WWE Statement concerning Benoit

metalmike

STAMFORD, Conn., June 26, 2007 – World Wrestling Entertainment is stunned and saddened by the details released by local authorities concerning the double homicide-suicide involving Chris Benoit, his wife, Nancy, and his son, Daniel.

However, WWE is concerned with the sensationalistic reporting and speculation being undertaken by some members of the media following the press conference held by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney. During the press conference, the investigating authorities made the following points, all of which run contrary to the media speculation that "roid rage" was a factor in the senseless murders and suicide:

1. The authorities stated that all drugs found in the house were believed to be legal prescriptions.

2. Steroids were not, and could not, be related to the cause of death (asphyxiation). Authorities had no factual basis to speculate as to Benoit’s state of mind, and rightly did not do so.

3. Toxicology tests have not even been completed, so there is no current evidence that Benoit even had steroids or any other substance in his body. In that regard, on the last test done on Benoit by WWE's independently administered drug testing program, done on April 10, 2007, Benoit tested negative.

4. The physical findings announced by authorities indicate deliberation, not rage. The wife's feet and hands were bound and she was asphyxiated, not beaten to death. By the account of the authorities, there were substantial periods of time between the death of the wife and the death of the son, again suggesting deliberate thought, not rage. The presence of a Bible by each is also not an act of rage.

5. WWE strongly suggests that it is entirely wrong for speculators to suggest that steroids had anything to do with these senseless acts, especially when the authorities plainly stated there is no evidence that Benoit had steroids in his body, pending the toxicological reports, and that they had no evidence at this time as to the motive for these acts.

WWE is continuing to monitor the ongoing investigation being conducted by local authorities.

ziggy29

Nice to see they are concentrating on protecting their name rather than showing genuine remorse over what happened to his wife and son.

Apparently, CYA about steroids is more important than the fact that one of their own snapped and killed his family.

noanswersonlyquestions

The whole ordeal is very sad. Quit watching wrestling years ago but did see Benoit a couple of times. Watched part of the tribute last nite. In the end with all the steroid speculation, even if they are doing it for all the wrong reasons, they have to issue a statement like this. As sad as it is business is business.

ziggy29

<< <i>Watched part of the tribute last nite. In the end with all the steroid speculation, even if they are doing it for all the wrong reasons, they have to issue a statement like this. As sad as it is business is business. >>

They have to have people interviewed saying they'd trust their children's life with Benoit? After he murdered his own wife and his own son?

Boopotts

<< <i>

<< <i>Watched part of the tribute last nite. In the end with all the steroid speculation, even if they are doing it for all the wrong reasons, they have to issue a statement like this. As sad as it is business is business. >>

They have to have people interviewed saying they'd trust their children's life with Benoit? After he murdered his own wife and his own son? >>




I'm sure that was a glitch, and that WWE would like to have that move back.

A man died (along with his family), and people reacted quickly. Sometimes in a case like this, where things are thown together on the fly, people say and do regrettable things.

metalmike

Concerning the "other wrasslers" who made statements concerning what a great guy Chris was, I am sure that they were prolly reacting in shock Monday night. Do not expect too many comments from active wrasslers anytime soon. It is sad bottom line and I expect the idiots from the media to pile on after Paris goes into exile.

noanswersonlyquestions

No one can predict when people will snap. The whole situation is horrible. Seems like people always say no one saw it coming. Just judging from the media reports, if they are accurate, doesn't sound like rage. Seems like a lot of regret. Hate it that people always look to blame a situation like this on one thing or another. sometimes sh*t happens nobody can explain it. Even the best of people snap. It's too damn bad how can someone take the life of a child will never understand it. May god be with them all.