"It goes beyond the athletes' egos since Froning tried to derail Fraser's career. It wasn't just mistreatment and athletic ego; it was a level of sabotage. Froning prohibited Fraser from training, claiming there were COVID restrictions, and when Fraser went to the gym to pick up his equipment to train at home, Froning and his close group were all training there. That's not athletic ego; that's dirty and treacherous sabotage, and it has nothing to do with the CrossFit community."
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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
@@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.
@@Tpeltol 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.
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.
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...
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
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.
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!
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.
Honestly, glad it’s “squashed”, but from the sound of Rich’s treatment of mat and Tia, it seemed like he went pretty far to be a shitty shitty person for no reason. Glad Rich was checked, his ego needed that.
@@thewanabees123 Rich’s apparent treatment of Mat and Tia and how they weren’t allowed to do the workouts there etc. Yet the reason they weren’t allowed to do Stage 1 was because there were L1’s happening the same weekend. And as for them not being allowed to train there, Rich gave Mat a key to Mayhem so that’s also crap
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.
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.
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.
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!
My thoughts Mat: Probably wouldn't have said anything if this wasn't also being done to other athletes like Hewett. I think the comments about not being able to use the gym are a bit of a stretch because of scheduling issues and you have other games athletes competing against Mat and Tia there so makes sense they wouldnt be allowed around competition time. Rich: No right to say that Mat lied when saying he didnt talk to you in 2.5 years. Talking "a couple of times" in 2.5 years is pretty much not talking at all. Not communicating goes both ways, but seems like Mat was the one who didnt understand why and didnt get an answer. Also complained about having an injury and didnt like seeing Mat be able to do everything Crossfit, yet Mat broke his back when competing in Oly Lifting and watched all of his friends and competitors get better while he recovered for a year+ which he talked about on the same podcast Would love to see both put their egos aside and have a talk to settle whatever is going on, either public or private.
Pretty direct. No fault of either, Rich was coming off of his individual peak with an injury and the greatest CrossFitter of all time was working out in the same gym. It would take a mature and humble man to handle that situation perfectly. I am sure they will make amends and come together. Both awesome humans and both have done great things for the sport and their communities.
I would understand what you said, if they both were competing at the same time. But they are not, and we cannot just justify Rich´s actions bc he is "jealous". Being and ass and disrespectful is one thing, being two alphas in one room who do not want to train with each other bc they are competing as rivals is understandable. I wouldnt want to train with my biggest competitor either, but that is not the case! One is a team athlete and the other is an individual. Anyway, I´m just glad they clear the air and posted a photo of them shaking hands.
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
Great take. I agree with you 100%. I like them both. I could tell there was something going on between them. I think Matt was telling the truth. I think Rich was too. Rich is injured. Matt being a freak of nature anyway, training next to injured Rich doing better then him in everything would mess with his head. Would mess with anyone's head. I get it. If they do get together in the future it will be commentary like your's here that will make it possible. Great job.
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!
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!
Rich being insecure and being passive aggressive; Not suprised. Craig being political for the this; not suprised at all. I do not like his guns addiction but Matt rocks and he is the GOAT.
I remember awhile back rich said in a video that they would workout together. Sometimes rich would win and sometimes Matt. He said that if that kept up that they wouldn’t be friends. I’m paraphrasing. So Rich basically said it wouldnt be good for him to keep training with Matt.
It’s very simple Rich went teams due to not wanting to train as an individual so he could balance family , work and training . Mat moves to cookville and is chasing to be the best he admires Rich however by stepping into Rich’s backyard there will always be a comparison . Rich doesn’t want this . Rich and Dan Bailey have said many times that training with each other daily isn’t good for one another as they go all out again Rich doesn’t want this he’s moved on from individual whilst Mat is chasing championships while he can . Mat thinks by putting himself near Rich he can improve even more . Rich isn’t interested in doing this so he shuts Mat out . He also has a focus on his team / gyms success and is not invested in Mats success No one is right or wrong with this one
What about him not allowing Tia to do competition at Mayhem? Lack of communication? Seems weird that Tia walks in and all of Rich's buddies are training. I'm ok with not allowing them to train or do the competition, just tell them in advance. Mat also responded on IG that "one thing I'm not, is a liar"
So cookville TN is absolutely the fittest city on earth Rich, Matt, Haley, Team Mayem, when Tia goes to town then Tia, Coach Shane, ot and now Brooke wells. Everyone else in the town has some high expectations to achieve
Based what I've heard, I believe Rich's ego clouded his judgement and probably felt threatened by Matt. It's seems more like a misunderstanding where those two need to act a bit more mature and civil and hash it out. Life is too short and Crossfit is supposed to be a sport to bring communities of people together, not divide them. @Team Richey. Matt Hewett chimed in and actually confirmed what Fraser was saying. Hewett's comment is on UA-cam. Search for it.
Great video. Good on you, not trying to flame some non existent BS. Both men were honest, it’s their relationship. Who cares. If they compete, then we can get entertainment.
Two legends that have given fans of the sport incredible memories over the years. My hope is that Rich reaches out to Mat and explains why he felt the way he did when he was dealing with injures and they can reconcile. Either way, 2 of the greatest athletes the sport will ever see.
Two grown men have a conflict that has absolutely nothing to do with me. Why do I know about it? Because one of them decided to tell the world about it on a podcast. They are certainly both alphas in crossfit, but telling that sob story to a third party publicly is a bitch move where I come from.
"I didn't want to be around someone who could do everything I've completely dedicated my entire life to but couldn't do at that moment, so I was bummed out and a little jealous". You can make it sound fragile but that's a common psychological response. If you were told you couldn't go for a run anymore, would you go hang out with a marathon runner as they trained?
Nail on the head with the observation I think. Rich is cool, but if you watch it's obvious he likes being alpha and he's the kind of alpha that doesn't like others around. He doesn't like losing either or being around people that can beat him constantly. It's all ego but I don't think Rich is malicious, honestly Matt seems to be the same way.
My story is even worse, i have neither spoken to Rich, nor have we met...and now I know why, must be my something about my squats!!!
HAHAHAHAH
That must be it!! 😂
who else watching this after Rich's "we're fine, leave us alone" post haha?
Fraser posted the exact same pic too but with a different caption haha
Me. What on earth is going on?
Was that on IG?
@@xtrasolido yes
@@timhoward1888 👍🏼
Im a part of a CrossFit gym and this vibe has always been prevalent between top athletes. Pride & ego is crazy
"It goes beyond the athletes' egos since Froning tried to derail Fraser's career. It wasn't just mistreatment and athletic ego; it was a level of sabotage. Froning prohibited Fraser from training, claiming there were COVID restrictions, and when Fraser went to the gym to pick up his equipment to train at home, Froning and his close group were all training there.
That's not athletic ego; that's dirty and treacherous sabotage, and it has nothing to do with the CrossFit community."
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...
So. freaking. true.
All protecting their access to both athletes by playing it nice.
@@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.
This
@@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.
@@joshuabeeker same but they probably won't.
I think Mat progressed to a level where Rich couldn't beat him in the workouts anymore and Rich couldn't take it so he ghosted him.
Exactly
Sounds like it
At the end of the day we really don't anything. I like both of them. Let's not let our imagination run wild.
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...
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.
I like your no-drama attitude! Two of the best athletes, period.
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.
Its clearly the build for a fight on the undercard of Castro Vs. Bridges! #SignItDana!
you mean Castro vs Vellner?
Thank you Craig! Respected by being respectful. I appreciate that.
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.
Full respect for putting this out and trying to deescalate instead of jumping on the blown-up-news wagon!
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.
Lol yessssss
I was thinking the same
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.
Exactly. Craig is way too close now to objectively report on anything.
What happened with brooke??? I’m kinda late for the ☕️
Perfect! Just another reason why i love craig and jas so much!
Respect to you Craig! Best video i've seen about this. Keeping it 100 and that's why i support this channel. Cheers to you and Jas!!
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 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.
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
Thank you!! This is a very mature response to this situation. Love following you guys.
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.
I don't like that this became public. I hope they resolve it privately.
Sounds like that wasn't an option... And the longer rich acts like this the worse it looks. He needs to swallow his ego and bury the hatchet with mat
@@nottheone582 two sides to every story, but it's been settled according to the pick on Rich's IG
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
Respect both of these men tremendously. That said, to call someone a liar without even checking out first hand what was said . . . hmmmm.
Who called someone a liar?
@@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.
@@Tpeltol 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.
Rich seems petty for shutting matt out because he was hurt. Rich was team at that point, why does it matter if Matt can do things you can not.
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.
people count other people's reps and no-reps all the time. It's just the same at a higher level.
I'd be kind of weirded out if I was rich and mat moved into my town. I'd be like, just leave me alone. Maybe doesnt want attention drawn to his area
@@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.
BS excuse to save face because he couldn't come up with anything better.
What's his excuse about the other people he " excommunicated " ?
Good for you for not engaging in the drama or trying to make this into more than it is. Like you said not everyone will like each other.
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...
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 was led to believe it was for mainly taxation benefits
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
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.
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 yeah I can see what you mean then, I haven't listened to his podcast so didn't catch those.
@@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!
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.
Perfect response to this issue. This is why I like you channel. Keep up the great work.
Well done on that blunt and honest episode ! Loved how you stayed objective and down to earth. Keep up the good work !!!
Honestly, glad it’s “squashed”, but from the sound of Rich’s treatment of mat and Tia, it seemed like he went pretty far to be a shitty shitty person for no reason. Glad Rich was checked, his ego needed that.
Mayhem had Level 1 seminars that weekend. AND he gave Matt a key to Mayhem... now who's talking trash?
@@nickyvdm huh?
@@thewanabees123 Rich’s apparent treatment of Mat and Tia and how they weren’t allowed to do the workouts there etc. Yet the reason they weren’t allowed to do Stage 1 was because there were L1’s happening the same weekend. And as for them not being allowed to train there, Rich gave Mat a key to Mayhem so that’s also crap
@@nickyvdm but all of this occurred after the fact right? After they buried the hatchet
“He needed his ego checked”? How?
He’s the greatest athlete ever. Unless Matt can prove himself
Respect for explaining this as it is and not blowing it out of proportion
I've been waiting for this video since yesterday :D I knew you would do it.
He didn't really do it 🤷
Always, Always Awesome. Positive and love is always increased after your videos are released. Thank you
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.
Well said as always. Thanks for being real
Was just gonna request a HSTLmade sweatshirt in the next drop. Seems you're on my wavelength! Can't wait :-)
I love your shirt!!!
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.
Thanks for your brief true remarks.
Props for the way you addressed this man haha
There is no beef. As rich just said, he didn't communicate. Its that simple.
This is probably one of your best videos! Well said, they are men, let them figure it out.
Really loved your take-on on the issue. Well done!
So Rich was being petty.
I can see that.
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.
Kinda punk-ish
Or he just wants to be left alone and doesnt feel like him and Mat have much in common. Also, why did mat move to his hometown? Lol
@@adamcraig1468 and why did rich drop out of individuals before mat could beat him? Dude was straight up threatened and acted like a poor sport
@@nottheone582 he chose to retire after years of being at the top. Mat didn't even win the year after. Ben Smith took him to school remember lol
Absolute sage response. Glad you waited to post
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!
Your response is spot on! I agree....hopefully they can talk it out.
This. Was. Perfectly. Said! Bravo, mate!
My thoughts
Mat: Probably wouldn't have said anything if this wasn't also being done to other athletes like Hewett. I think the comments about not being able to use the gym are a bit of a stretch because of scheduling issues and you have other games athletes competing against Mat and Tia there so makes sense they wouldnt be allowed around competition time.
Rich: No right to say that Mat lied when saying he didnt talk to you in 2.5 years. Talking "a couple of times" in 2.5 years is pretty much not talking at all. Not communicating goes both ways, but seems like Mat was the one who didnt understand why and didnt get an answer. Also complained about having an injury and didnt like seeing Mat be able to do everything Crossfit, yet Mat broke his back when competing in Oly Lifting and watched all of his friends and competitors get better while he recovered for a year+ which he talked about on the same podcast
Would love to see both put their egos aside and have a talk to settle whatever is going on, either public or private.
Pretty direct. No fault of either, Rich was coming off of his individual peak with an injury and the greatest CrossFitter of all time was working out in the same gym. It would take a mature and humble man to handle that situation perfectly. I am sure they will make amends and come together. Both awesome humans and both have done great things for the sport and their communities.
Matt is goat.
Your videos always make me smile!🙂
I would understand what you said, if they both were competing at the same time. But they are not, and we cannot just justify Rich´s actions bc he is "jealous". Being and ass and disrespectful is one thing, being two alphas in one room who do not want to train with each other bc they are competing as rivals is understandable. I wouldnt want to train with my biggest competitor either, but that is not the case! One is a team athlete and the other is an individual. Anyway, I´m just glad they clear the air and posted a photo of them shaking hands.
Everyone loves drama. Its the world we live in. Actually, a really good explanation of telling everyone to just chill.
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
Your videos keeping me sane-ish through lock-down 3.0, keep it up bro!!! Also please say that shirt will be on the next drop.
Finally someone talking sense!!! People just trying to make it into something bigger than it is!
I appreciate you keeping it real! No need to create a mess when there isn't a mess.
Perfect response to this Craig, was hoping for a sensible video and I got it. Take care in lockdown my dude
Looking at Matt post!! They dropped the hatchet! Amen
What about ex communicating Tía? Right before the big online competition.
Next Drama: Craig said that we all suck at Crossfit 😂
Great Video to end the drama!
I think you read the situation well and covered it well. Cheers!
That HSTL jumper is soo sick. Please make more
Great take. I agree with you 100%. I like them both. I could tell there was something going on between them. I think Matt was telling the truth. I think Rich was too. Rich is injured. Matt being a freak of nature anyway, training next to injured Rich doing better then him in everything would mess with his head. Would mess with anyone's head. I get it. If they do get together in the future it will be commentary like your's here that will make it possible. Great job.
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!
When will you have more products in stock?
Cool and balanced take. Thx and appreciate it. I love these 2 athletes
Very well Said Craig 👏👏👏👏
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!
Rich being insecure and being passive aggressive; Not suprised. Craig being political for the this; not suprised at all. I do not like his guns addiction but Matt rocks and he is the GOAT.
So many of you commenting missed where Mat and Rich seemed to have moved past it
Great outlook on this Craig and well put... Don’t have to like someone to respect what they do though...
Great comment and nothing more to say.. 👍it speaks so much for you, and your great personality, how you react on this.
I remember awhile back rich said in a video that they would workout together. Sometimes rich would win and sometimes Matt. He said that if that kept up that they wouldn’t be friends. I’m paraphrasing. So Rich basically said it wouldnt be good for him to keep training with Matt.
It’s very simple Rich went teams due to not wanting to train as an individual so he could balance family , work and training . Mat moves to cookville and is chasing to be the best he admires Rich however by stepping into Rich’s backyard there will always be a comparison . Rich doesn’t want this . Rich and Dan Bailey have said many times that training with each other daily isn’t good for one another as they go all out again Rich doesn’t want this he’s moved on from individual whilst Mat is chasing championships while he can . Mat thinks by putting himself near Rich he can improve even more . Rich isn’t interested in doing this so he shuts Mat out . He also has a focus on his team / gyms success and is not invested in Mats success
No one is right or wrong with this one
What about him not allowing Tia to do competition at Mayhem? Lack of communication? Seems weird that Tia walks in and all of Rich's buddies are training. I'm ok with not allowing them to train or do the competition, just tell them in advance. Mat also responded on IG that "one thing I'm not, is a liar"
Perfectly said. 💯🙏🏻✌🏻💪🏻
I’ve never heard of this “beef”, always thought the CrossFit community was really positive even friendly between top competitors
Can you buy HSTL products in the USA?
So cookville TN is absolutely the fittest city on earth Rich, Matt, Haley, Team Mayem, when Tia goes to town then Tia, Coach Shane, ot and now Brooke wells. Everyone else in the town has some high expectations to achieve
Rich & Mat just posted, they're all good!!
Based what I've heard, I believe Rich's ego clouded his judgement and probably felt threatened by Matt. It's seems more like a misunderstanding where those two need to act a bit more mature and civil and hash it out. Life is too short and Crossfit is supposed to be a sport to bring communities of people together, not divide them.
@Team Richey. Matt Hewett chimed in and actually confirmed what Fraser was saying. Hewett's comment is on UA-cam. Search for it.
Great video. Good on you, not trying to flame some non existent BS. Both men were honest, it’s their relationship. Who cares. If they compete, then we can get entertainment.
great word here by you man...well said ....very level headed, thanks!
Always love your common sense point of view Craig!
Long story short. There’s no real beef. It’s a non-beef. It’s just an uncomfortableness
yeah..no beef..it's vegan, then
This is what I've been waiting for!!!!!
Great video and love all your points
Two legends that have given fans of the sport incredible memories over the years. My hope is that Rich reaches out to Mat and explains why he felt the way he did when he was dealing with injures and they can reconcile. Either way, 2 of the greatest athletes the sport will ever see.
I was waiting for this vlog bro
Neither of these guys have ever talked to me and I wanna speak to a manager about it!! 😁
Two grown men have a conflict that has absolutely nothing to do with me. Why do I know about it? Because one of them decided to tell the world about it on a podcast. They are certainly both alphas in crossfit, but telling that sob story to a third party publicly is a bitch move where I come from.
I say Fraser and Froning make amends and team up in a comp against the Garard brothers.
Alphas aren't going to team up, they're more likely going to want to beat one another in competitions
Haven't watched your video's in awhile but what's up with that POO sign on your wall?
"I didn't want to be around someone who could do everything because I hurt my knee" - quote from fragile ego.
"I didn't want to be around someone who could do everything I've completely dedicated my entire life to but couldn't do at that moment, so I was bummed out and a little jealous". You can make it sound fragile but that's a common psychological response. If you were told you couldn't go for a run anymore, would you go hang out with a marathon runner as they trained?
"I used to be an individual elite athlete, then I took an arrow in the knee."
What I find odd is that he has competed over that time period so it sounds like a bs excuse to
Rich Froning needs to stop acting petty and acting like he’s so much higher than everyone
Good perspective, resonates with me!
They seem to be in agreement. Matt about getting "kicked out" of everything at 1:42 and Rich about "shutting out" Matt at 2:20.
Anyone notice that POO is highlighted in red on the HWPO poster. Hmm
Nail on the head with the observation I think. Rich is cool, but if you watch it's obvious he likes being alpha and he's the kind of alpha that doesn't like others around. He doesn't like losing either or being around people that can beat him constantly. It's all ego but I don't think Rich is malicious, honestly Matt seems to be the same way.