Former UFC Welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre has apologized for publicly supporting a friend who was arrested and pleaded guilty to drug-trafficking charges.
During Cournoyer’s trial for drug charges, GSP wrote a letter to the court, calling Cournoyer a “really good friend” and noted that they “share the same passions, which is sports fitness and martial arts.” While he had good intentions, GSP caught a lot of negative media attention when the news was picked up by the Montreal Gazette.
Cournoyer’s crimes included the trafficking of marijuana and cocaine across U.S. borders, as well as money laundering.
In a letter he published on his social media accounts on Sunday, GSP said he was wrong to support “King of Pot” Jimmy Cournoyer, even though he still considers him a friend. GSP wrote:
“A letter I signed in support of my friend Jimmy Cournoyer, who has recently pleaded guilty to a number of drug traffic-related crimes in the U.S., has generated a great deal of controversy over the last few days.
“First of all, the letter I signed was a mistake – my mistake. I will not go into detail as to why and how the letter came about because it’s not going to right a wrong. I simply wanted to help repatriate Jimmy to a Canadian prison, closer to his family, if that was possible.
“My friendship with Jimmy is based on our mutual passion for martial arts and going to the gym. I was not aware of Jimmy’s crimes until he was arrested by the U.S. authorities. I do not condone any of his criminal actions. He will and should pay for his actions. My position against the use of drugs has been on the record for years, and speaks for itself.
“I have been to visit Jimmy in prison – twice so far. We also had many conversations since his arrest. Why? Because I believe in redemption, and I believe in loyalty. I will continue to support him – as a friend. In fact, if Jimmy leaves prison one day, I should be there to help him start over in a better way.
“I want to unconditionally apologize to those who have been offended by my actions. But I often say that the wheel of life turns and turns, causing ups and downs for each of us. I was also taught that a real friend is there to offer support at the best and the worst of times.”
GSP announced in December that he’s taking time off to deal with “personal problems.” While he did not reveal exactly what the issue was, he did imply that one of the main issues wasa UFC’s leniency towards drug testing.
