BJ Penn, the former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion is in hot water.
Penn’s return to the octagon has been shelved pending the results of an investigation into the allegations against him posted on Twitter.
Pedro Alex Carassco, a former writer of his website BJPenn.com is accusing the fighter of sexually assaulting his girlfriend and illicit drug use.
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Carassco laid out his case on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699695262458060801
https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699694628799434753
https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699694838359392256
https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699695039744712704
https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699766076784189440
https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699764784791691264
https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/700328948941647872
Former BJPenn.com employee Cynthia Vance initially supported Carrasco’s events but then later clarified with these tweets.
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699735468728934400
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699735944530767872
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699735963002601473
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699750375901908992
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699750461562204160
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699750589702377472
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699750775136780288
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699752631716032512
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699760526604136448
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699761732957306880
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699761881003626496
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699762023932911617
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699762081822736384
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699763172283056128
https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699822860618043393
As of this writing, Penn has not responded to the allegations, other than to retweet the UFC statement.
BREAKING: The UFC has released a statement regarding accusations made towards BJ Penn.https://t.co/0mHt4wUbnQ
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) February 18, 2016
The investigation is underway.
“UFC is aware of the recent allegations made against BJ Penn. The organization requires all athletes who compete in the UFC to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as detailed in the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. UFC will not tolerate violations of the policy. Every athlete is deserving of proper review and this situation, as with any serious allegation, will be investigated by an independent party and thoroughly reviewed by the UFC. The UFC organization will also cooperate with any law enforcement investigation. In light of the serious allegations, UFC has postponed plans to book Penn for an upcoming bout until more details are determined.
UFC holds athletes who compete in the organization to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action, if and when warranted. It is important to note that Penn is considered innocent until proven guilty and UFC is not prejudging this matter.”
