Racially Divisive Post Leads To ScrapLife Shake Up

Racially Divisive Post Leads To ScrapLife Shake Up

This weekend, an apparently unintentional post by Don Beshada, formerly of Scraplife, has created strong reactions in the wrestling community.

Jun 6, 2020 by David Bray
Racially Divisive Post Leads To ScrapLife Shake Up

On Friday, a racially charged statement appeared on the official ScrapLife Facebook page only to be quickly removed. The damage had been done, however, as screenshots of the post began to circulate throughout the wrestling community.

Members of the wrestling community, including two-time World Medalist James Green and two-time All-American Dylan Palacio quickly reacted in opposition to the ScrapLife Post.

Ultimately, this led to a ScrapLife post that was eventually removed claiming that one of their employees mistakenly posted a personal statement to the ScrapLife Facebook page.

This explanation was met with criticism from James Green and others. Green specifically called out Don Beshada as the potential author of the problematic post. Beshada confirmed that he was the original poster.

Later this morning, ScrapLife explained that the post came from Don Beshada, a former partner at ScrapLife.

ScrapLife also explained that, as a result of the post, Don Beshada would no longer be affiliated with ScrapLife.

A number of ScrapLife athletes have posted responses to Beshada's deleted post. While the athletes arrived at different decisions about how to move forward, the common thread was unification against racism.

Anthony Ashnault was quick to announce that he would no longer represent them with the following tweet.

Ashnault's decision to leave ScrapLife was met with support from members of the wrestling community including UFC Champion and NCAA finalist Daniel Cormier who has agreed to cover the ScrapLife compensation Ashnault would have been counting on to train.

Like Ashnault, Seth Gross, a recent addition to the ScrapLife team, decided to break ties with the organization.

David Taylor, one of the longest standing members of the ScrapLife team, denounced Beshada's post but opted to stay with the company in the following post.

The newest member of the ScrapLife team, Thomas Gilman, has also denounced Beshada's divisive post while opting to remain with the company.

On Saturday, Zain Retherford also spoke out against Beshada's post on Instagram. A day later, he decided to end his contract with Scraplife.

Jason Nolf issued a statement on Saturday evening that also opposed Beshada's post.

On Sunday Morning, Joey McKenna also issued a statement denouncing Beshada's post.

Early Monday morning, McKenna posted a second statement officially ending his partnership with ScrapLife.

Bo Nickal also released a statement condemning racism on Instagram on Monday.

Beshada's post and the ensuing reactions have sparked conversations and decisions within the wrestling community that could have longstanding implications. 


Earlier this week, FloSports issued a statement on the police brutality and racism that has contributed to the nationwide protests and unrest:

The events of the last week have been tremendously painful to us all.

The murder of George Floyd was appalling and our hearts break for his family.

To our friends and families in the FloSports community we want you to know, no matter your race - you are valued,  you are seen, you are heard. We are with you.

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