The CEO of fitness company CrossFit has resigned after sparking backlash over his insensitive comments about George Floyd.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Greg Glassman announced his decision to retire after creating “a rift in the CrossFit community” and unintentionally hurting “many of its members.”
“Those who know me know that my sole issue is the chronic disease epidemic,” Glassman said. “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 affiliates’ missions.”
Glassman’s resignation comes after the executive tweeted, “Floyd-19,” in response to a statement released by Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, calling racism a public health issue.
In another tweet, Glassman slammed the institute’s coronavirus model and criticized it for modeling a “solution to racism,” according to CNN. To make matters worse, Glassman reportedly said, “I do not mourn George Floyd” several times during a zoom call with gym owners.
In response, Rebook, and several other brands severed ties or distanced themselves from CrossFit, which prompted Glassman to apologize.
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But now, Glassman will be replaced by Dave Castro, director of CrossFit Games.
“I’m honored to take on the role of CEO of CrossFit, Inc.,” Castro said. “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.”
