Titus O'Neil On Hulk Hogan Being Reinstated In WWE HOF, Issue With Hogan's Apology, False Reports
As we first reported on Tuesday, there are false reports online stating stating that Titus O'Neil flipped out and left the arena after seeing Hulk Hogan backstage at this past Sunday's Extreme Rules pay-per-view. We noted that all of the main roster talent were told to be at the show for a meeting, even if they weren't booked. According to several sources, Titus was present at the meeting until the end.
After the meeting adjourned, many of the talent left while some stayed to shake Hogan's hand. The talent not booked for the show, like Titus, left the arena since they only came in for the meeting anyway.
Titus posted the statement below, confirming our story. He noted that he never refused to shake Hogan's hand as he never had any one-on-one interaction with him. He also addressed Hogan's apology, saying that he felt that it lacked "true contrition, remorse and a desire to change."
"I stand firm in my position that Mr. Bollea is entitled to reinstatement; he was and is a role model, hero and icon to countless people," Titus wrote. "I hope that Mr. Bollea's missteps in communicating to the WWE talent in Pittsburgh are not repeated to his fans and I expect that he shall pursue an agenda that clearly communicates to all third parties that his language was inappropriate, wrong and should not be tolerated in a civilized and inclusive society."
You can check out his full statement below:
To my gracious fans and the WWE Universe.
The reports and rumors concerning my boycotting "Extreme Rules" in Pittsburgh is false and inaccurate. I was not scheduled to attend or be a participant in the "Extreme Rules" match/production and was otherwise not booked for the show.
The talent present in Pittsburgh, which I was a part of, was asked to attend a mandatory meeting in which Mr. Terry Bollea addressed everyone and informed the same that he would be reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. At no point during, after or otherwise did I make any scene concerning Mr. Bollea's communication to the talent. In addition, let it be known that I did not refuse to shake Mr. Bollea's hand; we did not have any type of one-on-one interaction whatsoever that would or did necessitate any exchange between us individually.
As to the reinstatement of Mr. Bollea, I can only communicate that I am a proponent of second and even third chances for individuals that show true remorse, acknowledgment of wrongdoing, fulfill their punishment, if applicable, and otherwise put forth sincere efforts to correct the issues.
Unfortunately, I must echo the sentiment and dissatisfaction expressed by many of my fellow contemporaries concerning Mr. Bollea's apology and its lack of true contrition, remorse and a desire to change. Mr. Bollea's apology "that he didn't know he was being recorded" is not remorse for the hateful and violent utterances he made which reprise language that has caused violence against blacks and minorities for centuries.
I stand firm in my position that Mr. Bollea is entitled to reinstatement; he was and is a role model, hero and icon to countless people. I hope that Mr. Bollea's missteps in communicating to the WWE talent in Pittsburgh are not repeated to his fans and I expect that he shall pursue an agenda that clearly communicates to all third parties that his language was inappropriate, wrong and should not be tolerated in a civilized and inclusive society.
As the father of two young black men, I have spent their entire life and the majority of my adult life with a singular focus; being a role model for my children and young black boys and girls. I take tremendous pride in my charity work and the community outreach programs that I have fostered via the platform I have been given. I teach my sons love and tolerance for everybody, but I also teach them to operate in truth and respect.
I hope this clears up any confusion. I, like New Day, will continue to use my platform to positively affect, entertain, embrace, celebrate and love people from all backgrounds both inside and outside of the WWE Universe.
Sincerely,
Thaddeus Bullard aka Titus O'Neil
My TRUTH!! pic.twitter.com/3HgsmXOOEg
? Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) July 18, 2018