Mat Fraser and Rich Froning Beef: My Thoughts Mat's Side: • The Darren Woodson Sho... - From 43 Minutes Onwards Rich's Side: • (LIVE) Mayhem Athlete ... - From about 3 minutes onwards
I am in a little later in the American day here, but thank you. I think your perspective on this is dead on. You could have blown this up for views, but you were honest. One of the many reasons I love this channel.
Really well done Craig, you showed more tact and professionalism than the entire of the journalistic world combined. Appreciate your take on this while not doing anything to exacerbate the situation.
Thanks Craig! I watched the interview with today Mat and right afterwards looked to see if you had posted anything one it. Thanks for not disappointing. You and Jaz are straight up good people love and appreciate what you do!
Yep, that injury BS doesn't hold up well. If he didn't care about getting beat up, why would he ghost Mat in the first place ? Especially since it didn't prevent him to talk to other people who could still train like TCT...
Hands down the best review / commentary I’ve seen . Thank you for not adding to the drama and making things up . Let the GOATS 🐐 be. #sickcontent #hstlmade
Awesome response. Exactly what I was thinking but could not find the right way to say it. Thank you. Also, I'm hoping you make a run for the Games within the next year or two.
As media, with relationships with 2 of the biggest names in the sport of course you are not going to really address this. Need to protect those relationships. We need that Brooke Wells energy back.
Please don't. I need the Brooke/Craig beef squashed. Also He don't want no smoke. After that mess with Brooke, being right and broke is a poor man's argument.
I think it's interesting that most CF "news" outlets and bloggers like Team Richey and others have taken the stance that there is "nothing to see here". It's probably because these bloggers all have relationships with Rich and Mat and they don't want to take sides and upset them. While most of the issue seems to be miscommunication, there was a glaring thing that Mat said that wasn't addressed by Rich and that's the whole excommunication part. Can't see how Mat would make something like that up...
@@FreemasonV8 exactly. Love Team Richey and most of the other news bloggers but they just seem to be brushing all this off with no real opinion. I don't think anyone needs to take sides but there were some things said that i think warrant some discussion given that Mat and Rich are two of the faces of CF.
@@Bigpunn05 100% agree. Something is off. I would love to see Froning and Fraser sit down or have some one moderate a talk between the two of them to hash it out about what really happened.
I dislike that this is public, but you covered it very well - thanks for how you took this one on. Look, they're adults, and if Mat felt there was something that happened, he could have picked up the phone or god forbid, DROVE over and spoke with Rich himself. It looks like there's a lot of assumptions made by Mat, and a genuine lack of communication on both sides. In addition to that, who cares? We need less drama in our lives, not more.
Your analysis seems quite reasonable for sure, however, I think part of the reason why people are having an issue with it is likely the higher expectations put on Rich due to his faith. He's human, with faults like us all. One thing remains though with the additional information of Matt Hewitt having undergone similar treatment - is this a pattern? And if so, what's behind it?
Interestingly enough, I kind of thought faith might have something to do with it. They pray on their podcast, scripture is part of their brand, and there is some serious Kool-aid stuff going on there. I have to wonder if the people who are excommunicated (and how fitting of a word), might have been because of their politics or their relationship with faith/religion. I think the Alpha stuff is definitely a part of it, but Tia and Shane getting kind of deprioritized? And his former teammate? I dunno, that's a lot of speculation, but that's where my head is at. Rich honestly makes a lot of statements pretty regularly that are pretty politically controversial. I was honestly surprised Shane and Tia would want to be around all that. And from the sound of it, it sounds like they kind of weren't. Despite living in Cookville, which all of us assumed that Matt and Tia lived in in order to work in some way shape or form with Rich (why else would anyone be there?)
@@zackwindell497 I've never heard Rich say anything politically controversial? Only controversial thing I've heard him say is "fatigue is more mental than physical", or things along those lines. Would love to know what controversial stuff you've heard from him tho.
@@benjamindaw1386 On his podcast he made a statement about the UN's report on the relationship between green house gasses, cattle, and climate change bogus. He made this grand, sweeping statement that it was nonsense with no real evidence or reason for dismissing it. I had planned to comment on the podcast video and never got around to it, but apparently a lot of other people did and he kinda walked it back and said he didn't like it when people talked about things they don't know anything about and admitted it wasn't an area of expertise. Then there was another episode that he said "my body my choice right?" And this one was pretty sneaky and you probably wouldn't catch as well if you weren't watching the video. He steals a smartass glance at the camera, but what he was basically doing is comparing a woman's right to choose to his choice to wear a mask.... which is honestly a joke. Like, as if a mask could actually have a negative impact on his health, his professional status, his financial well being, etc. As if wearing a mask is a life changing decision that's going to impact him for the REST of his life. It was just a flippant statement trying to use a pro choice slogan to prop up his own choice to not wear a mask and make a false equivalence. Stuff like this kind of floats under the radar and gets picked up by a small number of people because people listening to his podcast generally sympathize with him politically. And even if you don't, it's kinda like, "whatever his opinions on those things aren't really what I'm here for anyway." But I personally was pretty annoyed by both of these statements on his podcast. I'm certain others were too, but again they didn't get attention outside of consistent listeners giving feedback. People on his show also occasionally make pretty bold statements about certain things.
@@zackwindell497 Man, you need to let him move out of your head, or at least charge rent. If you don't like his opinions, don't listen to him. It's really _that_ simple. I don't listen to his podcast because outside of his training and/or nutrition, I couldnt give 2 shits about what he does with his life, or what his personal opinions are on things. I'm not sure why an opinion someone has is automatically _controversial_ simply because it doesn't jive with yours. He's not making policy for the rest of society, so what does it matter if he makes an off-handed remark about 2 things that many people find silly? How did it affect your life in _any_ manner? Where's the controversy? "OH NOES! Rich made a joke about something that I, personally, found find offensive!!! REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" Better get back to that safe space, before his jokes hurt you again!
You summed it up pretty well and unfortunately there are people/publications that are just stoking a fire to cause drama to get clicks. There is literally NOTHING here, nothing. It is two grown men who didn't communicate.
This was 100% my analogy of the situation and was 100% my attitude towards it too. Everything you said was spot on and in the whole scheme of things in life, it's very much a non-story and anyone that got excited about it on the internet needs to find something else to fill their time with. Vultures. I loved your ability to employ empathy here by putting yourself in both of their shoes. There isn't nearly enough of that these days, or maybe they're never was. But even though you've never been a multiple CrossFit Games champion you certainly were able to put yourself in their place and understand why it might be hard for Rich, and also why in turn, Mat might have reacted the way he did. This is not remotely something worth sensationalizing or creating drama about. I think the only thing worth criticizing is that Mat probably shouldn't have aired this publicly. This isn't something to share and he should have came up with a more diplomatic answer to that question. You can't talk about something publicly unless you want to spark conversation.
People can't usually admit these kind of feelings/concerns even though they know they're reality for everyone (regular and or athlete). The real concern here is when people have started to make videos or write posts to justify themselves instead of talking directly to each other
I think, “Why should we expect them to be friends...?” Is a better question. I had 32 (plus JV) teammates in college and I would never dream of training with them in my spare time. I’m sure Rich & Matt could put everything aside to compete, coach, etc. if needed. This video was great! Looks like it’s two (same) adults caught in a misunderstanding
So great to see someone talking sense, Craig! CrossFit had a fresh start in 2020, so let's keep the positive culture going. Neither Rich nor Mat were digging on each other, just telling it from their own POV and not trying to trash each other. They both had a chance, and they were both the better people. There's a certain kind of people who can't stand that. Thanks for shutting them down!
You the man, Mr. Richey. I cringed at this title and was going to let it play in the background cuz I like both those dudes...and you nailed it. Alphas being alphas. Those interested in causing hype need to workout harder or longer or maybe give someone a hug.
Some people don’t like me, and I don’t like certain people, and we just have to be ok with that. There are bigger problems in the world then, why can’t we all just be friends.
This made me feel like I was back on the black top during recess in fifth grade watching two kids beef it out and become ✨best friends✨ by the end of recess 🥰
It is just like when you don't ask someone their name or you forget after they tell you it once. It forever becomes a thing you can never approach and hope that you never have to introduce that person someone. Awkward situation created out of something small. No malice in it!
This is exactly why I love this channel. Thanks for damping down the drama man. Please save your money up and buy up a few media platforms. We could use more of this in the non-CrossFit world too.
This was all born of emotional insecurities. A truly strong man is not butt hurt by a fellow rivals ability to maintain a healthy body by training within their limits. These guys could learn a lot by hanging out and training with Muai Thai fighters. They will learn what humility and honor truly means...
Hey Craig (or anyone else), I have a question about training. I want to become more explosive and powerful to gain speed with my golf swing. Currently I’m doing a power building program to gain hypertrophy and increase strength. Would CrossFit be something i should look into in the future? it seems so fun and i want to get into it more
That was the video that made me subscribe. Love the videos anyways, but this was your best in my opinion. Two Alphas can easily lose touch because of poor communication. Great Video!
Love that it’s a non-issue, alpha personalities, spot on! They’re both great and elite, respectable athletes, and they don’t have to be besties. Drama is a waste of energy that could be put toward new PBs!!! 👏🏻👏🏻
I'm glad someone said it. Rich felt insecure, which is totally okay. It's hard to be an "Alpha" (which btw isn't a real thing) and swallow your pride enough to say "I'm insecure". But to be passive aggressive about it just isn't a good look.
People do that all the time. Regular CF affiliate members to each other. Imagine what that is at the highest level of the sport! Might be petty, but you dont get to the level these guys are by accepting things as they are. They hate losing, and if they’re gonna lose due to injury they take themselves our from the equation.
@@adamcraig1468 I agree with this and don't find them not being close a strange thing at all. They've always hated the constant comparison and questioning "who is the GOAT?". If Matt trained there, that's all there was be, constant comparison of who is doing better. I completely understand if Rich wants to focus on his training and recovery, maybe he doesn't want to do it whilst in competition with a rival athlete.
Cudnt of said it better myself.... I think its an opportunity missed because the idea of them training together and setting challenges for people to beat for prizes, which I believe they had started, would of been great viewing.... Especially in the way the world is atm....hopefully they sort it and who knows what might happen
Just out of curiosity, I wonder why Matt would move to Cookeville in the first place. If it was to work out with Rich then that makes sense. That would give Matt an advantage working out with someone that could push him. My next thought: Rich just got called out on his BS and had no choice but to save face.
I know that during their time of not speaking I drive cross country and stopped by CrossFit Mayhem and Fraser was working out their with Tia but Rich was not there at the time. I believe both of the athletes went there to train before Matt built up his home gym but I could be wrong. Hope that kind of clears it up a little haha
@@andrewfehrsen Rich said that ”there were some bold lies...” And this was about Mat stating that he and Tia were not allowed to perform the first part of the Games at Mayhem, to which Rich responded that they had Level 1 cert (or Level 2, I cant remember and dont care enough to check) that was rescheduled there due to covid. So the reason, according to Froning, was double booking, and Mat was lying, again according to Froning.
@@AmfiDestroyer Isn't Froning the same guy who said: "I don't know if steroids would help in CrossFit" ?? After a statement like that I considered this guy a complete liar. He's not that dumb, he was clearly pretending to be.
Just watched both of the other vids. I see what you mean. Rich comes across as shady in his. Not that I know him. Like, why comment if he hadn’t watched it? Why would you NOT watch it if you’re upset he’s slamming your character? Why not take him up on it? Very odd. Even the way he walks away. Talking like he’s shallow breathing..:
@@Ainttrippin If you were the defending champ and being accused of taking steroids, wouldn’t you try to do everything in your power to stop that debate? I completely understand what he said back then, while knowing it was a lie. Look at what happened to Ricky Garard, he got crusified. Yes, Rich never tested positive, but he’d still want to steer the conversation away from the topic.
I like your take on it 👍🏻 who cares if they are friends or not and yeah they could both be good dudes. That said if they want to jump in a ring to settle it I’d be all over that drama train!! 🥊
