Babalu says 'I'm sorry' to David Heath; Fined $25K and still not out of the woods

Warchief · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 03:30 PM

Latest From Sobral...

Quote:

Renato “Babalu” Sobral today appeared before the The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and issued a public apology to David Heath and the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) for his actions at UFC 74 on August 25, according to FightNetwork.com.

Here’s a snip from the Brazilian:

“I would like to say I’m sorry to David Heath and for anything I’ve done to the sport I love.”

Sobral, of course, is in hot water for refusing to release a chokehold during his bout with Heath, which resulted in the light heavyweight falling unconscious. For more background on this situation click here.

During the hearing today the NSAC ruled unanimously to withhold his $25,000 win bonus (Sobral did pocket an additional $25,000). In addition, Sobral will have to appear before the NSAC at a future disciplinary hearing and could be fined more and even suspended for his actions.

However, the NSAC Executive Director, Keith Kizer, sounds as if a suspension will more than likely not happen.

Here’s a snip:

“I’ve looked at the tape a lot. While I do believe there was some intent here, I don’t think this rises to the level of some other things we’ve seen [i.e. the infamous Mike Tyson ear-biting attack on Evander Holyfield in 1997].”

The interesting defense laid forth in this case is that Sobral did not intentionally maintain the choke despite attempts from the referee, Steve Mazzagatti, to peel him off. Sobral is now saying he “did not feel Heath submit or Mazzagatti tapping him on the shoulder.” That’s a far cry from his post-fight remarks that he did it to teach Heath a “lesson” and “some respect.”

Regardless, Babalu has since been cut from his UFC contract, fined $25,000 and now faces even more possible sanctions.

Does the punishment fit the crime?

http://ufcmania.com/2007/08/31/babal...-of-the-woods/

Gmunit · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 03:33 PM

at least he showed a little remorse

but its too little, too late

neonatural45 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 03:35 PM

yah gotta feel bad for babalu but There is no denying that he deserved it, and it sucks that Dana decided to make an example out of him

Warchief · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gmunit

at least he showed a little remorse

but its too little, too late

Quote:

Originally Posted by neonatural45

yah gotta feel bad for babalu but There is no denying that he deserved it, and it sucks that Dana decided to make an example out of him

We hope that Dana has a change of hearth for Sobral...like what happen when Dana fired lindland, then many months past they call Matt to comeback in UFC...it's only Matt that refused to comeback.

So who knows...right?

warrior06 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 03:59 PM

I am going to miss Babalu in the octagon.

I thought the crime wasn't worse than B.J's RNC delay on Pulver.

Warchief · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrior06

I am going to miss Babalu in the octagon.

Me 2.

thumper · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 04:05 PM

I don't feel sorry for him a bit. He's sorry because he got fired, lost half his money and lost TONS of fans. Not because he did it.

b0sH · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 04:07 PM

I think that Babalu was amazingly stupid in his actions, teaching Heath a lesson was simply beating him in convincing fashion, there was no need to hold the choke, the point had been made.

However Dana does seem to have over reacted slightly, if he keeps people around who are roiding up then why shud Babalu be any different?

Warchief · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b0sH

However Dana does seem to have over reacted slightly, if he keeps people around who are roiding up then why shud Babalu be any different?

I concur.

thumper · #10 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b0sH

I think that Babalu was amazingly stupid in his actions, teaching Heath a lesson was simply beating him in convincing fashion, there was no need to hold the choke, the point had been made.

However Dana does seem to have over reacted slightly, if he keeps people around who are roiding up then why shud Babalu be any different?

To compare apples to apples here you'd have to have someone who was busted using roids, then stood up at the end of the fight and bragged about it.

Much different situation. If he'd have apologized in the post-fight interview I bet he'd not have gotten any of this.