A representative of UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn has spoken out about some of the claims that have been made by police and by the media about Penn flipping his truck last Friday, Feb. 7.
Initial reports stated that Penn had flipped his car on Route 11 in Hilo, as a result of speeding. He was then transported by paramedics to the Hawai’i Medical Center (HMC) to be treated for his injuries.
Upon arrival to HMC, the doctors drew a blood sample from Penn which was then turned over to the Hawai’i Police Department to administer a blood alcohol test. Upon further review of the blood sample, the department decided to open up a DUI investigation on Penn which is still ongoing at this time.
The representative is a man named Gary Levitt who is like family to Penn. He has spoken for Penn in the past when incidents such as this one have occured. Levitt is stating that Penn did not flip his car when he crashed and that the evidence doesn’t support the claim. He also revealed some details that were not yet known about the incident.
“No one has the facts yet, and from the facts we have looked at, the truck never flipped, there was not extensive damage on it that they say there was, and BJ was, in fact, knocked out because the front airbag deployed,” said Levitt. “He was taken to the hospital and then a short-time later he was taken for scans because he was knocked out and he was going in and out. Then, they released him from the hospital.”
Penn (16-14-2 MMA, 12-13 UFC), hasn’t been doing well over the last few years. The former two-division champion is 0-7 in his last seven fights, fighting as recently as last May against Clay Guida where he lost by unanimous decision.
Over the last year, Penn’s struggles have gotten worse and began to bleed into his personal life as well. Last April, he was accused of domestic and sexual abuse by the mother of his kids, which ultimately resulted in a restraining order against him.
Most recently, before Friday’s car crash, Penn was caught on tape by TMZ getting knocked out, outside of a bar in a fight.
