In a troubling bit of news, it appears as if Brandon Saling is a registered sex offender and white supremacist. These details were overlooked by Strikeforce officials when booking him against Roger Bowling last night and now they are finding themselves under fire.
The promotion did not know of this fighter’s political views or past criminal record until it was too late, that is according to Scott Coker who commented during the post-fight press conference.
“We had no knowledge about that until someone brought it up to us this evening,” said Coker. “It came to our attention during the course of the fights.”
“(The Ohio State Athletic Commission is) going to launch a full investigation on Monday. So that’s where that’s at. As you guys know, the policy for Strikeforce and the UFC is that kind of body art and offensive behavior … is not going to be allowed.
“We went to the athlete … He responded, and we’re going to investigate further and see what the truth is.”
The crimes of sexual assault are of the absolute worse order possible. And the fighter’s tattoos clearly point out his political views.
Brandon C. Saling, 18, of 24536 Route 146, Summerfield was indicted on one count of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct, a first-degree felony. Saling was indicted in connection with an alleged rape of a person under 13 on Oct. 8. Also indicted during the day were: Dale Goddard, of Route 565, indicted on one count of cultivating marijuana, a third-degree felony. Wayne E. Grimes, Gallipolis, one count of illegal conveyance of drugs into a detention facility, a third-degree felony.
This just adds to the list of reasons why I dislike Strikeforce.