UFC Suspends Nate Diaz for Posting Gay Slur on Twitter
A fighter with the UFC as was given a lengthy ban and a sizeable fine after he posted several offensive messages on Twitter in violation of the UFC's conduct policy.
Nate Diaz will be prohibited from competing for 90 days and will have to fork over $20,000 to the UFC after the lightweight fighter posted a homophobic slur on Twitter.
"We are very disappointed by Nate Diaz's comments, which are in no way reflective of our organization," the UFC said in a statement to FOXSports.com. "Nate is currently suspended pending internal investigation and we will provide further comment once the matter has been decided."
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Diaz posted the offensive comment during a series of Twitter posts in which he was defending fellow UFC fighter Pat Healy. Healy previously forfeited a win as well as the $130,000 in bonus money after he tested positive for marijuana at UFC 159 in April while competing in Newark, N.J.
"I feel bad for pat healy that they took a innocent mans money and I think the guy who took the money is the biggest f-- in the world," the fighter wrote.
His manager, Mike Kogan, tried to diffuse the situation by offering an explanation that the derogatory term that was used was taken out of context and that he was not referring to homosexuals.
Kogan explained that the jab was directed only at another fighter, Bryan Caraway, who participated on another UFC 159 card and published several tweets urging UFC officials to give him Healy's bonus.
Caraway was eventually awarded Healy's Submission of the Night bonus worth $65,000.
Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, released a statement condemning the actions of Diaz Friday.
"UFC lightweight Nate Diaz has received an immediate 90-day suspension and $20,000 fine for violating the UFC's fighter code of conduct. The language used in his tweet was regrettable, offensive and inconsistent with the values and culture of the organization, and is not tolerated," the organization stated.
