Former Dirty Kanza Chief Gravel Officer Jim Cummins has issued a statement after he was fired by Life Time Fitness over the weekend.
Cummins, who helped to develop the race in 2006 and stayed in a lead role after selling the event to Life Time in 2018, got into trouble for a comparison of two arrest incidents elsewhere. The most recent was the death of Rayshard Brooks at the hand of Atlanta law enforcement after he failed a field sobriety test, resisted arrest, grabbed an officer’s taser and fired it at least twice before he was shot three times in the back. Cummins used that incident as a reference point to a video two years ago involving a man named Daniel Clary, who resisted arrest and shot an officer before escaping. Cummins told people to watch the video and unfriend him if they felt the shooting of Rayshard Brooks was not justified.
In his statement, Cummins mentioned his dedication to serving the cycling community, which he called strong and diverse. He also said his post was designed to show support for law enforcement but he chose his words “poorly” and caused “division and pain.” He says he agreed with Life Time, saying the “only proper course” was for him to end his time with Life Time and related events. He also says he hopes to heal wounds he has caused.
KVOE News has reached out to Cummins, Life Time leadership and Dirty Kanza leadership for additional comment and perspective. Cummins has declined comment at this time. Life Time and Dirty Kanza leaders have not responded.
On Sunday, Dirty Kanza leaders apologized for the hurt and distress that have developed over the past several days.They also said Life Time has formed a Diversity and Inclusion Council to make changes so the company, clubs and events “are a place for everyone.”
Separately, Dirty Kanza leaders are considering a name change for the event. This follows criticism earlier this year from some Native Americans saying the name was a slur against the Kaw Nation. Race organizers have stressed there was no slur intended and tribe leaders have also issued a statement supporting the race name as it currently stands.
We’ll continue to have developments as this story unfolds.
Statement from Jim Cummins to Road Bike Action
“I have dedicated the past fifteen years of my life to serving the cycling community. A strong community is a diverse community… made up of people from all walks of life, from all races, all religions, and holding a wide variety of views. I support them all.
“A recent social media post of mine had one singular purpose… to show support for our men and women in blue. Unfortunately, I chose my words poorly. As a result, my words caused division and pain. For that I am deeply sorry.
“In light of this, I have agreed with the fine people at Life Time that the only proper course of action is for me to end my association with the company and with their events. I wish Life Time, and the entire cycling community well. And hope that, some day, I can help to heal the wounds that I have caused.
Most Sincerely and Regretfully,
Jim Cummins
