Greg Glassman has decided to step down as CrossFit CEO.
After a recent insensitive Tweet by the now former CrossFit CEO, Greg Glassman and the company suffered significant scrutiny. Glassman apologized and tried to frame the Tweet as just a joke. Unfortunately for Glassman it wasn’t a very funny one and sparked upheaval in the CrossFit community.
Hundreds of gyms ended their affiliation with CrossFit over the Tweet. Reebok, a major CrossFit sponsor, has also decided to cut ties with the company.
Rather than continue on as CrossFit CEO, Greg Glassman has decided to step down from the role. Glassman made a statement about his retirement on the official CrossFit website.
“I’m stepping down as CEO of CrossFit, Inc., and I have decided to retire. On Saturday I created a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members. Since I founded CrossFit 20 years ago, it has become the world’s largest network of gyms. All are aligned in offering an elegant solution to the vexing problem of chronic disease. Creating CrossFit and supporting its affiliates and legions of professional trainers has been a labor of love.
Those who know me know that my sole issue is the chronic disease epidemic. 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. They are too important to jeopardize.”
In the wake of his retirement, Dave Castro has stepped up to take the role of CEO. Castro issued his own statement about his new role.
“CrossFit is a community — one that is global, diverse, and tough. Every person in our community shares a common bond. We are all dedicated to a visionary, transformative approach to health and fitness. Our individual passions for that approach have forged an enduring community.
Our community is hurt, though. Our shared bond brings together millions of people with differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences. Friction is inevitable. Common ground, mutual respect, and fellowship must also be inevitable. I’m honored to take on the role of CEO of CrossFit, Inc. 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.”
This incident goes to show that racism in all it’s forms will no longer be tolerated. While freedom of speech is the ultimate right, there will always be consequences to speaking your mind in a manner that is highly damaging and upsetting to a population of people who have been abused and subjugated under an oppressive system.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
