Ryan Garcia says he’s going to rehab in odd apology statement after racial slurs

Ryan Garcia has announced that he’s now going to rehab.

The disgraced boxer was expelled by the WBC on Thursday after saying and tweeting a series of racial slurs against Black people and Muslims.

Garcia had already been given a one-year ban from boxing as he tested positive for ostarine in multiple drugs tests taken around his fight with Devin Haney in April.

The 25-year-old initially pulled off a major upset victory, however the result has since been overturned to a no-contest due to the drugs scandal.

Prior to the fight, Garcia exhibited alarming behaviour on social media, but insisted afterwards that this was merely a ploy to convince people he was crazy and make them underestimate him.

Two-and-a-half months on though, his behaviour has only worsened and Thursday’s disgraceful remarks have led to many people now distancing themselves from him.

On Friday, Garcia attempted to apologise on social media.

“Let me get this straight, I’ve actually supported black communities,” he began.

“Have taken racism from Tim Bradley calling me a zoo animal on ESPN and turn the other cheek.

“But I’m racist [because] everyone was just drunk and saying s*** people say all the time including black men.

“If you get triggered by a word that means you are too sensitive.

“God knows my heart and how I would protect black children till the day I die.

“I was speaking against black on black crime. They took everything out of context.

“Including the Muslim part – I spoke against paedophile activity in every religion and how I don’t stand for that.”

Garcia added: “I grew up in a neighbourhood where everyone said that word that now I’m abolishing from my vocabulary.

“I’ve supported many black men and black communities

“I’m not mad at the outrage and I sincerely apologize if I hurt and offended anyone.

“But my pain deserves to be felt, black and brown have always united And it will always be that way.

“I’m just a shade lighter then you, but I love you and I love black children to the point I’d die for a black child. I was actually speaking against black on black crime.

“Again I’m sorry.”

He then confirmed in follow-up comments that he is now heading to rehab to address drinking and substance abuse issues.

Garcia’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya then put out a statement of his own.

It read: “There is no room for hate or intolerance at my company. Period.

“I condemn Ryan’s words in the strongest terms possible.

“I see that he has apologised, and that is a start – but it is only a start to earn back the trust and respect of those of us who have and continue to support him.

“We hope Ryan will use the the time he has away from the sport to work through the issues he has publicly discussed.

“We stand ready to help in whatever we can.”