Sportswear giant Reebok has ended its partnership with CrossFit apparel after its CEO Greg Glassman tweeted “It’s Floyd-19” Saturday in response to a tweet decrying racial inequality in America.
Glassman has since apologized for his response to a tweet by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation which declared: “Racism is a Public Health Issue.”
Many have regarded the remarks as insensitive toward George Floyd, whose death two weeks ago after an officer kneeled on his neck has sparked worldwide protests against racism and police brutality.
Glassman’s tweet — which also mocked the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — drew immediate condemnation from athletes and gyms around the world, with many posting notices on social media that they also were considering ending their affiliation with the fitness company.
One criticism came from athlete Rich Froning, who has won the CrossFit Games four times, who told his 1.4 million Instagram followers that Glassman's tweet made it "impossible to stay loyal to leadership who make callous statements that alienate and divide in a time when unity is needed," Forbes reported.
CrossFit Games champion Tia-Clair Toomey said she was "incredibly saddened, disappointed and frustrated" at the company and Glassman, adding: "My future with Crossfit is unclear and depends on the direction of HQ."
The next day, Glassman admitted he made a mistake but denied that he is racist.
“I, CrossFit HQ, and the CrossFit community will not stand for racism. I made a mistake by the words I chose yesterday,” Glassman wrote on his company’s Twitter account. “My heart is deeply saddened by the pain it has caused. It was a mistake, not racist but a mistake.”
Reebok had been an exclusive sponsor and licensee for CrossFit’s apparel, and had a 10-year contract that was reportedly being renegotiated.
“Our partnership with CrossFit HQ comes to an end later this year,” Reebok said in a statement. “Recently, we have been in discussions regarding a new agreement, however, in light of recent events, we have made the decision to end our partnership with CrossFit HQ.”
