Post outrage against the tweets and a Zoom call where CrossFit’s Founder and Chief Executive Greg Glassman passed casual statements about the protests for George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic, he has resigned from his position as CEO with a public apology.

"We're not mourning for George Floyd, I don't think me or any of my staff are," Glassman said on the Zoom call, according to a recording of the call leaked to the media. "Can you tell me why I should mourn for him?" he added, "Other than it's the 'white' thing to do. I get that pressure but give me another reason."

Following the Zoom call, people were asking for a public statement from Glassman in support of Black Lives Matter. Hours before this request Glassman responded to a tweet that read “Racism is a public health issue," saying, "It's FLOYD-19." The following public outrage and actions by partners and affiliates triggered the resignation.

In a statement, Glassman said, “I made a mistake by the words I chose yesterday”, also adding, “My heart is deeply saddened by the pain it has caused. It was a mistake, not racist but a mistake.”

The tweets by Glassman also led to sportswear giant Adidas ending its partnership with CrossFit. Additionally, close to 1,200 gyms said that they intend to disaffiliate from CrossFit. While Glassman steps down, he maintains his ownership stake in the company.

With fitness companies already experiencing a turmoil on account of COVID-19, the recent incident has sure deepened the trouble for Crossfit.

Image credits: dailymail.co.uk