Defending Dana White

The title of this article should be enough to put a few people up in arms, but I feel MMA fans just do not get it sometimes.

Everyone seemed really disgusted with Dana White's recent video blog that was quite explicit, and I can see why everyone is very upset.  Personally, I can usually take a video with that kind of language without being upset. While upset may not be the best word for the situation, after I watched it I was somewhat shocked and felt bad for the writer.

But what do you expect, this is Dana White.

Now, everyone has their complaints with Dana White, but when it comes to me, I do not have many. I put aside him being unprofessional at times (more like all the time) due to the fact he has given this sport life.

To put it in a perspective all of us will understand, Dana White is the reason so many people are involved in the MMA section of Bleacher Report. That is quite simply the truth of the matter.

That being said, I want to move on to the most recent news I have heard on the situation.

Apparently, the GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) expects an apology from Dana White. I was kind of surprised at the reaction this video blog received. I thought it was going to be discussed yesterday and then gone today, but that is not the case.

Which leads me to what I think of the whole apology situation. Does GLADD really expect an apology from Mr. White? Well, I guess they are going to get one.

I agree, an apology is in order and the GLAAD are in line for asking for one; I also believe Dana White was angry and not attacking the gay community on purpose.

Even if they do receive one, it is going to be the most watered down, insincere apology of all time. And even though Dana White was not purposefully attacking the gay community, I realize it was a poor decision all the same.

So, while I do not condone what he said, I feel this whole situation needs some defense on behalf of Dana White, or at least a devil's advocate.

I mean, the video was extremely inappropriate and offensive to many, but where would we be without Dana White? He has taken this sport to a level I did not know it could reach.

Millions of people are involved and interested in MMA and, more specifically, the UFC. And why? Because Dana White knows how to run this show. That is simply the fact of the matter here.

So while everyone can continue to complain about how bad a person Dana White is, let us all realize how great a president he is. While he should not be making these mistakes any more, we need to realize that he really has never cared about public relations, just about making sure he signs the best fighters for us to see.

The overall good White has brought to the UFC is the bigger picture. He has done his best to avoid a steroid scandal in a sport that cannot afford one. He has brought some of the best fighters in and shared them with the world. He even gets Fight Nights and "The Ultimate Fighter" on Spike TV so none of us have to pay to see them.

So, while I disagree with many of the things he says, what he has done for this sport is not easily forgotten. He has done more for this sport than anybody else, and we should be grateful for this.

I know I am.