Dana White's Slap: Daniel Cormier believes "there's no debate" about whether it's right or wrong
Dana White started off the new year by stirring controversy after being filmed in a physical altercation with his wife. The couple were caught slapping each other at a New Year's Eve party.
Daniel Cormier addressed the situation on his show DC & RC with Ryan Clark. He stressed that White taking accountability for his actions was an important first step. The former UFC double champion also noted that there's no doubt his actions were wrong:
"Everybody waits for an opinion on a situation like this, but I'll tell you this right now, Dana White was wrong. And he told you he was wrong. We have long been told, our entire lives that we are not supposed to put our hands on women. Dana White himself has gone on record to say, 'You are not supposed to put your hand on women.' He understands that and he took accountability immediately."
Cormier also spoke about looking to make an impact in the aftermath of the incident, rather than dwell on it or try to defend the indefensible:
"Now here's the question though, in these instances the one thing you think about first is the family. The children and the rest of the White family and how they will get through it, but Dana's making no excuses for his actions. Some fighters are trying to defend him, he doesn't defend himself. Why should anyone go to defend an action that he is saying 'I was wrong.' Everyone knows that is wrong, but for me it's what happens next. How does Dana White become a voice for trying to help people in these situations? It's no debate, Ryan, whether or not it was right or wrong."
Watch Daniel Cormier's full comments on YouTube:
California State Senator calls on Endeavor for Dana White's 'immediate removal'
California State Senator Nancy Skinner wrote an open letter on behalf of the legislative caucus to Endeavor CEO and UFC owner Ari Emanuel calling on him to respond to the Dana White slapping incident.
Skinner wrote extensively about Emanuel and White's previous comments on domestic abuse and physical violence against women. She pointed out the hypocrisy and entreated Emanuel to take action:
"It is time to remove Mr. White from his leadership role, to allow him and his partner to get the help they need while reminding the world of what Endeavor stands for and that violence against women is not a conduct that you condone."
Endeavor and the UFC have remained silent on the issue and it remains to be seen if the UFC president will face consequences.
Check out the complete letter below:
We are appalled by the violent conduct of @ufc President Dana White captured on video on NYE. Read our letter to @Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel calling for White's removal here:
tinyurl.com/53sbvfxn https://t.co/o7IFM8ke1J