Boxing's Adrien Broner admits fault, apologizes for anti-MMA rant

Well ... this is unusual.

Not that current WBA Welterweight Champion Adrien Broner is manning up to admit he was overly critical in his assessment of mixed martial arts (MMA), it's that he's being overly apologetic, which almost makes it seem like someone is (or was) in his ear.

"I came off a little bit harsh. When I look back at what I said, I'm a man, so I gotta admit when I'm wrong. I worded my words a little bit too critical. At the end of the day, I know they work hard because it's a sport. Everybody who plays a sport works hard, but.I can't say that I'm a fan of MMA. I'll watch it because there's a lot of knockouts. I do apologize to everybody I offended about what I said about the MMA thing, I'm just not a big fan."

Check out his initial "not a real sport" comment here, then see the video below and note his demeanor in the beginning, as well as the hasty intervention at the end.

Meh.

I know a good portion of the MMA community had its panties up in a bunch because a top name in boxing was poo-pooing on caged combat, but he's not the first -- and certainly won't be the last -- high profile athlete to dismiss it. Even if "The Problem" still thinks everyone in MMA is a bum, so what?

Let the man have his opinion!

And while we're at it, let's have yours. Is the MMA community too sensitive whenever it comes under heavy criticism from other athletes? Or is it necessary to fight the good fight each and every time, since the sport is still growing and needs a positive public image?

Sound off!