CrossFit CEO and co-founder, Greg Glassman, officially resigned this week, after he was widely criticized for making some insensitive comments about George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic. His decision came after he realized his words had “created a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members.”
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“Those who know me know that my sole issue is the chronic disease epidemic,” Glassman said in a statement released on Tuesday (June 9th). “I know that CrossFit is the solution to this epidemic and that CrossFit HQ and its staff serve as the stewards of CrossFit affiliates worldwide. I cannot let my behavior stand in the way of HQ’s or affiliates’ missions.”
On Saturday, after the company had already come under fire for their failure to voice their solidarity with the Black community amid the outbreak of protests against police brutality and systemic racism, Glassman made an odd joke on Twitter about George Floyd, whose murder by police served as the catalyst for said protests.
In response to a tweet from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation that read, “racism and discrimination are critical public health issues that demand an urgent response,” Glassman wrote, “It’s FLOYD-19.” He appeared to be mocking this notion that racism is an epidemic much like coronavirus, all the while making light of Floyd’s tragic death.
He then followed up his response by criticizing the research institute’s failure to develop a solution to the spread of COVID-19. “Your failed model quarantined us and now you’re going to model a solution to racism?” he tweeted. “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!”
Glassman’s brash remarks led to the dissolution of CrossFit partnerships with brands like Reebook. Dave Castro, the director of the CrossFit Games, will replace Glassman as CEO. “I’m honoured to take on the role of CEO of CrossFit, Inc.,” Castro said in a statement. “I hope to do right by affiliates, trainers, athletes, and other members of the CrossFit community around the world and never lose sight of the mission Greg established for us all.”
