Ryan Garcia has apologized for posting a series of racial slurs and foul language on social media and revealed he now plans to check into rehab after months of voicing concerns about his mental health on social media.
Earlier this week, the troubled boxer used the n-word and mentioned both the KKK and George Floyd in an audio clip on Instagram that went viral online.
As a result, the WBC decided to suspend Garcia, a move that was even supported by the 25-year-old’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. The terms of his suspension, however, are unclear.
Garcia was previously suspended from boxing for a year after testing positive for PEDs following his fight against Devin Hanley.
On Friday he shared the following on Instagram: ‘I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone used that word, but I now eliminate it from my vocabulary.
Ryan Garcia has taken action to improve himself mentally after raising concerns on social media
“I have supported many black men and black communities. I am not angry about the outrage and I sincerely apologize if I have hurt or offended anyone.
‘But my pain deserves to be felt, black and brown always have. And it always will.
“I’m just a little bit lighter than you, but I love you and I love black kids to the point where I would die for a black kid. I was actually speaking out against black-on-black criminal behavior. [Again] I’m sorry.’
In a comment below his post, Garcia added, “I’m going to rehab too.”
More to follow…