Ryan Garcia backtracked on his plans to go to rehab days after becoming embroiled in a social media storm over controversial comments.
The 25-year-old faced heavy fire over his views on race and religion, which many believe were made under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In his first public appearance since the outburst, Garcia got ejected from his brother’s fight after allegedly exchanging verbals with fans who didn’t take too kindly to his words.
Having been suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission for ostarine and being expelled by the World Boxing Council for his comments, Garcia was expected to check in to rehab to get clean.
“I heard Ryan’s going to rehab. It’s a step in the right direction,” said promoter Oscar De La Hoya after Garcia made the promise.
“I don’t know if it’s his drinking. I don’t know if it’s him doing mushrooms and drugs. But when you listen to, I listen to a video, and he was slurring, so he’s in a bad place right now,” the Golden Boy boss added.
De La Hoya broke his silence by stating, “There is no room for hate or intolerance at my company. Period. I condemn Ryan’s words in the strongest terms possible. I see that he has apologized, which is a start. But it is only a start to earn back the trust and respect of those of us who have and continue to support him.
“We hope Ryan will use the time he has away from the sport to work through the issues he has publicly discussed. We stand ready to help in whatever we can.”
However, less than 24 hours after stating his intention to sort himself out, Garcia says he no longer needs to go.
Sitting alongside his brother after his loss to Amado Vargas on the Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal undercard, Ryan said his focus now is training his sibling.
“Sean may have taken an L, but here’s the great news about that,” said Garcia in a social media video. “I wasn’t in his corner, and the Vargas brothers are 1-0 on us. It’s okay. We’ll call for the rematch, and I’ll be the head trainer. Amado, what’s good?”
Garcia later added what training regime he would use for Sean. “Ostarine alcohol and the right hook for Sean is the regiment I’m currently working on with Sean. And then there will be a permanent ban after he makes fifty million.
He added, “I’ve now decided to be a head trainer, and since I’m banned from boxing, that means I can train fighters. Hit me up, young and old fighters.”
Additionally, Garcia signed off the day with some advice. “I suggest everyone microdoses shrooms.”
Comments on the video left much to be desired, with many telling Sean to stay far away from his brother until he gets clean. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman attempted to reach out to Garcia with a video from boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez, but so far, he has had no luck making any alterations.
The runaway train continues.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
