Volkmann put on admin leave from H.S. coaching job

Jacob Volkmann’s infamous post-fight interview is still making news. MMA Fighting reports Volkmann was put on administrative leave at his job as an assistant hig school wrestling coach.

Via MMA Fighting:

“We are conducting an investigation and he’s been placed on paid administrative leave while we’re investigating,” Chris Picha, Director of Personnel at White Bear Lake HS told MMA Fighting. Picha refused to comment on why Volkmann was placed on paid administrative leave or how long the investigation will last due to what she described as “data privacy.” Picha offered no other comment on the situation.

In an interview on the MMA Hour, Volkmann indicated that his stock in the UFC is rising due to this situation. He indicated that this fame may put him on the televised portion of a future UFC PPV. On the negative side, he stated that he’s recieved hate mail which include offers to fight him on behalf of Pres. Obama. 

After being lampooned by Jay Leno, Volkmann made an appearance on Fox Business News after his call out of Pres. Obama and the administration’s health care plan. In the interview, Volkmann indicated his hardships as a UFC fighter and the problems he has had with his chiropractic business.

Despite taking advantage of his fame, Volkmann recognized his mistake in light of the tragedy in Tuscon. Volkmann has expressed his regret for his comments:

Via The Huffington Post:

Jacob Volkmann, the mixed-martial arts fighter who said last week he wanted to “knock some sense into that idiot” Barack Obama, told HuffPost on Wednesday that he regretted the comment in light of the Saturday assassination attempt on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) that left six people dead.”I would never make that comment if that shooting happened first,” the 30-year-old UFC lightweight told the Huffington Post.

Payout Perspective:

Who would have thought that Volkmann’s comments would remain in the news cycle so long? The comments were made jokingly, and maybe he was hoping to be outspoken and controversial like Chael Sonnen. But in light of the senseless shootings in Tuscon, Volkmann recognized the error in his statements.

Despite the potential of his UFC career ascending, being put on leave from his job at the high school is likely warranted as a result of what happened this past weekend. Threats on political figures will be taken more seriously. Since Volkmann’s job deals with coaching high schoolers, it is likely that parents have called to complain.

This goes back to media training for MMA fighters.  It is great to be colorful like a Chael Sonnen, but there are limits that you cannot cross. While we didn’t expect the interview to get so much play, the recent turn of national events has made Volkmann’s statements stand out. While some argue that fighters should be cut some slack for what they say post-fight, Volkmann’s interview happened in the hallway of the locker room area, not in the octagon. So, one must assume that Volkmann had time to compose himself.

Interesting tidbits from the Fox Business News interview:

-Volkmann stated that his contract states that if he wins, his pay goes up, if not, it stays the same. Volkmann currently gets $12K per fight with the potential of another $12K for winning. Volkmann fought 3 times in 2010 and had to explain that there are only certain amount of fights available to the fighters. So, even though he wanted more fights, he was not able to get them.

-He pays 20% of his purse to his manager. He also pays for his corner to fly out, gym fees, food and other expenses. He says that being a UFC fighter helps with marketing his chiropractic practice.

-Volkmann did very well in the interview even when the interviewer referred to chiropractic adjustments as being “cracked.”  Not too respectful of his vocation.