The UFC (Still) Needs A Real Personal Conduct Policy

by Dave Strummer on Dec 9, 2011 2:20 PM EST

The UFC needs a real personal conduct policy with clearly defined rules, processes and penalties, and that policy needs to exist somewhere outside of Dana White's brain.

via www.citizenvox.org

I've been beating this drum since Paul Daley whiffed on a half-assed sucker punch and got banned for life. Now, with the unfortunate (and wildly inconsistent) events surrounding Miguel Torres, Rashad Evans and Forrest Griffin, I'm ready to shout into the void a little bit more.

If the UFC is serious about becoming a more mainstream sport, its time to start developing clear, fair rules that aren't continuously invented and reinvented on the fly at the whim of its notoriously capricious CEO.

Paul Daley undoubtedly deserved some sort of disciplinary response for his actions, as did Nate Marquardt, Chael Sonnen, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Chris Leben, Miguel Torres and dozens of other guys who have stepped over some line or another in the course of their UFC careers. But all of those professionals also deserved to be judged and punished -- if necessary -- under a fair system, with clear, established rules.

I realize that Dana hands out lifetime bans like candy corn, and revokes them just as easily when it suits him, but it still isn't fair to the professional athletes who make their living in this incredibly dangerous sport that their jobs can disappear forever because one person gets a hair up his butt.

In no other sport on earth (mainstream or otherwise) would Miguel Torres get the effective death penalty for posting a tasteless tweet. It's just the latest in a long example of unjustified punishments. And the flip side of the unjustified punishments is almost as aggravating. Since Dana doesn't seem to know how to do anything other than fire people, or suspend them for an ever-shifting, arbitrary amount of time, he often just decides to look the other way when it doesn't suit him to punish a punishable offense (as in the case with Rashad).

How about setting up an internal committee of respected former fighters and industry insiders and asking them to interpret the rules and hand down punishments that are built into fighter contracts? That way fighters would be able to have at least a small amount of predictability and fairness in an unpredictable, unfair world.

The FanPosts are solely the subjective opinions of Bloody Elbow readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bloody Elbow editors or staff.

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Comments

Rec this all day long.

Especially with the sport in the edge of breaking into mainstream, an idea like this could really pay dividends

by Ziggy325 on Dec 9, 2011 2:41 PM EST reply actions

Yes, they do need a personal conduct policy-

the policy being show up for your contractually obligated fights on weight, on time, and on point.

That is seriously all that should be expected of these fighters. I’m sick and god damned tired of all this extraneous bullshit… at the end of the day, these guys are fighters. Who gives a fuck about the rest?

Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).

"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates

by ElliotMatheny on Dec 9, 2011 3:03 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

well I'm probably with you in spirit

but I come at this from the perspective that they are going to punish people for stuff outside of the bounds of fighting, and that if that is the case, there should be some standards for how its done.

Tatum: I think he's a good man. I like him. I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.

by Dave Strummer on Dec 9, 2011 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

I can get on board with that.

Really shitty what happened to Torres, Dana & co really fucked him over. It really is despicable.

Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).

"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates

by ElliotMatheny on Dec 9, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions

Oh come on,

you know damn well that we’d have had the Bloody Elbow Moral Outrage brigade screaming bloody murder if nothing happened to Miguel for his rape tweets.

by Rob Young on Dec 9, 2011 8:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

It's the moral outrage brigade that forced Dana to do this

Zuffa can’t have a “policy” because if they did then their money making fighters might violate it and they’d have to discipline them the same way they do their undercard and Bantamweight fighters.

So do nothing and Kid Nate will shit out an article with an inflammatory headline to draw eyeballs, or do something and get a different, equally shitty article but at least that one won’t be repeated on ESPN or TMZ.

Of course, the only reason other sports have “policies” rather than commissioners doling out punishment on a whim is because they have players associations that try to ensure that everyone is treated equally.

by Steadiest Pink on Dec 10, 2011 6:28 AM EST up reply actions

I'd rather have that, than have Torres fired.

Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).

"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates

by ElliotMatheny on Dec 10, 2011 7:05 PM EST up reply actions

Dana and company fucked him over?

I’m pretty sure if he had the common sense to conceal his utterly despicable sensibility from the rest of the world things would be status quo today. Wow, did I hear somewhere that Torres has a daughter? Look, these two poor sociopaths, Torres and Daley, are not banned from fighting. You guys can still watch them do what they do in the ring. But Zuffa is clearly trying to keep some of these ass-hats from creating an unnecessary firestorm in the mainstream media that could irrevocably tarnish the brand. As for Evans, there is an argument that what he expressed is every bit as jaw-dropping and flat-out awful as Torres’ twisted tweets. But what he said at least was in the moment and therefore seemed to lack the malice of forethought that is so evident in Miguel’s schtick. The guy made his bed — or van in this case — sympathy for him is wasted.

by Charlie Custer on Dec 9, 2011 8:42 PM EST up reply actions

nope, no hyperbole there.

Jesus Christ.

swan diving off the tongues of crippled giants

by Grappo on Dec 9, 2011 8:51 PM EST up reply actions

I have young daughters, so at least when it comes to issues like this, what may be outrageous hyperbole to you, is really just the lay of the land for me. I’ve been a fan of Torres, but the latest expression of his demented wit is a total game-changer. It’s really an exposure of his true nature. The people of Zuffa understood what it was and do not want to be associated with HIS brand. I have no problem with that. Maybe a company conduct policy would be a good idea going forward, but one would think that — as an employee and very public figure — not riffing on kidnapping and rape would qualify as an “unwritten rule.” Anyway, cutting Miguel probably did the trick to encourage some self-censoring among its fighters . I have to say, and It may come as a surprise, that I wouldn’t have been too bent out of shape had they just reprimanded him, fined him or whatever, and let him continue his vocation on a very tight leash (same with Daley). But I sure as hell am not going to criticize the UFC for instituting accountability in this particular matter.

by Charlie Custer on Dec 9, 2011 9:55 PM EST up reply actions

Code's of Conduct and Social Media Policies are very common today. Thinking the UFC should implement one is extremely reasonable.

On top of that, you labeling Daley and Torres as “sociopaths” is hyperbolic at best and fighter bashing at worst, regardless of the number or gender of your offspring. You completely ignore the litany of other offenses by currently employed UFC fighters like Penn’s cop-punching incident or Rampage’s rampage. There’s absolutely no way Torres or Daley are any worse than many other fighters currently under the payroll. I’m not calling for anyones contract termination here, just that the UFC should implement a policy holding fighters accountable for there actions.

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by Chris Hall on Dec 9, 2011 10:05 PM EST up reply actions

Well said

And I just don’t see how what Dana/UFC brass did to Torres represents “instituting accountability.” By Dana’s own admission, Torres had never received so much as a warning for anything he said in the past. Nobody in the UFC has been remotely penalized in the past for tweeting, and in fact, those guys are encouraged and incentivized to be active on Twitter.

Accountability occurs when there are established rules and understood consequences for breaking those rules. A completely capricious system of random firings for some, but not all, of the people who say tasteless things (I find Rashad’s comments worse than Torres’) doesn’t do anything for accountability.

Tatum: I think he's a good man. I like him. I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.

by Dave Strummer on Dec 9, 2011 10:29 PM EST up reply actions

Well at least

You changed this comment to “Dana/UFCbrass.” I think this does a great thing from accountability. It says don’t do stupid shit or you may get dropped. While “stupid” still isn’t defined, I think random rape jokes will fall into this category.

"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."

by Joben on Dec 9, 2011 10:45 PM EST up reply actions

Consistent policy establishes accountability

On it’s own, firing Torres for his comments is severe punishment but not necessarily indefensible. Compared with Rashad’s “joke” being a non-issue, it’s a gross over reaction. That’s why there needs to be an official policy for stuff like this – for consistency. Also, using Dana as a reference to the entirety of the Zuffa brass isn’t uncommon, as he is the face of the administrative side of the organization.

by Chris Hall on Dec 9, 2011 10:57 PM EST up reply actions

See below regarding Dana

As for the “official” policy? I guess I just don’t care if there is one or not. I’ve said it before and in any business, life isn’t fair. Even if you think Rashad deserved a worse punsihment than Torres, don’t you think this will deter fighters from tweeting/joking about rape? That will be a benefit to the company in the long run.

"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."

by Joben on Dec 9, 2011 11:03 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I wasn’t necessarily just speaking to you about Dana, but a lot of people have been arguing lately about when Dana is referred to as the be all and end all of UFC decision making, so I was just addressing that as a whole.

And again, my point (and I think Monte’s as well) about Conduct policy is that there are many infractions committed by fighters including and in addition to Twitter. There’s no reason why there shouldn’t be a definitive system in place for dealing with those issues.

by Chris Hall on Dec 9, 2011 11:11 PM EST up reply actions

But I would ask both of you

What is the policy that you propose? There aren’t many handbooks that define exactly what is offensive. However, there are thousands of handbooks that warn an employee that their employment can be terminated by offensive behavior.

I would love for you to write a fanpost and just provide the 1st 3 pages of this conduct policy. My point is that even with a “fighters conduct handbook” it’s still all subjective as to what the employer finds offensive.

"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."

by Joben on Dec 10, 2011 12:40 AM EST up reply actions

"Inappropriate conduct" is very subjective

We can both agree on that. In general, a system of progressive discipline would be more than sufficient. In general, first offenses ranging anywhere from verbal warning to fine or suspension, with increasing penalties for multiple infractions – much like any disciplinary actions.

As far as an article on a suggested policy, I might give it a shot sometime next week over at HKL, since I already addressed the need for it earlier today.

Monte, if you’re interested in helping me put it together over the next couple days, just hit me up, I’d be interested in your input, as we seem to be thinking along the same lines here.

by Chris Hall on Dec 10, 2011 1:06 AM EST up reply actions

I hope you do put one together

I can’t wait to rip it apart. I like you and think you are well intentioned, but you don’t realize the magnitude of what you are suggesting.

I want to ask so many questions about the proposal. Please do it. I look forward to using logic and legal precedent to ruin you premise.

But I like you buddy. Please make sure the handbook addresses rape jokes.

"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."

by Joben on Dec 10, 2011 2:10 AM EST up reply actions

I like the challenge joben. Sounds like I’ll have to do some research on current corporate social media and conduct guidelines to stand up to your scrutiny. Looking forward to it.

by Chris Hall on Dec 10, 2011 3:08 AM EST up reply actions

With much research comes much reward.

Just make sure to post half the article (with a link) at Mania. I’ve seen the good things that can come from that.

But seriously, congrats on being semi-legit. You deserve it. I still will piss on your conduct handbook. But I hope you have the balls to post one next week. Nothing but traffic will follow!

"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."

by Joben on Dec 10, 2011 3:35 AM EST up reply actions

Actually, I've been received pretty well by Mania

I’ve posted a couple things with no mountaineer-esque fallout. It’s really not that hard.

by Chris Hall on Dec 10, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions

I don't like the idea of the commitee

But the need to create a conduct policy is undeniable.
Dana’s inconsistent and a hypocrite. He can’t be the guy who hands out punishment when fighters step out of the line, based on nothing more than his feelings in the moment.
Rec’d.

"To me in this sport, it’s fighting, it’s mixed martial arts, and I feel there’s too many athletes and not enough fighters…I think these people going in taking these sports enhancement drugs, they’re not real fighters, they’re athletes. I’m a fighter. I’m a real fighter. That’s all I did my whole life." - BJ Penn

by Triangled on Dec 9, 2011 3:10 PM EST reply actions

Thanks

and yeah, I don’t know if a committee would work, but there’s got to be a better system than whether Dana’s had his Pinkberry yet.

Tatum: I think he's a good man. I like him. I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.

by Dave Strummer on Dec 9, 2011 3:15 PM EST up reply actions

I disagree with the assumption the severity of punishment is determined by personal dislike. It seems pretty obvious if Torres had been a main event level fighter, he’d have gotten the same stern lecture from Dana and that’d have been the end of it. As it was, he was high enough profile to be an effective example and he was making more money than he was worth (60k for fighting on facebook!) to the company.

I understand your point completely, but the fight business will always treat its stars differently (most sports do but it’s less obvious).

Getting bent out of shape over a fight promoter lying is like getting upset that a hooker won't kiss you. It betrays a deep lack of understanding of the nature of the profession.

by Stanlee on Dec 9, 2011 4:02 PM EST reply actions

I don't assume its based on personal dislike

In fact, I don’t think it’s based on anything other than Dana’s opinion in the exact moment that he makes the decision. I agree that Torres made a convenient scapegoat, thanks to his salary and the division he fights in, but that just makes Dana’s snap judgements that much more problematic.

Tatum: I think he's a good man. I like him. I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.

by Dave Strummer on Dec 9, 2011 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

I just dont see where you’re getting the whole snap judgement bit. It seemed pretty calculated to me.

Getting bent out of shape over a fight promoter lying is like getting upset that a hooker won't kiss you. It betrays a deep lack of understanding of the nature of the profession.

by Stanlee on Dec 9, 2011 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

Well Dana has certainly been guilty of snap judgements

The most obvious to me, being the summary banning of Paul Daley. If the Torres banning was a more calculated move to cut an under-performing asset, I think that actually makes the whole phenomenon I’m discussing even worse, and speaks even more to the need for some sort of system.

Tatum: I think he's a good man. I like him. I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.

by Dave Strummer on Dec 9, 2011 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

But the whole point is that the same set of rules cannot apply to facebook undercard fighters as it would to main eventers. I mean, Rampage went on his energy-drink-jesus driveby and barely got a slap on the wrist. Fight promotions just have too much tied up in their stars to cut them loose the way they can the undercard guys.

Daley’s offense, for instance, I’d say was less damning than Nick Diaz blowing off his media dates. He is simply far more of an asset to the company. The point you’re on, and I think there’s something to it, is it’s short sighted to handle in this way and the long term “sport” appeal is better served by a more egalitarian system. I agree with that, but from the UFC’s perspective, they are closer to an individual team rather than a sports league, at least in comparison to the more traditional US Sports. So when an NFL player goes off and stomps someone on the field or helmet-to-helmet launches himself at a QB, the team supports them and says suspensions would be out of line… but the league comes down hard.

The problems run a lot deeper than simply Dana White is an asshole. He is… but he’s not an idiot.

Getting bent out of shape over a fight promoter lying is like getting upset that a hooker won't kiss you. It betrays a deep lack of understanding of the nature of the profession.

by Stanlee on Dec 9, 2011 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

If the punishment was a reasonably small fine (and mandatory sensitivity training in the case of rape jokes), personally I don’t see why it couldn’t apply to main event fighters.

"He's like Elvis in Korea! They love him there." - Mike Goldberg on Denis Kang

by Bolshevik on Dec 9, 2011 7:13 PM EST up reply actions

As long as the UFC is pretty much synonymous in the public’s minds with Dana White, it will never be “mainstream.” He treats the business as if it’s a small office he can micro-manage. He makes erratic and arbitrary decisions, imposes a totalitarian control on things, drops F-bombs (and worse) at press conferences, dresses like a hobo, and then wants to have UFC be embraced as something less sleazy than boxing or WWE.

I doubt that his response to the Torres situation reflected his actual values. Had he not been sandbagged when Landsburg dropped the question on him, I have no doubt Torres would still be on the UFC roster today.

by ( . Y . ) on Dec 9, 2011 4:09 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Landsburg is the king of the sandbagging.

As must as I can’t stand the guy, you have to respect what he does.

Sheeeeeeeee-it

by Clay Davis on Dec 9, 2011 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

thank you

every time you point out how random the discipline is in the ufc, people say: well, he should have known better. no shit he should have known better. that does not obviate the need for fair and consistent decision making when you are dealing with people’s livelihoods.

by Clifford J on Dec 9, 2011 4:28 PM EST reply actions

Thanks man

and yeah, the “should’a known better” response is super-grating. I feel like we as fans, and certainly the UFC as an organization, owe the people who make it all happen a little more fairness and balance in how things are handled.

Tatum: I think he's a good man. I like him. I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.

by Dave Strummer on Dec 9, 2011 4:43 PM EST up reply actions

Kids

Say I’m watching my nieces and nephews. There’s like six, lol. One tries to grab a soda too late at night. I say: “No. No soda this late, it’s almost bedtime.” A second walks up: “You JUST heard me tell your sister/brother, no soda. It’s too late and almost bedtime.” Third one? If a third tries, “Bedtime!” Point being, he shoulda known better. Even kids usually get it. Didn’t offend me personally, but atleast maybe I won’t have to read his completely unfunny tweets anymore hah.

"I am going to punch faces." --Wanderlei Silva
War Miller Bros.

by Jay Bittner on Dec 9, 2011 9:30 PM EST up reply actions

You've been reading his tweets?

by lmaginary Enemy on Dec 10, 2011 6:31 AM EST up reply actions

Reccing this

like reccing was my job

The artful muppet formerly known as KrmtDfrog.
Please read my sardonic wit and over-blown sense of self over at headkicklegend.com

by Cory Braiterman on Dec 9, 2011 5:08 PM EST reply actions

Do you really think Dana

Can do whatever/whenever he wants when it comes to running the company? He is the figure head so I guess it’s just natural to blame everything you don’t like on him, but he isn’t the only decision maker in the company. He just gets to tell the media about the decisions that were made. Also, I wouldn’t be opposed to a personal code of conduct but I also wouldn’t care if thing continued they way they are.

I’m all for letting businesses run themselves how they want as long as they aren’t breaking any laws. Even if it comes at the expense of alienating a few fans on the internet who don’t think their business practices are fair.

"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."

by Joben on Dec 9, 2011 5:28 PM EST reply actions

In this instance I kind of think saying "Dana" actually just means "UFC bigwigs"

It’s just a stand in term. For me at least.

Read: Toblerone Jones

by Neil Manich on Dec 9, 2011 6:02 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe for you but

That is certainly not the case in the article.

"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."

by Joben on Dec 9, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

Fair enough

Read: Toblerone Jones

by Neil Manich on Dec 10, 2011 7:36 PM EST up reply actions

I don't at all accept that Dana, or virtually any other CEO, is a figurehead

Having been around companies and CEOs, the UFC show’s all the signs of an organization with an extremely strong CEO, with a pretty firm grip on the direction of the company. When he announced Daley’s firing, there was no way he had time to consult on it with some inner circle. It was minutes after the fight, so he was making policy on the fly, which, frankly, I think he does quite a bit.

Also, I think there’s pretty good evidence that a lot more than just a “few fans on the Internet” find some of the UFC’s practices regarding personnel unfair. Specifically, the fighters themselves, who are the engine of the whole sport, and are the ones getting screwed by those policies.

It’s all well and good to let the market work its course, but one of the behaviors of healthy markets is that they respond to the desires (or at least the behaviors) of consumers, which is what I’m expressing here.

Tatum: I think he's a good man. I like him. I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.

by Dave Strummer on Dec 9, 2011 9:10 PM EST up reply actions

I don't know you but that is very vague

Everyone in the business world has been around companies and CEOs. It’s the nature of business. Now if you’re already a consultant to thses CEOs, then that’s great a thing and you have accomplished a lot. As far as the companies you’ve been around:

Were all these companies public or private? Did all these CEOs you deal with have to answer to a board of directors or 2 people like Dana? He has a ton of control but even after the Daley cut, he said that Lorenzo was in on the decision. It isn’t like Dana had to hold a board meeting and take a vote. Lorenzo said he was fine with the cut and Dana took it from there. He went overboard with the language that night but that’s what he does.

Maybe the fighters are scared to speak out against the business practices of the UFC but I don’t see the “evidence” you are talking about.

"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."

by Joben on Dec 9, 2011 10:31 PM EST up reply actions

I'm a consultant

and the nature of my work has me working directly with c-level executives at both private and public companies. I’m certainly not the master of all things business, but I’ve seen enough strong CEOs and enough weak CEOs in action to pick out one from the other, and Dana exhibits all of the characteristics of a very strong CEO.

As for evidence, to cite one example, Daley was pretty open about his criticism of Dana’s methods, and I think the only thing that makes him an exception is that he lacks sense/desire to kiss Dana’s ass and pray for a way back to the promised land.

It is hard to know what fighters are thinking, but it seems logical to assume that most of them would like to have some sense of what sorts of behaviors will and won’t get them fired. It also makes sense that most of them are probably reticent to criticize the head of a company that has a virtual monopoly over American MMA.

I’m an MMA fan and a UFC fan. I think what Dana has done with that company is amazing, and I love to reap the benefits of it. I also don’t think what I’m suggesting is all that radical. If Dana wants to be the NFL, this is a good place to start.

Tatum: I think he's a good man. I like him. I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.

by Dave Strummer on Dec 9, 2011 10:43 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah I agree to the extent

That I don’t think it would hurt anyone to have a code of conduct. As stated before, I wouldn’t be upset with the current situation either. I think you are a fair dude. My original post was just trying to address the misconception that Dana has full control over the UFC and the decisions that the UFC makes.

"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."

by Joben on Dec 9, 2011 10:59 PM EST up reply actions

Dana White hasn't done a single positive thing as CEO of UFC.

Not once in his tenure at that position has he made a single decision for the benefit of the sport of MMA.

"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe

by pdl on Dec 10, 2011 1:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Umm...I disagree.

UFC on FOX isn’t a benefit? Fighter insurance? Nothing?

Read my tweets or whatever - @SSReporters

by SSreporters on Dec 10, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

Man, this is like the 5th time I've done this on BE.

Find a bio page or check Dana White’s wiki page and show me what good things he did while he was CEO of the UFC.

"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe

by pdl on Dec 10, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

I finally got it

I won’t fall for your trickery again

"You're... you're crazy man. I like you, but you're crazy."

by Joben on Dec 10, 2011 7:01 PM EST up reply actions

I love how it keeps working.

Share for share, share alike, you'll get struck each time I strike.

by gzl5000 on Dec 11, 2011 11:21 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah I agree

If this stuff keeps happening MMA fighters are going to need to unionize. The problem is that Dana treats the top guys great so they don’t care. I think another issue is that fighting has traditionally been an “independent contractor” type of job. I don’t think the UFC even has the power to fine players.

by HaterSlayer on Dec 9, 2011 5:58 PM EST reply actions

While it would be nice if a committee came up with the rules, I think the easier solution is to get the Zuffa brass to agree on a set of guidelines themselves. It would be hugely beneficial to some fighters just to get some idea of what they’re not allowed to say and do.

"He's like Elvis in Korea! They love him there." - Mike Goldberg on Denis Kang

by Bolshevik on Dec 9, 2011 7:24 PM EST reply actions

The UFC needs to establish something of this nature

as it continues to become more than just a promotion and becomes more a “sport league” like an NFL, NBA, MLB or what have you, a code of conduct and oversight for punishment is a must.

That said I’m not overly outraged at what happened to Torres. What happened with Forrest and then Rashad should have been clear markers that rape is just not the thing to joke about right now. And Torres did, repeatedly and then he took the tweet down, reworded it and tweeted it again. This meant he recognized it was wrong but thought it was just too damn funny to let go. He deserved to get the hammer dropped on him, what he did was just plain dumb.

aka BuckeyedBear34

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"The complete man must work, study and wrestle."
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by T.P. Grant on Dec 9, 2011 10:31 PM EST reply actions

Yes they need a personal conduct policy

And Dana White needs to stick to it himself!

He’s a total fucking hypocrite.

by taptomyarmbar on Dec 10, 2011 4:12 AM EST reply actions

If the UFC had a personal conduct policy

Dana White would have been fired long ago.

Irony (n.) -Michael Westbrook as the hero on Bully Beatdown.

by Jim America on Dec 10, 2011 11:58 AM EST reply actions

The UFC’s got a real personal conduct policy… don’t be a fucking idiot and use common sense. If that’s too much for certain fighters, well they don’t deserve to be in the big leagues of MMA.

by Shnak on Dec 10, 2011 12:50 PM EST reply actions

UFC needs a personal conduct policy

that makes Chris Leben’s second DUI and Anthony Johnson’s “no contest” plea to domestic abuse at least get acknowledged when bad jokes and offensive statements are bannable offenses.

"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe

by pdl on Dec 10, 2011 1:26 PM EST reply actions