That $5000 a month was to keep him from going public with the injury. That was hush money. Very similar to what the NFL did when they covered up brain injury studies to not hurt football’s popularity. That is wrong and a very valid reason to be upset. Covering up this information means future prospective athletes won’t have a full view on what could potentially happen to them. So how is it “part of the gig” if fighters aren’t made to be aware of it because he’s paying someone to not talk about it? STFU
First off, everyone, EVERYONE is aware of the long term effects of brain injuries. The UFC is not sweeping anything under the rug. They acknowledge that brain injuries happen. They have invested in research. The NFL covered it up when it was not a known problem decades ago.
Second, Spencer isn't the first UFC veteran to come out about brain injury. Not one of them said they were paid hush money. You know why? They weren't. There is nothing to stay hush about. It's common knowledge. The best that you can do is to imply that it was hush money and that shit don't fly.
Third, the UFC is not solely responsible for acknowledging, making aware and researching brain injuries. The gyms play a role. The fans play a role. The media plays a role. What about the fact that the gym trainers took turn trying to knock Spencer out while taking a huge cut of his paycheck? Where are they now? What about the fact that fans were paying for and cheering them on to knock each other's brains out then completely forgot about them until now?
You have the luxury of paying for them to get injured, cheering and booing when they don't do enough to get injured, then be ignorant of them and their health in retirement. Then when made aware, cry about it but do absolutely nothing and then forget about it in a week.
The UFC is in it for all of its existence. They acknowledge that it exists. They have invested in it. Can they do more? Sure they can. Still, there isn't much more that Dana could say to make it any better because it's just a horrible thing.
Edit: Also, it is important to note the timeline of things. The UFC offered him the $5000 a month contract to be on stand by for promotional purposes after he retired. He became aware of his brain injuries after the fact and decided to keep it on the low himself. No hush money. You're just looking for something to cry about and someone to hold accountable without acknowledging any of the responsibility yourself.
