Tuesday, September 7, professional mixed martial arts fighter and Shine fights lightweight grand prix competitor James Warfield (15-6) boarded Delta Airlines flight DL5395 from Detroit, Michigan to Wichita, Kansas. He expected to fly down that night, wake up, and go weigh-in, well rested for his shot at Shine Fights gold. Instead, he and corner man Pat O’Malley (13-8) ended up driving from Madison, Wisconsin to Newkirk, Oklahoma to make the fights. Now James goes into Shine Fights having missed a valuable night of rest prior to the fights. Why? According to the US Air Marshals that removed James and his corner man from the flight, no reason. According to former UFC fighter and Minnesota BAR attorney “The Goat” Nick Thompson (38-11-1), it’s a matter of discrimination based on James’ race and appearance. Continue reading »
