In statement read on The Ariel Helwani Show, Gillian Robertson says she was blindsided by Din Thomas’ announcement and doesn’t accept his apology.
Thomas, Robertson’s cornerman during her fight last weekend against Strawweight Champion Mackenzie Dern at UFC 330, announced he would not be cornering any more and said that night: “I do have an announcement for you guys. I told myself I would continue to do this until I took Gillian as far as she could go; I think that might be as far as she can go and I am officially retiring from cornering fighters tonight. I’m doing the Matt Serra: I’m no longer cornering fighters,” he said. “It’s just, I told myself that I would do this with her. I would see her journey out and take her as far as I think she can go and this might be as far as she can go.”
After being criticized by fans, the media and even Strawweight Champion Mackenzie Dern and UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland, Thomas offered an apology on UFC’s Deep Waters podcast, Youtube show, yesterday.
“Saturday night was the most inappropriate time to bring up the fact that I did not want to corner again. It was completely irresponsible. It was despicable. I shouldn’t have done it. I should have waited to a different time than take away her moment. I selfishly stole her moment that night. Instead of congratulating her on her run, I stole her moment. I was completely wrong. I’m ashamed. I’m embarrassed but I’m not too big to say I’m sorry,” he said.
He also delivered a personal message to Robertson via the broadcast.
“Gillian, I love you. I got your back. I’ve always had your back. This is not the end. I’m always going to support you and whatever you need I’m always here for you,” he said.
Robertson stated she is moving on from Thomas. “As for now, I regroup, take some time to heal, and I will be back in the gym as soon as possible on the same mission,” she said.
In her response Robertson also said: ”Prior to the broadcast I didn’t see any sign of what was to be said. After the broadcast, he had said, ‘I will address this in the morning,’ followed by, ‘Going live on air in 15 minutes.’”
Discussions between Robertson’s team and Thomas have gone that well either.
“He did reach out to me privately at 5 p.m. and then sent a voice message apologizing around 7:30 p.m., to which I have not responded due to comments he has made since the broadcast privately to my team that lead me to believe there is not much weight in the apology, such as, ‘Me doing that publicly was more so for TV purposes and ratings,’” she said stating that Thomas told her: “I don’t think there’s a conversation to be had. I’m good with everything. The people who sign my checks are cool.”
