Ryan Garcia jokes about his arrest for trashing a hotel at star-studded LA poker tournament with Neymar, Jimmy Butler and Chris Eubank Jr
Troubled boxer Ryan Garcia joked Saturday night about being arrested for vandalizing a hotel during a star-studded poker tournament in Los Angeles.
Garcia and several other high-profile sports figures took part in the ‘Legends On The Felt’ event at Hustler Casino; including Brazilian soccer player Neymar, NBA superstar Jimmy Butler and fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr.
Professional poker player and social media influencer Dan Bilzerian was another famous face involved in the tournament.
At some point during the evening, Bilzerian and Eubank questioned Garcia about his recent arrest for vandalizing a Beverly Hills hotel after allegedly causing $15,000 in damage to it.
Ryan Garcia was heard joking about being arrested for vandalizing a hotel during a star-studded poker event
The 25-year-old was led away in handcuffs by police after vandalizing a guest room at the Waldorf Astoria hotel earlier this month, before being released the next day after spending a night in jail, according to reports.
“They just wanted to take me to jail,” Garcia said when Bilzerian asked why the hotel didn’t just charge him for the damages.
‘Everyone destroys a hotel sometimes. Who not?’
His comments left Bilzerian, Eubank and Co in hot water before he added: ‘Am I wrong, Dan?’
Garcia will take a year away from boxing after being handed a suspension following his recent failed drug tests.
The super lightweight star tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine the day before and the day of his win over Devin Haney in April – after also gaining almost four pounds overweight during the fight.
Despite claiming to be the victim of “supplement contamination,” he reached a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission on Thursday, agreeing to serve a one-year suspension and forfeit his $1.1 million contract.
Garcia’s win over Haney – the biggest of his career to date – was also officially changed to a no-contest.
Footballer Neymar (left) and Garcia’s fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr (right) also participated
NBA superstar Jimmy Butler was another high-profile name involved in the tournament
Dan Bilzerian and Co were in trouble when Garcia joked about his recent hotel arrest
He was arrested for misdemeanor vandalism at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Beverly Hills (pictured)
The controversial boxer has just been handed a one-year ban from the sport for doping
After Thursday’s settlement, Garcia and his team released a statement maintaining his innocence while pointing out the alleged “substance contamination” that they say led to the failed tests.
The statement reads: “Ryan Garcia was a victim of substance contamination, with levels measured in the billions and trillions of grams, which provided no benefit in the ring.
“Ryan has worked with his legal team to resolve this matter and steadfastly stands by his truth: he has never intentionally used a controlled substance. It’s just not in his nature.
“For years, Ryan has voluntarily submitted to random testing, even during periods out of competition, and has never had any problems. He has maintained an impeccable and clean record throughout his career, significantly elevating and transcending the sport of boxing, earning the respect and admiration of millions of fans around the world.
“The fans will always remember his performance against Haney as a masterclass, and that will never be erased. Ryan will continue to improve the sport and will be actively involved in advocating for reform. We hope that future changes to our system will resolve these types of issues.
“We would like to thank all the fans who have continued to support Ryan, not only through the great moments, but also through the difficult times that life brings. He’ll be back in the ring soon and better than ever!