Troubled boxer Ryan Garcia was heard joking about his arrest for vandalizing a hotel at a star-studded poker tournament in Los Angeles on Saturday night.
Garcia and several other high-profile sports figures participated in the ‘Legends On The Felt’ event at Hustler Casino; including Brazilian footballer Neymar, NBA superstar Jimmy Butler and fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr.
Professional poker player and social media influencer Dan Bilzerian was another famous face involved in the tournament.
At one point during the night, Bilzerian and Eubank questioned Garcia about his recent arrest for vandalizing a hotel in Beverly Hills after allegedly causing $15,000 worth of damage.
Ryan Garcia was heard joking about his arrest for vandalizing a hotel at a star-studded poker event.
Police saw the 25-year-old being led away in handcuffs after vandalizing a guest room at the Waldorf Astoria hotel earlier this month, before being released the next day after spending the night in jail, according to reports.
“They just wanted to take me to jail,” Garcia said when Bilzerian asked why the hotel didn’t simply charge him for the damages.
“Everyone trashes a hotel from time to time. Who does not?
His comments left Bilzerian, Eubank and company in suspense before adding: “Am I wrong, Dan?”
Garcia will spend a year away from boxing after receiving a suspension following his recent failed drug tests.
The super lightweight star tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine the day before and on the day of his victory over Devin Haney in April, having also been nearly four pounds overweight for the fight.
Despite claiming he is a victim of “supplement contamination,” he reached a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission on Thursday, agreeing to serve a one-year suspension and forfeit his $1.1 million contract purse.
Garcia’s victory over Haney, the biggest of his career to date, was also officially changed to a no-contest.
Soccer player Neymar (left) and Garcia’s boxer Chris Eubank Jr (right) also participated.
NBA superstar Jimmy Butler was another notable name involved in the tournament.
Dan Bilzerian and company were taken aback when Garcia joked about his recent hotel arrest.
He was arrested for felony vandalism at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Beverly Hills (pictured)
The controversial boxer has just received a one-year suspension from the sport for doping.
Following Thursday’s settlement, Garcia and his team issued a statement maintaining their innocence and pointing to alleged “substance contamination” that they believe led to the failed tests.
The statement reads: “Ryan Garcia was a victim of substance contamination, with levels measured in billions and trillions of grams, which provided no advantage in the ring.
‘Ryan, with his legal team, has resolved this issue and steadfastly maintains his truth: he never intentionally took any banned substance. It’s just not in their nature.
“For many years, Ryan has voluntarily submitted to random testing, including out of competition, and has never had any problems. He has maintained a spotless and clean record throughout his career, significantly elevating and transcending the sport of boxing, earning the respect and admiration of millions of fans around the world.
“Fans will always remember his performance against Haney as a masterclass, and that will never be erased. Ryan will continue to elevate the sport and be active in promoting reform. We hope future changes to our system address issues like this.
“We want to thank all the fans who have continued to support Ryan, not only during the great moments but also during the difficult times that life brings. He will be back in the ring soon and better than ever!
