UFC star admits lying about military service – Sports News
Retired UFC fighter and former U.S. Army Green Beret Tim Kennedy has publicly acknowledged misrepresenting his military service by implying he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with Valor. The admission, made in a heartfelt social media assertion on Wednesday, sparked swift backlash and prompted an official probe by the Maryland National Guard.
The 45-year-old is a embellished soldier whose true document contains service as a sniper and teacher, deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, a Combat Infantryman Badge, and a Bronze Star for “exceptional leadership” in 2006 — not valor. It comes as Dana White introduced that Jon Jones might be featured in an occasion held on the White House subsequent yr and UFC star Ben Askren underwent a double lung transplant and acknowledged he “died four times” within the course of.
In his apology, Kennedy asserted, “I want to take full and unequivocal responsibility for a serious mistake. … I implied directly or indirectly that I had been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. That is not true, and there is no excuse for it. I never received that honor, and I deeply regret ever suggesting otherwise.”
“That kind of recognition is sacred… what I said disrespected your service, and I take full ownership of that.”
“From now on, my words will be guided by truth, humility, and respect… Only time and action will.”
Major Benjamin Hughes, spokesperson for the Maryland National Guard, launched a assertion on Thursday, confirming that an investigation is underway. “Integrity is a core value… so an investigation is currently underway to review the facts surrounding these public misstatements,” he mentioned.
Observers within the veteran neighborhood mentioned that Kennedy’s misrepresentation displays a problematic trend in “Vet Bro” tradition — the place some veterans use fight narratives for branding, affect, or political gain. They famous that exaggerating service information amongst high-profile figures dangers undermining public trust in real heroism.
Former Army Delta Force member Brent Tucker mentioned, “If veterans don’t hold veterans accountable, then we absolutely will lose the respect that… we’ve fought really hard to earn.”
Additionally, Kennedy’s close alignment with senior military management — akin to Gen. Randy George and Sergeant Major Michael Weimer — has drawn criticism internally. Some civilian public affairs officers reportedly noticed Kennedy’s prominence as divisive, labeling him an “unofficial spokesperson” whose partisan posture and inflated credentials had been liabilities.
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Kennedy debuted his UFC profession following deployments abroad, advancing to a trusted Special Forces sniper and teacher earlier than retiring from MMA in January 2017 after a knockout loss at UFC 206. He later transitioned to the National Guard and infrequently reappeared at public occasions in uniform, together with televised appearances and reenlistment ceremonies, elevating his public profile.
Despite clear proof he by no means earned a Bronze Star with Valor — a truth verified by information and his quotation noting management slightly than heroism — Kennedy repeatedly mentioned phrases suggesting in any other case.
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