Wrestling fans will already be aware of Hulk Hogan’s recent removal from WWE following the discovery of an eight-year old tape in which he’s heard making racist remarks. Hogan subsequently issued an apology in People magazine, but 2K announced that the wrestler will not appear in WWE 2K16, just a day after GameStop Italy revealed his inclusion in the upcoming wrestling title. 2K has provided the following statement to several publications:
We are highly respectful of the way that our partners choose to run their business and manage our partnerships accordingly. We can confirm that Hulk Hogan will not appear in WWE 2K16.
Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, was apparently heard using racial slurs in a sex tape and admitted to being racist at one point (full report here). Following National Enquirer’s report, WWE not only terminated its contract with the icon, but also removed his profile from its website.
Hogan’s apology can be read below:
Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it. This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs.
Hogan’s lawyer David Houston has said that he chose to resign, contradicting reports of him being fired.
What a mess! What do our readers think of this?
[Source: IGN, Shacknews, National Enquirer, People]
(Note: the image above is from WWE 2K15)