A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor has issued a public apology following an altercation at the No Gi World Championships on December 13 and acknowledged that his conduct fell well below the standard expected from a coach.
Jeff Haddad released a statement accepting full responsibility for a physical confrontation that took place mat side during the event.
“I am a coach, and I did not carry myself as such. I carried myself as an irresponsible adult who did not control his actions,” Haddad wrote in his statement to the IBJJF. “I deeply regret my actions, and I take full responsibility for my inappropriate actions mat side.”
The incident occurred at Mat 20 where tensions escalated between coaches. According to Haddad the situation began when another coach taunted one of his athletes who was a 16 year old competitor following a loss. Haddad stated that regardless of provocation his response was unacceptable.
“Taunting an athlete after a loss is not grounds to push someone. There are NO grounds in which I should have done that,”
In a follow up comment Haddad offered additional context while making clear it did not justify his actions.
“While there is absolutely no excuse for my actions, one of the coaches was taunting my athlete who’s 16 after he lost and had said several things mat side.”
Haddad described the incident as the worst moment of his career and noted that it occurred on the biggest stage in the sport with video capturing the exchange. He said he wrote his initial statement while sitting outside the venue reflecting on the consequences of what had happened.
“My team is disappointed in me. I am disappointed in me, and I know those who were witness to everyone involved is disappointed as well. I am so sorry,”
He acknowledged that he failed to properly represent the sport his team and the IBJJF, stating that he should have remained silent and allowed the tournament to continue without interference.
“This is what I would have told anyone else to do, but I did not listen to my own advice,”
Haddad also recognized the role the IBJJF plays in providing a platform for athletes and praised the organization for consistently running professional events. He stated that he understands this type of behavior cannot be tolerated and said he will accept any disciplinary action imposed.
“I will NEVER make this mistake again. My deepest apologies,”
He concluded by emphasizing that he was not seeking forgiveness but was publicly and privately accepting accountability for his actions. IBJJF will likely ban Hadad from attending future events.
