Post »Rowgue
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:52amFreedom of speech does not grant you immunity from people thinking you’re a moron for what you say. The first ammendment guarantees your right to say something without GOVERNMENT cencorship, it doesn’t guarantee that everyone is supposed to like everything you say.
Report Post »brian8793
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 4:15amYeah, what the heck are you talking about? What does this have to do with the FREAKIN first amendment?
Is he being thrown in jail for something he said? NO.
He’s a public figure who said something STUPID. Now he has to pay the consequences. He probably sucks anyways…
Report Post »brian8793
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 4:16amBut yeah, the first amendment DOES protect people from burning the flag and having man on man sex. Why do you care anyways? Try worrying more about yourself…
Report Post »earthbonz
Posted on November 15, 2011 at 1:23amSome of us understand your point about the First Amendment. Pay no attention to the mumblers. They will likely never understand.
Report Post »Rowgue
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:22amThere’s no need to protest. The UFC’s debut on fox was an unmitigated disaster. That crapfest of a thirty second fight just made the UFC look like a joke.
Report Post »mmabri
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 5:42amWhat are you talking about. The ratings were great, and the UFC is no joke. It was billed for a long time that there would only be one fight that night on Fox. The deal with Fox doesn’t go into full effect until the new year. I swear I wish some people would seriously get their facts straight before posting such nonsnse. As for Forrest’s comment it was just plain stupid especially since he was a police officer before before he got his break with the UFC.
Report Post »Rowgue
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 4:08pmFirst off fox made the mistake of letting the UFC dictate that their in house marble mouthed inbred failed comedian commentators handle the event rather than using their own crew and bringing in actual MMA experts that know what they’re talking about. If it’s going to be on network television people are going to want actual analysis, not the obnoxious mouthbreathing hype machine.
They had a thirty minute pre fight hype fest for a thirty second fight, and sat around like idiots babbling to themselves for the last twenty minutes because they weren’t prepared for the fight to be decided so quickly. They finally even gave up trying to fill time and just ended the show, leaving a ten minute window of nothing but commercials until their regular show lineup continued.
There is a reason real events book fight cards and not single fights. There is always the potential for the lightning fast knockout whether it’s a fluke or somewhat expected. If you only have one fight lined up then your show is over, which is what happened with the fox fight. People don’t tune in to watch 50 minutes of talking and thirty seconds of fighting.
Report Post »mmabri
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 7:06pmAs I stated before they billed it months before that there would only be one single fight for the event if you wanted to watch the whole fight card you could have watched it on Fox Fuel or Facebook (Like I did). Again this was stated by Dana White months before the event. As for their ratings for that night you think were low I suggest you do some research because they got 5.8 million viewers for that one fight. Now in the new year the Fox/UFC deal will go into full effect that means all the Ultimate Fight Nights, and Ultimate Fighter will be on Fox instead of Spike.
Report Post »NOT A CRAZY
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:17am“Griffin told Fox 13 that he was responding to the number of recent high-profile cases in the news involving rape, such as the Penn State scandal, and was commenting that rape has become commonplace.”
Why is it that people cannot just take someone at their word? He wrote one sentence before being tarred and feathered. That was his mistake but even after he comes out and explains what he was saying you all still cruicify him.
Report Post »hogtrashhd
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:45amthere are way too many people who live for demonizing and trying to destroy other people for what they say. people in this country tout free speech for what they side with, but not if others say something they don’t agree with.. it goes both ways idiots…it would nice it people in this country would try to cultivate some couth.. they act and talk like gutter rats…
Report Post »TEXASGRANNY73
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:50amSure does. Some people who don’t have “couth” call others idiots all the time.
Report Post »WH
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:40amForrest Griffin, by all accounts, is a really good guy…he said something stupid and needs to deal with it, but he is not some idiot punk.
Report Post »No_Comment
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:40amPolitically correctness gone mad again! It was a dumb tweet ? Yes, but how many of the ones so offended havent had a few themselves ? The guy went to the “local Rape Crisis Center” and personally apologized to the manager for it, toured the place,and donated money for it, but of course thats not good enough for these peeps in glass houses. No need to call him dumb, or a hick, or worse, all over a tweet. Why anyone popular tweets is beyond me, as someone is always reading every word so they can catch you with a “Gotcha”, and try to destroy you for it.
Report Post »BrianA
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:52am“Rape is the new missionary”
Report Post »Really? Is anybody surprised that this idiot said this? He makes a living basically trying to prove that he could rape another guy.
-Brian
NOT A CRAZY
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:13amBrian, you are a moron.
Report Post »mmabri
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 5:47am@Briana – Maybe you should try watching some MMA bouts before making such an ignorant comment. Of course your trolling so what does it matter right?
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:06amReminds me of when the media reported that John Lennon said The Beatles were bigger than God.
Report Post »One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 12:56amThis is the result of 24 7 365 media that has lost interest in the things that matter and worries about the crap that doesn’t. Like every time some idiot tweets something stupid, or says something stupid or posts something stupid on their blog..
Used to be when people said stupid stuff the entire world didn’t hear about it…now every person needs to hire a personal editor apparently to make sure the stuff they send IN THEIR NAMES around cyberspace aren’t ignorant and will cost them their livelihood because liberal PC LOONS run them off the plantation.
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:09amThat Whats his name dude that wheres the knit cap in a heat wave canceled his twitter because of that,then hired a twitter proofer. That guy married to the Stripper lady that was married to Bruce Willis.
Report Post »Rowgue
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:29amUmm no. It’s due to the fact that he intentionally used a method of communication to say something idiotic that not only did he know everyone would see, but the only reason for it’s use is to draw attention to yourself.
Is it being blown a bit out of proportion? Maybe. But this isn’t a media created event. He created it himself. I‘m pretty sure he’s not the devil incarnate that some people are trying to make him out to be, but that doesn’t mean he gets a pass for being a moron.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 12:55amPersonally I think there is far too many people in the world and I would like to see sex stop altogether for oh about 100 years, since people are not being fruitful and multiplying “Man” in the earth.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:00amBut alas everything that is happening is “The rain” and “Man” will come out of it.
Report Post »TEXASGRANNY73
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:57amGot it. Finally got it. You are Rain Man’s brother? We just have not figured out what it is you are adding up. Do a dance in an elevator. Maybe that would help.
Report Post »blaaaaackwoman
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 12:32amForrest Griffin should be excused, he is just a hick from the farm, a Forest Gump hillbilly, seriously a good fighter but never the less a Forest Gump type. The quality of the character of the UFC is 100 times better than your average protester. What horrible timing for this to happen like this.
Report Post »blaaaaackwoman
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 12:22amWasn’t it another big time coach, Bobby what’s his name, the temper tantrum basketball tyrant, who said rape victims should just lay back and enjoy the sex, or something like that?
Report Post »1froglegs
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:10amClayton Williams narrowly lost the Texas governors race to Ann Richards in 1990 after making a “sit back and enjoy it” rape remark. Had he not done that Richards would not have faced GW Bush four years later and he may never have become president. It’s the little things that change history.
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 12:17amWhen the protesters start demanding the Democrats disallow President Clinton for his actions ,then they can go after advertisers, Let’s try to stop all sexual attacks.
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