BJ Penn UFC comeback delayed after sexual assault allegation surfaces
Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer BJ Penn’s planned comeback is on hold amid allegations of sexual assault, the organization announced Thursday.
A former employee of Penn’s website posted a series of Tweets on Tuesday alleging Penn has been a longtime drug user and had sexually assaulted the employee’s girlfriend.
Penn, a former lightweight and welterweight champion, was back in the gym and planning a comeback at UFC 197 on April 23 at the MGM Grand Garden. But UFC officials said in a statement that Penn won’t fight on the card.
“UFC is aware of the recent allegations made against BJ Penn,” the statement read. “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.”
Penn, 37, last competed in a July 2014 loss to Frankie Edgar. He was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
Former employee Pedro Alex Carrasco, who says he worked for bjpenn.com for almost a decade, went public with his allegations Tuesday in a series of tweets.
“Tired of seeing this pervert BJ Penn in the news. Dude’s a cocaine addict, who sexually assaulted my Playboy model GF, and I have proof. Worked with that scumbag for almost 10yrs, lived next door to him. He’s had a Coke problem since he was a kid. Came to my home when I wasn’t there and forced himself on my girl, pulled her clothes off, then blamed me, said I looked at his (girlfriend’s) ass,” Carrasco posted. “Needless to say I’m no longer with (the website).. I know all his dirty secrets the stupid (expletive). Doesn’t deserve to fight again.”
According to ESPN, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio received a report Tuesday from a 29-year-old woman who claimed she was assaulted by Penn on Aug. 31 in Hawaii. The matter was referred to Hawaii island police.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Hawaii island police had no comment on the matter and that Penn, who lives in Hilo, could not be reached.
Penn was arrested for second-degree assault in January 2015 after a fight in a parking lot on Maui. He also was indicted in 2005 for punching a police officer but served no jail time.
Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj
