"Unfortunately the after fight skirmish shifted the focus away from what was probably Jake and Gil's biggest wins and that was very disappointing. We're a very tight team and in all the years we've hung out together there has never been a team street fight or anything like that associated with us. After reviewing the tape I think I saw a lot of blame on all sides. I have spoken to my guys and with Strikeforce to make sure this never happens again. There were people in there that had come to support our team that really should never have been in there as well. Those people that participated have been banned from future events. I'll be honest and tell you I think there has been somewhat of a double standard when it comes to MMA. I frequently attend hockey games and if a fight breaks out it's routine and the fans have come to expect it. Fights happen in every sport and it's really not a big deal but if a fight breaks out at a fight between fighters it seems like some people want to act like it's the end of the world and pretend they are outraged. That night in Nashville was emotionally charged and I wish cooler heads would had prevailed. I think it would be better if we fight in a professional manner and not in free for alls. For the disruption it has caused we are sorry and would like to extend an apology."
The man behind the training of Jake Shields, Nick and Nate Diaz, as well as Gilbert Melendez -- Cesar Gracie -- today released an apology for the Strikeforce post-fight brawl via GracieFighter.com. The aforementioned members of his camp were held responsible for the melee by a majority of fight fans and media members alike. Gracie of course, thinks that the blame should be spread around a bit more, and wishes that the whole thing never happened. He also points out what he thinks is a double standard in sports, being that fights like what we saw Saturday night do indeed happen fairly often in other major athletic competitions all over the world without as much negative reaction. So, what do we think? Do you appreciate and/or agree with Cesar Gracie's apology? And do you think that MMA, as bizarre as it may sound, is held to a higher standard when it comes to these types of situations?
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