Video Led to CrossFit Founder's Retirement
The Claim
Crossfit founder Greg Glassman retired because of backlash after he posted a tweet, seen below.
News posted on
Emerging story
On June 10, 2020, The Associated Press published an article, “Backlash over George Floyd tweet forces out CrossFit founder.”
Misbar’s Analysis
Founder and CEO of CrossFit Greg Glassman said on CrossFit Incorporated’s website late Tuesday, June 9, that he would retire. He said, “On Saturday I created a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members. I cannot let my behavior stand in the way of HQ’s or affiliates’ missions.”
His retirement came after he tweeted, “It’s FLOYD-19” in response to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation posting that “Racism is a public health issue.” This tweet followed a Zoom call held with CrossFit affiliates in which Glassman said, “We’re not mourning for George Floyd — I don’t think me or any of my staff are.” The call was published by Buzzfeed, who received it via an anonymous tip. George Floyd was an African-American man who died while in police custody after a police officer pushed his knee into his neck for an extended period of time.
Following the video and tweet, Reebok ended its affiliation with CrossFit, and thousands of gyms have ended their affiliations as well. CrossFit Central of Austin, Texas posted, “In light of recent comments made by CrossFit CEO, we are deaffiliating from CrossFit. We are resolute in our anti racist beliefs and stance against police police brutality. We stand in solidarity with the black community.”
While the tweet certainly contributed to Glassman’s retirement, it is more likely the prior video that led to much of the backlash.
