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Two days after a former writer for BJPenn.com accused former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion BJ Penn (pictured) of sexually assaulting his girlfriend, the UFC has decided to postpone Penn’s return to the cage until after an independent third party conducts a thorough investigation into the shocking claims.
“UFC is aware of the recent allegations made against BJ Penn,” the UFC expressed in Thursday’s statement. “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.”
Pedro Alex Carrasco, who states he has worked with Penn for 10 years before leaving BJPenn.com in October, unleashed a flurry of tweets Tuesday claiming to have proof that Penn forced himself on his Playboy girlfriend.
Carrasco also claims Penn has been a cocaine addict since he was a kid.
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.
— Pedro Alex Carrasco (@LATLPEDRO) February 16, 2016
Worked with that scumbag for almost 10yrs, lived next door to him. He's had a Coke problem since he was a kid.
— Pedro Alex Carrasco (@LATLPEDRO) February 16, 2016
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 GF ass
— Pedro Alex Carrasco (@LATLPEDRO) February 16, 2016
Those clamoring for evidence will have to wait, there is an investigation pending with the authorities.I just couldn't hold my tongue.
— Pedro Alex Carrasco (@LATLPEDRO) February 17, 2016
That's all I'm gonna say, already said too much… Just hard shit to deal with & u don't know, until u go through it.
— Pedro Alex Carrasco (@LATLPEDRO) February 17, 2016
Be ready for the Penn excuse, deflection game though… He's the king #Greasegate #DolceGate
— Pedro Alex Carrasco (@LATLPEDRO) February 17, 2016
Cynthia Vance, an MMA photographer, quickly came to Carrasco’s defense by stating, though she was not present during the alleged sexual assault, “I 100% believe Pedro’s girlfriend.”
I stand with @LATLPEDRO. I never said anything before out of respect to him because that was his situation to deal with.
— Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 16, 2016
I just want to clarify that I can't speak on what 'exactly' went down with the sexual assault.
— Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 17, 2016
Whatever Pedro is tweeting in that regard, is on him and his girlfriend, the one who got assaulted.
— Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 17, 2016
But I was staying with them for nearly a week. And I know what happened to me and what went down around me.
— Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 17, 2016
The whole shoot fell apart. I asked for the first ticket out of there and the show was cancelled.
— Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 17, 2016
I'm not here to slander. Just stating facts. There's no aloha in how I and all involved in that shoot were treated during our stay.
— Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 17, 2016
But to clarify for the last time, Pedro has tweeted that only his gf and BJ were present in regards to the allegation. That's been stated.
— Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 17, 2016
Pedro and I were left in Waipio Valley during all of this. It's a dead-zone with no internet or cell service.
— Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 17, 2016
We learned of everything once we were able to get out of there.
— Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 17, 2016
I 100% believe Pedro's girlfriend, support them and wish them all the best in their pursuit for justice. That's it.
— Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 17, 2016
Last month, Penn came out of retirement for the third time and was planning on making a run at the featherweight title. If successful, the 37-year-old would become the only fighter in UFC history to capture belts in three different divisions.
Penn was planning on returning to action at UFC 197 in July.
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