Controversy has arisen again in an already turbulent year for Ryan Garcia. The World Boxing Council (WBC) has expelled the 25 year old boxing sensation after his racially charged rant on Thursday, July 4th, on Spaces, the live audio conversation app on social media platform X/Twitter. Garcia went live and was heard repeatedly using the “N-word” and racial slurs towards Muslims, and made disparaging remarks about the death of George Floyd.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman took to X to announce the following: “Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization. We reject any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan’s well being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse.” The WBC has yet to announce what sanctions the organization will take against Garcia.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar de la Hoya, who promotes Garcia, went on social media to denounce Garcia’s inflammatory comments. “There is no room for hate or intolerance at my company. Period. I condemn Ryan’s words in the strongest terms possible.”
Amidst the online backlash that followed, Garcia gained the attention of former NBA basketball player and friend of George Floyd, Stephen Jackson. Garcia, made comments about Floyd that Jackson didn’t take lightly.
On Friday, Garcia made a public apology and said that he’s seeking help, planning to go to rehab for alcohol abuse. “First and foremost, I want to apologize to the Black community. I apologize to the Muslim community, basically for my language and my vocabulary. I obviously have a big responsibility as a famous athlete and I was very under the influence and I’m going through a lot… but I have no excuse. 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.” Garcia’s family also released a public statement saying that his remarks “do not align with his, or our family’s true character or beliefs.”
Garcia is currently serving a one year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission after testing positive for the banned performance-enhancing drug ostarine. Coming in shortly after his upset victory over Devin Haney on April 20th, the decision was later changed to “no contest”. Just last month, Garcia was arrested on felony vandalism charges, after causing a reported $15,000 in damages to a room and a section of the hallway.
“I’m going to rehab and getting therapy. Just trying to work through my own traumas and then I’m going to come back better for sure.” said Garcia on Friday.
