GSP Writes Letter Supporting Canadian Drug Kingpin Friend Awaiting Sentencing

Former longtime UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre penned a letter of support for a Canadian drug kingpin who is being touted as "The King of Pot" by some members of the media. 

The Montreal Gazette published excerpts of the undated letter. In it, "Rush" highlighted his positive experiences with Jimmy Cournoyer, 34.

Cournoyer is awaiting his sentencing in U.S. federal court after pleading guilty to trafficking nearly 220,500 pounds of weed and close to 183 pounds of cocaine from Canada to the U.S. between 1998 and 2012. St-Pierre writes

"

We had the time of our life. Jimmy became like a brother to me. We travelled together, we trained together, we were going to restaurants, clubs and having a lot of fun. Jimmy is a very loyal friend who I respect very much.

I’ve never judged Jimmy. Actually, what he was doing (with) his life wasn’t any of my business. We have a very human relationship; we share the same passions, which is sport fitness and martial arts.

"

St-Pierre also wrote that Cournoyer's "mental toughness" would help him get through this difficult time in his life. 

Additionally, the criminal complaint issued from the U.S. Attorney's Office in New York states that Cournoyer also pled guilty to witness tampering and putting together a $2 million "hit fund" on anyone that would cooperate with the government.

Furthermore, Cournoyer is said to have had ties with La Cosa Nostra, the Hells Angels and the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, the complaint says. 

GSP most recently held the UFC's welterweight strap between April 2008 and November 2013, notching nine consecutive title defenses during that time frame.

The French-Canadian superstar retired in December of last year after a hard-fought (and controversial) split decision over Johny Hendricks at UFC 167 a month earlier. 

St-Pierre cited that he wanted some time off for personal reasons, but he reiterated this week that he has not ruled out a return to the Octagon, per Ariel Helwani. 

One of the most respected veterans in MMA, the Tristar Gym standout is known to enjoy going out and being single in between fights, per TMZ. 

John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.